COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: January 20, 2023

I was pleased to visit Shepody Healing Centre in the Atlantic Region this week where we discussed progress of the future Health Centre of Excellence. Once built, the new centre will provide services and care to incarcerated individuals and underserved groups, such as women and aging offenders.

We continue to monitor COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses that are circulating in our communities, and in our institutions. We know that wearing a mask when around others and washing your hands help to slow the spread of infection. Vaccinations are still the most effective way to keep yourself from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and influenza. I encourage you to speak with Health Services about vaccinations, including keeping up with your booster shots. 

January 21st is Lincoln Alexander Day, which celebrates one of Canada’s leading figures in the fight for racial equity. Lincoln Alexander was:

• elected the first Black Canadian member of Parliament in 1968
• was named lieutenant-governor of Ontario in 1985, and
• was Chancellor of the University of Guelph from 1991 to 2007

He spent his life advocating for racial equality, particularly for Black Canadians, furthered the advancement of education and issues affecting youth. 

Next Tuesday, January 24, marks the fifth International Day of Education. This year’s theme, “to invest in people, prioritize education,” highlights the importance of access to education for all. Improving your:

• literacy
• academic, and
• personal skills

can help you secure employment more easily and succeed once you are released. I encourage you to speak with your parole officer to learn more about the CSC education programs available to you. 

I would like to highlight the importance of mental health. It is essential that we all strive to end the stigma surrounding it.  It is important to discuss how you are feeling. Check in with others, listen and ask, talk about it, and remember to be kind, words matters. Learn about mental health and how to manage stress and anxiety. If you, or someone you know, is feeling:

• stressed
• overwhelmed
• anxious
• depressed, or
• just needs someone to talk to

please reach out to Health Services or a staff person. They are there to help you. With every problem, there is a solution. It is important to take time to work through issues in a productive way.

The Lunar New Year begins on Sunday, January 22. It is celebrated globally by two billion people, mainly in East Asian cultures, such as:

• Chinese
• South Korean
• Vietnamese
• Singaporean
• Malaysian
• Filipino, and
• Indonesian

Celebrations range from three days in South Korea, to 15 days in China, where 2023 is the year of the rabbit. To those who will be celebrating, I wish you a happy new year!