COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: December 10, 2021

This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC's) Commissioner.

I spoke last week about a new COVID-19 variant called Omicron that has been identified in Canada. Medical experts are saying that a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccination strengthens the body’s immune defences. We have started offering a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at institutions. I encourage you to take the vaccine when it is offered to you.

I would also like to remind you of the importance of getting a flu shot. It is different from the COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza can be very serious and is easily spread to others. Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe and effective and will assist in our efforts to keep everyone who lives and works in our institutions safe and healthy. I also want to ask that if you feel sick, please let Health Services know.

Following health measures is also important to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Thank you for continuing to:

All these health measures make a difference. Each site regularly reviews its health and safety measures to ensure we are taking the best precautions in helping to prevent spread of illness.

Humans Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10 to promote the rights that everyone is entitled to. This commemorative day is celebrated worldwide as an opportunity to promote the principles of equality and non-discrimination and find solutions to deep-rooted discrimination that affects vulnerable people in society.

Did you know that the Canadian Families and Corrections Network works with CSC to provide you with letter writing kits? They are provided at no cost to you. During this holiday season, you may be thinking about ways to communicate with your family and friends. Why not write a letter? If you would like a kit, I encourage you to ask the staff at your institution. It is a great way to connect with your family, especially as the holidays approach.

To help offset the continued impact of the pandemic and thank you for your continued collaboration, I have extended the waivers for food, telephone, and accommodation fees from December 31, 2021 until March 31, 2022. These deductions will not come off your pay during this time. I hope this helps. I have heard from many of you that you have put the extra money towards bettering yourselves, like furthering your education.

Thank you for your continued efforts to keep yourself and others around you healthy. 

“You must want to be different before you can change yourself.”

Page details

Date modified: