Commissioner's update for correctional employees: October 3, 2023

On September 21, I met with members of the National Associations Active in Criminal Justice (NAACJ), including the President of the NAACJ Board of Directors, Anita Desai, and a number of CSC and Public Safety staff. Discussions focused on key priorities, including anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, efforts towards the development of a Security Threat Group strategy, and increasing community supports in our Structured Intervention Units.

I am grateful for our continued collaboration and encourage all staff to learn more about the important role of the NAACJ and its members, and find ways to work with them.

• For more information on NAACJ and its membership, please visit: naacj.org

To learn more about how to consult with NAACJ, please contact the Community and Stakeholder Relations Unit at ​EngagementdesCitoyens.GEN-NHQCitizen@csc-scc.gc.ca

Women’s History Month

Throughout October, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of women and girls from our past, and present, and those who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

This year’s theme is called Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women. It focuses on the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by Indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and newcomers, racialized, and migrant women. 

Throughout history, women have fought for their freedom, their rights, and for equal opportunities. It is time to honour women who do not accept the status quo and fight hard to improve the lives of all women in this country.

Take a look at this online gallery. It recognizes the achievements of close to 170 exceptional women and girls who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields.

• Women of Impact in Canada Gallery

Healthy Workplace Month

October is Healthy Workplace Month – a time to highlight the importance of workplace habits that promote a healthy mind, body, and organizational culture. You can help foster a healthy workplace by recognizing and showing your appreciation for co-workers’ by:

• thanking a colleague for their contribution to a project at a team briefing.
• nominating a co-worker for the Dr. Linda Panaro Extra Mile Award.
• sending a team member a CSC e-card.
• printing a certificate of appreciation/teamwork award for a colleague.

Everyone has the power to make a difference in the workplace. Small gestures to show your appreciation can make a huge impact.

• Learn more about fostering Healthy workplaces (internal resource)

Mental Illness Awareness Week

October 1 to 7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. This week, take time to have open and honest conversations about mental health and well-being.

At CSC, our Health Services team works each and every day to provide high-quality mental health care to those within our institutions. Thank you to all our psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, and physicians. The work you do can change the lives of those in our care. Let us continue to work together to break down barriers and the stigma surrounding mental illness.

This week is also a reminder to prioritize our own mental wellness. Mental well-being is a top priority for our organization. This is why it is crucial for us to support one another and collaborate to make our work environment as inclusive and healthy as possible.

World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day, on October 5, is an opportunity to express our appreciation for CSC’s educators. Offenders may have experienced barriers to education prior to their incarceration, making the role of teachers inside correctional facilities even more crucial. CSC’s teachers help to remove barriers and provide more than just support with literacy, academic, and personal development. By encouraging offenders in their education and personal growth, they contribute to safer communities.

The dedication of CSC’s teachers and the impact they have on incarcerated individuals are immeasurable. I offer my sincere appreciation for the guidance, encouragement, and knowledge they share with offenders every day. Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Ethnocultural Calendar 2024

CSC is developing its third ethnocultural calendar. This year’s calendar theme, Better Together, will showcase offender artwork and poetry on anti-racism/anti-discrimination. This initiative gives offenders the opportunity to express themselves and have their messages heard through their artwork and poetry. The Reintegration Services Division requests the help of social program officers and ethnocultural site coordinators to inform and encourage offenders to participate.

For more information, please contact Vinh Ha, Project Officer, RSD, at: Vinh.ha@csc-scc.gc.ca

Thank you for your continued efforts to support the different needs of offenders. We could not do it without you.

Government Workplace Charitable Campaign

Every year, the GCWCC helps thousands of charity organizations across the country to improve lives and build stronger communities. The generosity of donors has helped deliver critical care and services when and where they were needed most. Any donation can make a difference in the lives of Canadians.

• Donating via ePledge is fast and easy. I encourage you to take a few minutes to make a donation.

There are many events organized in the regions to raise funds for the campaign. I encourage you to register for the upcoming GCWCC national Walk, Run, Roll event that will take place across the country from October 5 to 13. During this time, colleagues across the federal public service will be moving for what matters to them in support of the GCWCC. You can complete the challenge with colleagues, on your own, or with family.

• Register now! (internal resource)