Here are the answers received from political parties to our series of questions.
RESPONSE – NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
WHEREAS CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS HAVE A DANGEROUS WORKPLACE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF OTHER FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVANTS;
- Hazard Pay
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal Correctional Officers have been working the front lines and exposed to COVID-19 as a condition of their job. Correctional Officers did not have the option of working from home. This had a profoundly negative effect on their professional, personal, and family lives. Furthermore, nearly 500 Correctional Officers contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the first wave, representing nearly 10% of our membership. The Federal government provided pandemic pay to provincial front-line workers during the pandemic but neglected its own Federal front-line workers. Will your party support and advocate for a hazard pay for Federal Correctional Officers that worked during the pandemic?
Yes
- Labour Unions
What is your party’s stance on labour unions in the Federal Public Service?
As the only unionized federal political party, the NDP strongly supports the right of employees to organize. We believe that membership in a union is the best ticket into the middle class and that workers and our entire economy are better off when worker’s rights are protected and bargaining is fair. That’s why New Democrats believe that it should be easier to join a union that will protect your rights and ensure fair working conditions. We will defend the Rand formula, so that unions can effectively advocate for workers, and we will continue to oppose heavy-handed legislation that suspends the rights to bargain and to strike.
- Correctional Officer’s Pension
Federal Correctional Officers perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. The current pension system for officers is archaic and needs review. An accrual rate of 2.33% was introduced in the 2005 budget for various groups including Correctional Officers. However, the Federal government has failed to negotiate changes to the pension plan based on this legislation. Will your party support the Federal Correctional Officers’ Union in negotiating the current pension plan to reflect this important change that recognizes the dangerous work we perform?
Yes
- Blood Samples Act
Considering your party’s stance on mandatory vaccinations and privacy of medical information, will your party now agree to adopt the legislation that was introduced in the 41st Parliament that grants the right to Correctional Officers to request a blood sample when the officer is attacked with or exposed to an inmate’s bodily fluids?
We would require more study on this issue and further consultation with UCCO-SACC-CSN and other stakeholders, including health experts.
- Body Scanners and Drone detection
With advancements in modern technology, transgender rights within the correctional system, and the inability to stop illegal drugs and contraband from being introduced into the institutions by way of drones, the passing of bill C-83 introduced body scanners without funding. In today’s changing world, the drone detection technology and body scanners are essential pieces of equipment for Federal Correctional Officers to ensure public safety. Will your party both support and fund the Correctional Service of Canada and all Federal Institutions with drone detection and body scanners?
We support this.
Jagmeet Singh
Leader, NDP
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RESPONSE – BLOC QUÉBÉCOIS
- Hazard Pay
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal Correctional Officers have been working the front lines and exposed to COVID-19 as a condition of their job. Correctional Officers did not have the option of working from home. This had a profoundly negative effect on their professional, personal, and family lives. Furthermore, nearly 500 Correctional Officers contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the first wave, representing nearly 10% of our membership. The Federal government provided pandemic pay to provincial front-line workers during the pandemic but neglected its own Federal front-line workers. Will your party support and advocate for a hazard pay for Federal Correctional Officers that worked during the pandemic?
Yes
- Labour Unions
What is your party’s stance on labour unions in the Federal Public Service?
We support the unions and their demands. We systematically oppose the use of scabs and special laws that eliminate the balance of power between workers and their employers.
- Correctional Officer’s Pension
Federal Correctional Officers perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. The current pension system for officers is archaic and needs review. An accrual rate of 2.33% was introduced in the 2005 budget for various groups including Correctional Officers. However, the Federal government has failed to negotiate changes to the pension plan based on this legislation. Will your party support the Federal Correctional Officers’ Union in negotiating the current pension plan to reflect this important change that recognizes the dangerous work we perform?
Yes
4. Will your party agree to adopt the legislation that was introduced in the 41st Parliament that grants the right to Correctional Officers to request a blood sample when the officer is attacked with or exposed to an inmate’s bodily fluids?
Yes
- Body Scanners and Drone detection
With advancements in modern technology, transgender rights within the correctional system, and the inability to stop illegal drugs and contraband from being introduced into the institutions by way of drones, the passing of bill C-83 introduced body scanners without funding. In today’s changing world, the drone detection technology and body scanners are essential pieces of equipment for Federal Correctional Officers to ensure public safety. Will your party both support and fund the Correctional Service of Canada and all Federal Institutions with drone detection and body scanners?
Yes
Yves-François Blanchet
Leader, Bloc Québécois
___________
RESPONSE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Dear Mr. Wilkins,
Thank you for taking the time to share the priorities of Union of Canadian Correctional Officers in this election.
On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I would like to thank you and your members for their dedication in providing professional services at correctional facilities across the country. During the pandemic, our correctional officers have had to operate under trying circumstances. We are grateful for everything they do to keep us safe and look out for their fellow officers.
Canada’s Conservatives understand and appreciate the vital role that correctional officers play in our criminal system.
We want to work with you to ensure our prison system is one that actually corrects and offers a pathway to a life beyond crime. Canada’s Conservatives believe in the potential of those who choose to permanently turn from a criminal past and work towards a future respectful of the rights of fellow Canadians.
A Conservative government will work with you to address these important issues you’ve shared and ensure that correctional officers have a safer workplace.
I look forward to working with you after the election to achieve these important objectives.
Sincerely,
Erin O’Toole
Leader of Canada’s Conservatives