Health and Safety |

OTTAWA, May 14, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) is very concerned about the announcement made today regarding the implementation of a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) in two institutions, one being in New Brunswick and the other one in Ontario. Proposed by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to the Public Safety... Read the full article...

OTTAWA, May 14, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) is very concerned about the announcement made today regarding the implementation of a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) in two institutions, one being in New Brunswick and the other one in Ontario. Proposed by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to the Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale last February, this pilot project will be enforced in the coming weeks, without additional safety measures or additional training for correctional officers.

"This program represents a dangerous turning point. Correctional Service Canada has decided to close its eyes to drug trafficking in our institutions. It has chosen to encourage criminal activity inside the walls instead of investing in the care and treatment of inmates who are drug addicts or carriers of infectious disease," states UCCO-SACC-CSN National President Jason Godin. The union notes a needle-exchange program in institutions totally contradicts the mission of Correctional Service Canada to contribute to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens. "We are also wondering what's happening with CSC's zero-tolerance policy on drugs?"

According to what the union has learned, after an evaluation, inmates who consume intravenous drugs will be able to obtain needles and keep them in their cell. "In addition to the danger that the circulation of needles poses to staff and the entire prison population, the whole concept of Threat and Risk Assessment (TRA) must be reviewed. What will correctional officers be called upon to do when an inmate is about to inject themselves with a needle provided by CSC? Watch them do it or enter the cell to prevent it from happening?" adds Mr. Godin. With a wave of overdoses, largely due to the fentanyl crisis, along with a lack of 24/7 medical resources in prisons, UCCO-SACC-CSN believes the establishment of this program poses a real threat for correctional officers and will put the lives of many inmates at risk. "We firmly believe that the role of the correctional system is to reduce the supply and use of drugs in institutions. This is no small feat, but we will not give up. Additional resources are needed to achieve this," concludes Jason Godin. About the union The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents more than 7400 members, across Canada's five major regions: Pacific, Prairies, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents Correctional Officers in 49 federal institutions. SOURCE CSN For further information: Katerine Desgroseilliers, Communications Advisor - CSN, katerine.desgroseilliers@csn.qc.ca, (514) 265-4250

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UCCO-SACC-CSN Sets Another Great Precedent

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Tabling of Bill C-56 – Improvised and dangerous measures

Ottawa, June 20, 2017 – The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers Canada (UCCO-SACC-CSN) strongly opposes Bill C-56, tabled yesterday in the House of Commons by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. This bill proposes amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act by imposing a 15-day maximum limit on the time period an inmate can be... Read the full article...

Ottawa, June 20, 2017 – The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers Canada (UCCO-SACC-CSN) strongly opposes Bill C-56, tabled yesterday in the House of Commons by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. This bill proposes amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act by imposing a 15-day maximum limit on the time period an inmate can be placed in administrative segregation. UCCO-SACC-CSN National President Jason Godin denounces the fact that measures outlined in the bill are not based on any data and offer no alternative to administrative segregation. “In its current state, this bill is unacceptable. It increases the danger of correctional officers’ work and compromises inmate safety.” Data collected by the New York Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association (COBA) has confirmed Mr. Godin’s statements. For COBA, the numbers speak for themselves: violent incidents in New York correctional facilities dramatically increased following reforms by Mayor de Blasio that limited administrative segregation. Indeed, New York City correctional officers are now suing New York City and claim that reforms increase the risk of serious injury in their work environment. For the past several years, UCCO-SACC-CSN has repeatedly asked governments for a seat at the table to participate in discussions when significant changes to correctional policy are proposed. “We are outraged to see the government has caved to pressure from various interests’ groups lobbyists who, for the most part, have never set one foot inside a correctional facility,” adds Mr. Godin. “What goes on inside the walls is not the same as what we see on television and in movies. Those who work there are well placed to know the reality. This is why we ask to be consulted, especially when it relates to measures that could put our lives and the lives of inmates at risk,” concludes Jason Godin. About the union The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents more than 7400 members, spread across Canada’s five major regions: British Colombia, the Prairies, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents the CX1 and CX2 job titles in 49 federal institutions. For further information: Katerine Desgroseilliers Communication Advisor – CSN katerine.desgroseilliers@csn.qc.ca 514 265-4250

English, Health and Safety, Press Release

Staff Assault at Mission Medium Institution

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Correctional officers call for inmates’ medical information

Reprinted by permission of Canadian HR Reporter. © Copyright Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd, (May 2016) Toronto, Ontario 1-800-387-5164. Web: www.safety-reporter.com

English, Health and Safety, Media Articles

Pictures from demonstration in Atlantic Institution in Renous – March 2016

UCCO-SACC-CSN held a demonstration in Atlantic Institution in Renous, New Brunswick to highlight the unacceptable number of assaults made by inmates against Correctional Officers involving the use of bodily fluids. 100 Correctional Officers were present even though the temperature was –16 degrees. It was a great success and received extensive coverage in the media. Below... Read the full article...