Hello ASP! We have all received some exciting news regarding vaccination roll-out across the country. I am very aware of the exhaustion that we all feel from the pandemic, but it is very exciting that there is finally an end in sight. I know that the Calgary part of the family is ready for things to get back to normal. All we have to do is continue to forge onward, keeping up the effort we have been putting in this far. To that, I would like to highlight some areas for ASP at Calgary Airport.

I cannot speak highly enough of the team here in Calgary. The supervisors, the guards, and everyone we interact with outside of ASP has been phenomenal in keeping the operation running during the pandemic. Many restrictions or protocols change regularly to reflect federal and provincial standards and the team has always stepped up to meet the challenge. One of the hardest parts of the pandemic is continuing training or re-aligning how we complete training so that we can continue to provide our high-quality service for our clients. Over the last month, training was completed on our newest group of Operators in our Security Operations area where the training is quite technical, and it requires a great deal of time and attention on part of the mentor and the mentee. I want to specifically recognize Samantha Johnson and Patrick Nichol who were the assigned mentors for this training. Not only did they deliver high-quality training, but they did so while ensuring that all the COVID protocols were followed, which for the uninitiated, is no easy undertaking in that role (and, of course, thanks to Sam and Patrick’s partners).

In fact, across the entire workforce, despite the hurdles and hoops that our team needs to jump through to complete training safely, our team rose to the challenge in a fashion that benefits the entirety of ASP. To you, mentors of our newest hires here at YYC, I commend you in your diligence. The feedback I receive from the new hires has been positive and you should be proud. It is great to see everyone taking charge during the pandemic to get the job done correctly and safely.

It is this that I notice most about ASP—the people that work here really care about the work. For most of us, our work in security directly influences someone’s safety, and I am glad to work at a company where Security Matters.

Until next time, wishing you all the best. Stay safe while we are on the home stretch!

I think it is safe to say that 2020 has been the year that none of us were expecting. We have all experienced considerable operational shifts and changes to the way that we conduct our day-to-day activities, especially due to COVID precautions, such as frequent disinfection of workspaces and equipment, wearing masks, and physical distancing. These newsletter articles typically focus on the exceptional performance specific employees, but it was difficult to focus on only a few employees as there have been so many amazing contributions from across all of the teams.

Our Access Control Officers both in the terminal and airside have seen many changes to the processes and procedures at the access control points, including new rules for Alberta Health Services personnel as well as changes to the process for verifying non-local RAICS with the new RAIC Integration Process. In addition, many employees needed to be trained on new posts when their usual posts were closed and although at times this pushed employees outside of their comfort zone, each employee rose to the occasion. We have also seen an increase to the number of invalid or expired RAICs from employees who have returned from layoffs and leave of absences. Despite all this, our Access Control Guards have continued to provide exceptional and effective service in their roles.

Our Terminal Patrollers have increased their patrols both in the terminal as well as on the curb and in the parkades, conducted frequent patrols to ensure that no individuals were loitering in closed areas of the terminal, adapted to substantial changes to the Guardtek system, and have dealt with an increase to the number of unwanted guests who have visited the airport. These diligent employees have also been tasked with reminding others of the face covering requirements, which has not always been warmly received. The level of customer service and guest assistance provided by the Terminal Patrollers has continued to increase, which has helped passengers navigate new changes to the way they travel.

Our Airside Patrollers have seen an increase to the amount of operational taskings they are dispatched to complete and took over the responsibility of conducting thorough fence patrols each shift. They have been crucial to the operation for both ASP, as well as many airport partners who rely on their assistance to be able to complete their own duties.

Our SOC operators have also experienced many changes with their duties and work environment, as there have been numerous changes to the roles and responsibilities within the IOC including the elimination of the dispatcher role. Throughout 2020, there have been many unusual incidents which required the SOC operators on shift to react quickly and find solutions for situations that had not previously been encountered.

Our Supervisors have also seen major changes to their role, especially as the supervisor teams were split between terminal and groundside responsibilities. They have closely monitored the guards on their teams to ensure that all employees are trained for the positions they are assigned and have frequently assisted with last minute scheduling due to COVID related absences. The supervisors began issuing visitor passes due to the temporary closure of the Pass Control Office and have continued assisting with this task to alleviate the pressure on the Pass Control Office. They have also taken on the responsibility of conducting COVID screening questionnaires with employees at the start of every shift. These activities have ensured that the operation continues despite the challenges we have experienced.

Although this year has been challenging at times, it has also been very rewarding as it has shown that despite the frequent changes, our team is capable of reacting and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every ASP employee at YYC Calgary International Airport, as we would not have been able to accomplish all that we have if not for the dedication, adaptability, and resilience displayed by this team. I appreciate all that you do and am looking forward to seeing what 2021 holds, as I am confident that no matter what changes we see, our team can handle anything!

“I want to take this opportunity to thank every YYC Employee”