Union of Canadian Correctional Officers
Syndicat des Agents Correctionnels du Canada
Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux

Moncton, November 2, 2018 – Over one hundred correctional officers demonstrated in front of the offices of Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Moncton) and Minister Ralph Goodale (Regina) to demand that the implementation of the Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) be suspended. “We are asking the government to stop the implementation of the PNEP until the findings of the first two projects, in New Brunswick and Ontario, are released,” said UCCO-SACC-CSN National President Jason Godin. “We also demand to be consulted properly, so that our reservations about the program can be heard. UCCO-SACC-CSN recently expressed its concerns to Correctional Service Canada officials, but the union hopes to be able to continue the discussions as soon as possible.” Putting Safety at Risk The PNEP raises a number of concerns that could compromise the safety of correctional officers in particular. “Allowing for the use of needles in cells will considerably increase risks for our members,” said Jeff Wilkins, Atlantic Region President. “The safety of inmates is also put at risk, as is that of the public.” In similar programs in some European countries, injection is not permitted in cells, but only in supervised centres by health professionals. In recent weeks, UCCO-SACC-CSN met with a number of senators and members of parliament, including Liberal members of parliament and staff from the Prime Minister’s Office, in order to voice its concerns with regard to the PNEP. “We will continue to mobilize to ensure that the program will not be carried out at the expense of correctional officers,” concluded Jason Godin. About the Union The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents over 7400 members in the five major regions of Canada: the Pacific, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents correctional officers in 49 federal institutions. Information: Noémi Desrochers, CSN communications service Cellphone: 514-216-1825

Harold Albrecht MP has created a petition to stop the Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP). Please download a copy of the petition, sign it and share it with your friends and family. We need to make it clear to this government that the PNEP needs to stop now! In Solidarity

Moncton, October 28th, 2018 – As part of the trial that begins tomorrow in Moncton, the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) wishes to offer its sincere condolences to the family of Matthew Hines. The union also wishes to reiterate its support to its two members who have been centered out and face criminal charges following two investigations by the RCMP. As this case is now before the court, and is subject to a publication ban the union will not make any further comment so as not to interfere with legal proceedings. About the union The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents more than 7400 members, spread across Canada’s five major regions: Pacific, Prairies, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents the CX1, CX2 and CX3 job titles in 49 federal institutions. For more information : Noémi Desrochers Communications UCCO-SACC-CSN noemi.desrochers@csn.qc.ca 514 216-1825

OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) is cautiously acknowledging Bill C-83 which involves changes to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act which will replace administrative segregation. Resources Needed "Bill C-83 will require serious consultation and resources to make it work" noted the National President, Jason Godin. "As correctional officers, we want to make sure that we have the proper tools to ensure staff and inmates safety. In that sense, Bill C-83 must include structured intervention units, which would operate as a population management tool that can ensure staff and inmate safety", added the President. Alternative for Disciplinary Segregations For UCCO-SACC-CSN, the new Bill C-83 must not sacrifice disciplinary segregation as a tool to deter violent behaviour. "We need alternative sanctions to disciplinary segregation, ensuring that inmates displaying dangerous and violent behaviour have some consequences for their actions. Since CSC has limited its use of segregation with new policies, there has been increased reports of assaults on inmates and staff. For example, Godin says, 'At RPC (Regional Psychiatric Centre) we have had over 100 assaults on staff in 12 months. We need to get this under control'. Finally, UCCO-SACC-CSN welcomes the introduction of body scanners to prevent contraband. 'Our union has advocated strongly for the implementation of body scanners. We are satisfied with the results. But we still need more resources to manage high-risk, violent and self-harming offenders, such as what was tabled by the Union in 2005 to manage high-risk women offenders which has fallen on deaf ears", concluded Jason Godin. UCCO-SACC-CSN intends to further review Bill C-83. About the Union The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents over 7500 members in the five major regions of Canada: the Pacific, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents correctional officers in 41 federal institutions. SOURCE UNION OF CANADIAN CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS (UCCO-SACC-CSN) For further information: Noémi Desrochers, Communications Adviser--CSN, noemi.desrochers@csn.qc.ca, 514 216-1825

Representatives of the Union met with Mr. Albrecht earlier this week regarding the PNEP. This is his written response to our concerns. 2018-09-27 rép. H Albrecht (ONT)(Needle Exchange)

Ontario Region held their 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sept 18th in Kingston with all proceeds going to Camp FACES. $12,405 was donated on behalf of UCCO-SACC-CSN. Thank you to those who participated and continue to support this charity. Camp FACES/CCISF is a national charitable organization that recognizes the need not only to support our active duty emergency personnel but to also support and never forget the families and children of those members that have made the ultimate sacrifice. www.campfaces.ca By it's very nature, Emergency Services are high risk occupations which could result in a tragic loss not only to Line of Duty death but also suicide of an active or retired member. The loss of a member to a family is tremendous and incredibly challenging to deal with but to a child can be even greater. Many children experience feelings of confusion, anger, fear, isolation and depression. Camp F.A.C.E.S. is the ONLY support network of its kind in Canada exclusively serving our First Responder Families. Each year Camp F.A.C.E.S. provides families who have suffered a devastating and tragic loss the opportunity to be with others who share a similar story. It’s an opportunity for growth, to connect, to share, meet friends, support each other and most importantly know that they "ARE NOT ALONE". Camp F.A.C.E.S. is an annual event in which the CCISF brings families together from across Canada to take part in this incredibly healing and powerful experience. Sadly, each year we also welcome new families, families who have been devastated by loss, families who've been alone in their struggle and families who so desperately need our support and yours. We are more than just a camp, we are so much more...we are a family!