Commissioner's update for correctional employees:
January 22, 2024

January 22 to 26 is Data Privacy Week. Every January 28^th, we also recognize Data Privacy Day. This year’s theme is “Take control of your data”.  Let us reflect on the impact that technology has on our privacy rights and the importance of valuing and protecting personal information. I would like to thank our staff in IMS and ATIP – and all staff – for the role each of you play in upholding our privacy obligations and protecting the information that we hold.

International Day of Education

January 24 highlights the sixth annual International Day of Education. This day celebrates the importance of education for all. I would like to recognize the role our teachers and education staff have in encouraging and guiding offenders in their academic and personal development. I want to thank you all for your dedication in motivating offenders to pursue their education.

Family Literacy Day

Family Literacy Day is on January 27. It is a good reminder of the profound influence nurturing strong family relationships has on the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.

I am grateful for the important work of staff who coordinate activities and initiatives to support inmates and their families. This includes collaborating with the Canadian Families and Corrections Network, who provide offenders with letter writing kits to keep families in touch. As well, they collaborate with Book Club for Inmates who coordinate the Children of Inmates Reading Program. This gives incarcerated individuals a chance to record themselves reading a book for their child.

Both organizations are available to support institutions across the country. If your institution is not working with these organizations, I encourage you to reach out to Citizen Engagement to get connected.

• Engagementdescitoyens.gen-nhqcitizen@csc-scc.gc.ca

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On January 27, we will observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Canadians and people around the globe will come together to honour the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on the devastating impacts of anti-Semitism and discrimination. Let us, individually and collectively, reaffirm our commitment to stand against anti-Semitism, racism, and any form of discrimination.

Lift Me Up – Kory Shares His Experience 

New Pronouns Feature on Teams Microsoft 365

​​I am happy to share that the MS Teams' new pronouns feature has been activated in Microsoft 365. It allows all CSC staff to add one or more pronouns to their profile, and to view the pronouns of others in the organization. Everyone at CSC should feel safe to express themselves.​ Correctly using someone's pronouns is one of the basic ways to show that we value being inclusive and respectful.

You can find more information about:

• Pronouns on your profile in Microsoft 365: Microsoft Support
• Frequently asked questions about pronouns in Microsoft 365: Microsoft Support

Bell Let’s Talk Day

As a reminder, Wednesday is Bell Let’s Talk Day. I encourage you to join the conversation around mental health. This is an important cause. It is essential to recognize that the jobs many of you do are challenging and, especially on the frontlines. I want you to feel supported and part of that is taking advantage of the services and programs in place.

I would like to remind you that if you need help or someone to listen, several resources are available to you. Being proactive around our mental wellness is important.

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