Information Guide for Contractors

This is to inform you that the Learning and Development division, in cooperation with various representatives from across the Correctional Service of Canada, have revised the Information Modules for Contractors. Currently the modules are ready to be implemented.

When preparing the revised modules consultation was sought from a variety of current contractors in order to ensure their needs were taken into consideration. Once the revised modules were prepared full consultation was sought in April 2008 with all Sector Heads, Regional Deputy Commissioners, District Directors and Wardens. The modules were responded to by a cross section of groups and individuals and a significant number of comments and suggestions were received. A brief summary of these comments is provided below. These comments and suggestions were individually reviewed and considered and the decision to incorporate them or not were carefully considered and recorded. Some of the comments received still require further consideration and a decision from requestor of the modules (Director General, Offender Programs and Reintegration).

Below is a brief summary of the comments received:

  • Minor grammar and punctuation changes;
  • Terminology amendments;
  • Regional variances;
  • Concerns about the length of the modules;
  • Concerns about the financial impacts of having the contractors read the modules;
  • Concerns about the financial impacts of providing the contractors with multiple copies of the modules;
  • Agreement with and encouragement of the revised modules being provided to all contractors;
  • Requirement for a consistent administrative process and person responsible for administering the process.

The following issues were raised during the consultation phase and require that a decision or direction be provided:

  • Will the revised Information Modules for Contractors be mandatory for all contractors or only contractors new to the Correctional Service of Canada;
  • Will CSC be responsible for paying contractors to read material prior to starting contract at CSC;
  • Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance and managing the contract obligations and other administrative issues that will arise (e.g. ensuring checklist is completed, where will checklist go, how long will it be retained for, who can enforce non-compliance etc.);
  • Will all contractors regardless of being escorted while on institutional premises be required to read the Information Package for Contractors;
  • Where in the contract will this requirement go, as well as the consequence for not complying with the requirement to read the modules;
  • Will the modules be placed on the internet;
  • What is the personnel liability of the employee deemed responsible for the management of the file and ensuring the checklist is signed, an alternative proposal was received and is included below for consideration:
    • the Modules should be provided to the contractor and a Checklist completed/signed at the time of contract signing. A standard contract clause should stipulate that it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure his/her existing and new employees are provided with and have read the appropriate Modules.

We recommend that these decisions be taken in consultation with Corporate Services, and other sectors as needed. Learning and Development is available to provide continued support in this consultation process if needed. We would appreciate your attention to the above issues, so that the revised modules can be finalized as soon as possible. Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact myself at (613) 943-1651. Thank you in advance for your assistance and co-operation.