Your Digest

Important changes to mask and physical distancing measures

Effective July 25, we will suspend mandatory masks and physical distancing for staff, donors and visitors in our buildings, vehicles, and collections events. We have decided to make these measures optional because the majority of Canadians are now fully vaccinated, and most of those who are infected with COVID are not experiencing severe symptoms. Masks will continue to be available to staff, volunteers, visitors and donors. They remain an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID, so we encourage you to wear one if you choose. We ask that you please respect people’s choice to continue wearing a mask or to physical distance from others where possible. Our environments should remain “mask-friendly.” We are here to support you through this transition. Read more details about these changes on Connect or go to the employee portal under “Questions & Answers”. If you have any further questions, please send them to communications@blood.ca.

Update on COVID-19 Leave Support

When the pandemic hit, the organization came together to support employees through the challenges associated with COVID-19. Among those supports were various paid leaves: Caregiver Leave, Quarantine Leave, and COVID-19 related sick leave. With the pandemic landscape changing, there has been a steady decline in the use of these benefits, therefore we will cease offering them to employees as of August 15, 2022. COVID-19 paid leaves may be re-instated in future depending upon circumstances. Details of the removal of COVID-19 leave supports and FAQs can be found on Connect. If you have any questions about the expiry of pandemic leaves, please reach out to communications@blood.ca 

Send us your feedback on the latest town hall (recording now available)

In case you missed it yesterday, you can access the recording of the June 29 town hall on our employee portal or listen to the podcast on Connect on the Go. To improve upon future live events with our CEO, we ask you to please take a moment to provide us with your views by completing this anonymous three-minute survey by Friday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET.        

Question of the day:

Last year, Canadian Blood Services took a more somber approach to Canada Day, in the wake of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at the site of several former residential schools. What is the organization doing to mark Canada Day this year, and to keep Indigenous initiatives and reconciliation at the forefront of our minds? 

Last year on Canada Day, we lowered our flags to half-mast to honour the residential school victims and their families. We encouraged thoughtful reflection on what it means to be Canadian, adding perspective and context to what has traditionally been a largely celebratory holiday.   

This July 1, we celebrate our incredible donors, employees, volunteers, partners and stakeholders while acknowledging the great deal of work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive blood system – and a more inclusive Canada. Thoughtful reflection on national pride is also encouraged, and many resources are available for you to explore on Connect (under “Indigenous inclusion resources”), including Canadian Blood Services’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  

As a national health organization committed to DEI, we have a critical role to play in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities and addressing systemic racism and marginalization.  

Using the RAP as a roadmap, we are actively working on organizational strategies and initiatives to strengthen our connection with Indigenous communities in meaningful ways; foster a workplace where Indigenous employees can thrive; and improve representation of Indigenous Peoples among our donor and registrant base.  

For more information about our commitments to reconciliation, visit Connect.

About Your Digest

This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content to remind us that what we do matters. This information can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.

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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.