BREAKING | UCCO-SACC-CSN has also been advised Nationally that 699 leave (special paid leave) also applies to members whose family member may have travelled to an international destination and must self-quarantine. To be clear this applies even though you may not have travelled yourself, but the traveller resides in your household. If this situation applies to you, please contact your supervisor. We have been advised that the management at the sites have this information. We will try to keep everyone informed as information comes in. There is a lot of work happening behind the scenes to relay concerns from each institution to CSC at the National level. We would ask that members contact members from the local executives with any issues to keep our communications in the proper channels.
Update on COVID-19
The continued health, safety and well-being of our employees and offenders is critical, as is our ongoing ability to maintain safe and secure environments as well as public safety.
Unprecedented steps are being taken by all parts of society, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), to address the particular concerns raised by COVID-19. CSC continues to follow public health guidance and make decisions to protect your health and safety.
While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our institutions, we continue to actively monitor, plan and engage with authorities on precautions we can take to minimize risks associated with the virus.
Our work in managing inmates in institutions and the community is essential and critical work that must continue during this time. This means we are focusing on critical operations.
To protect our staff and offenders, we have suspended:
- visits from the public and volunteers
- all temporary absences from institutions (ETAs/UTAs), unless medically necessary
- work releases for offenders
The Parole Board has also cancelled observer and victim attendance at hearings. Employees are actively screening anyone that must enter institutions. This will be reassessed on an ongoing basis as this situation evolves.
For those that are working from home, be mindful that many public servants are doing the same and IT networks may be at capacity. Review these tips and use smartphones as much as possible and personal devices for social media use.
These are unprecedented circumstances and we appreciate everyone’s hard work, professionalism and commitment as things evolve. Your health and safety continue to be a priority and we will continue to keep you informed as things evolve.
Thank you for your collaboration and understanding.
For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus.