This first week of May, we celebrate the 10th annual Correctional Services Staff Recognition Week. This has been an extremely challenging year for all correctional workers. The pandemic has threatened the health and life of these essential front-line workers who we are honoured to represent.
We’re extremely proud of these front-line heroes, dedicated, courageous people in our adult institutions and probation and parole offices who have met COVID head-on. They show up for work every day and put themselves at risk to do their duty by all Ontarians.
This pandemic has helped the government see the light when it comes to the critical state of the correctional system, which has been in crisis for years. A series of government announcements in the past year, which include more staff and improvements to infrastructure, give us real hope that the government is serious about solving the Crisis in Corrections. Ontario Youth justice workers will be recognized later this year.
On behalf of the Executive Board, OPSEU/SEFPO’s 180,000 members and all Ontarians, we want to extend our gratitude to our Corrections members for helping to keep us safe. You truly are heroes.
In solidarity,
OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer