Commissioner's update for correctional employees:
January 15, 2024

I wanted to tell you about a food-inspired initiative that has been one way of building a positive workplace culture at CSC. In March 2023, the National Training Academy, in Kingston, decided to link Diversity and Cultural Competency Training with an activity that would encourage recruits to celebrate their cultural heritage and diversity.

It started with a potluck lunch last March 17. Each recruit was asked to bring a dish that reflected their culture, heritage, or family tradition. Recruits presented a short explanation of the food they brought to share and why it was important to them or their culture. The potluck allowed the recruits to learn more about each other, their family, and their heritage. It was a delicious and incredible learning experience.

It was also suggested that Diversity and Cultural Competency Training be delivered much earlier in the Correctional Training Program’s 14-week program, which allowed the recruits to learn about each other’s differences and similarities to enhance their bonds throughout the training program and increase their cultural competencies.

From the potluck initiative and the feedback received, Heritage Celebration Day was created. The first Heritage Celebration Day was held on May 19, 2023. Recruit and staff feedback was extremely positive.

Looking forward, the National Training Academy will work with regions delivering the Correctional Training Program to incorporate the Heritage Celebration Day into their programs.

Bell Let's Talk 2024

The Bell Let's Talk campaign has launched and will run until the end of the month. I encourage you all to join the conversation under the theme "Let's create real change!". It is more crucial than ever to actively participate in the mental health cause to break the taboos surrounding the topic.

The mental health and well-being of our employees are of paramount importance to me. Last fall I shared with you our 2020 to 2023 Report on Workplace Climate and Employee Well-Being in the Correctional Service of Canada (internal resource). This report demonstrates the progress we have made as an organization and provides a detailed look at the effectiveness of the many programs and services available to employees.

Employee Assistance Program referral agents are available to listen and help you find appropriate, helpful resources to support you. EAP is available not only to all employees, but also to eligible family members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• EAP referral agents (internal resource)
• Employee Assistance Program (internal resource)

Lincoln Alexander Day

On January 21, we will celebrate Lincoln Alexander Day and honour the legacy of a Canadian trailblazer and champion of racial equality. In 1968, Lincoln Alexander was elected as the first Black Canadian Member of Parliament. He was named federal Minister of Labour in 1979. He went on to become the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991 and later served as Chancellor of the University of Guelph.

Lincoln Alexander was a lifelong advocate for equality and breaking down racial barriers. On Lincoln Alexander Day, take an opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions made towards racial equality in Canada.

NEAC member receives British Columbia’s highest honour

Congratulations to Patricia Woroch, member of CSC’s National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (NEAC), and co-chair of the Pacific Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee, for being appointed to the Order of British Columbia. The Order represents the highest form of recognition the province extends to its citizens for their outstanding impact at the provincial, national, or international level.

Patricia has been an Ethnocultural Advisory Committee member since 2009, contributing to the advancement of services and interventions for ethnocultural offenders. Kudos to Patricia and her invaluable contributions at CSC and beyond!