Your digest
We stand with the Muslim community
We are deeply saddened and outraged by the horrific act of hatred and Islamophobia that took place in London, Ont. on Sunday evening, where a Muslim family was targeted and killed in a hit and run. Among the victims were a teenager, two adult women and one adult man, all from the same family. We stand and grieve with all Muslims today, specifically Muslim employees, volunteers, donors and partners and condemn this unspeakable attack of faith-based violence and xenophobia. Employees and loved ones impacted by this event can access immediate support by reaching out to our EAP provider by calling 1-855-454-2327 or visiting http://www.guidanceresources.com (Web Code: CBSEAP).
During times like these, those not directly impacted are often at a loss for how to support those who are grieving. While it’s important to check-in on impacted colleagues, family and friends, there is also an opportunity to pause and reflect on what else can de done and how we can all play a role in creating a truly anti-racist society. We encourage you to visit the DEI Resource page on Connect for updated resources on how to stand up to hate, combat racism and demonstrate allyship.
Meet our COVID-19 rapid screening team
Antigen screening, also known as rapid screening, helps control the spread of COVID-19 by detecting cases of the virus early — and quickly — to help prevent spread. Rapid screening is now available to employees working on-site at many of our facilities across the country and the success of the program is largely due to the efforts of the more than 30 local staff who help support it. Visit Connect and meet Kim Hilliard (Calgary, Alta.), Michelle Rendell (Dartmouth, N.S.) and Tracey Pronyk-Ward (Winnipeg, Man.), three valued employees who have played an integral role in rolling out rapid screening.
Update on eye protection
Although the use of face shields or other eye protection is not mandatory, we continue to strongly encourage our frontline operational teams to wear a face shield/eye protection when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This is in addition to the required surgical mask when working onsite. Eye protection is only mandatory in specific regions if local public health requires it (e.g. Guelph, Ont.). If this applies to you, your manager will make you aware. We are currently expanding the options for eye protection to provide employees with more choices. Different types, styles, and sizes will be made available to ensure comfort and a good fit for all employees. Keep your eye out for updates in the coming weeks and refer to our PPE page on the COVID-19 portal for more information.
In case you missed it: Townhall recording now available
Employees who were unable to attend last week’s diversity, equity and inclusion-themed live townhall can now access a recording of the event on the COVID-19 employee portal. Skip to key information and topics of interest quickly and easily by using the jump-to question menu directly below the video.
If you didn’t have an opportunity to ask Graham a question during the live event, we encourage you to continue to send your questions to communications@blood.ca with the email title “TOWNHALL”. Graham is looking forward to continuing the open dialogue with employees during future townhall events. Plus, keep an eye on our digest ‘question of the day’ for answers to more frequently asked employee questions.
Question of the day: Why do we do Indigenous land acknowledgments?
If you have attended one of our live town halls in recent months, you have likely heard Graham recite this statement at the beginning of the event:
“In light of this meeting’s virtual setting, and the fact that we are not all gathered in the same place, I will acknowledge the territory from where I am addressing you, which is the traditional territory of the St Lawrence Iroquoians, Anishinabewaki and Algonquin peoples.”
This territorial acknowledgement is a way to show our respect for the land, a tradition that dates back centuries for Indigenous peoples. For non-Indigenous Canadians, land acknowledgments are an opportunity to reflect on the impacts of colonialism and to demonstrate gratitude, appreciation and accountability to those whose territory we reside on.
Employees are encouraged to acknowledge traditional territory at staff events, team meetings, conferences and public presentations. For more information and guidelines about how to integrate an acknowledgment of traditional territories into your own meetings, visit Connect.
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About your digest
This digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more 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