By Neeru Panjwani, Human Resource Manager – Aviation

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. At ASP, we celebrate it every day because of the courage, confidence, and courteousness of all our female employees who make it happen every day. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder to the strength of women, the beauty in diversity and the steps we have all taken in the positive direction.

As of last month, we have 886 female employees of total 2019 employees (almost 44%). We have also seen an increase in the number of female employees in our office and management positions whereby 44% of the group is represented by women employees.

ASP values workplace diversity and gender equality, which is evident in the number of women in our organization and the varying roles they occupy, ranging from Canine Handler, Security Specialist, Customer Service Agent, Resource Planner, Human Resources, Recruiter to Security Guards, which is extremely impressive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

On this occasion we requested our women employees to send in their testimonials on how they feel as a Working Woman at ASP or Working Woman in Security. We are happy to share their views with everyone.

Ravinder Chhina – Security Supervisor at Calgary International Airport

Ravinder Chhina is a Supervisor at YYC Calgary International Airport. She has been working in security for 18 years and loves what she does. She always feels very respected not only by other ASP staff, but also by the entire airport community. As a woman in security, Chhina feels that she is very safe in her work environment and appreciates that everyone looks out for each other and works hard as a team to achieve shared goals. She feels that she is always treated the same regardless of her gender and this makes her feel like an equal and that her voice matters. When asked why she chose to work in security, she responded that “it’s not why security, it’s because I am security”.

“As of last month we have 886 female employees of 2019 total employees – almost 44%”

Melicia Gregory – Security Guard at Toronto Pearson International Airport

“Working at ASP has been such an honour. I have had such a wonderful opportunity of meeting like minded individual and strong women within the company. Working in a field that is often male dominated, it is a joy to know that ASP supports women in security and has given me many opportunities within the security field.”

Diana Forbes – Security Specialist at Toronto Pearson International Airport

“Being a woman in the field of Security is a lot to manage and balance but to be treated equal and to get the respect when wearing the uniform makes it all worthwhile. Women are caring, thoughtful and reliable and put others needs before theirs. It takes hard work and leadership to keep workplace area safe and secure.

Being a female Security Guard is having a positive attitude, being polite, respectful, caring, and cautious. Customer Service is most important. Being soft spoken yet firm while trying to deal or handle a situation/matter is the key.

Being a Female Security Guard is and amazing and fabulous experience. It also gives me Customer Service experience and the benefit of interacting with the public. It gives me the opportunity to be myself and the honor of representing ASP where I work each and everyday. I really and truly enjoy being part of ASP Security Family. Blessed and thankful to be part of a company that welcomed me with open arms. Thank you and keep going strong and positive.”

Karen Mahabir, Elizabeth Purnwasi, Khadija Beale – Operational Support Representatives at Toronto Pearson International Airport

“Everyday at ASP feels like Woman’s day!”

“to be treated equal and get the respect when wearing the uniform makes it all worthwhile”

Jenelle Kunkel – School Crossing Guard

“It is wonderful to be a woman in safety, and if it’s not, we need to make it be. I feel strong and empowered, like a woman can do anything. It gives me confidence and raises my self esteem. The connection I have with others has a big impact on me in a positive way.”

Jennifer Mitchell – Security Guard at Greater Sudbury Airport

“I work for ASP at the Sudbury airport and I love my job here.”

Noreen Khan – Security Guard , Residential and Commercial Division

“I’m proud to be working as a female security guard. What I learned from my experience is that being a good Security Officer isn’t just about how to have the physical strength to defend someone, it’s more about communication, attention to detail, multi-tasking and empathy.

Women are usually better than men at dealing with males in heated situations. We’re good mediators and we’re able to get people to see another side of the argument and to just ‘quiet down’ and take some time out, which in many incidents is enough to quell a situation.

Women are also great communicators and that’s a key skill for front-line Security Guards. Strong communication is ideal on the ground to ensure all team members know exactly what they’re doing.”

“being a good security officer isn’t just about how to have physical strength to defend someone or something”

Anna Cappuccitti – School Crossing Guard

“Greeted every morning by the beautiful smiles of my children makes my day every day. Knowing that I am keeping the children and their parents safe always makes me proud to be a School Crossing Guard.

I was told by one of the parents that I have the most important job of all. I take this to heart, and I can see that everyone is appreciative of what I do. Crossing them safely across the street, keeping the sidewalks clear of snow, salt and any other debris, (311 has gotten to know my name) and even keeping the children company when their parents are late. I want them to know they can trust me.

On this Woman’s International Day, I want to express that behind the SCHOOL CROSSING STOP SIGN, I stand as a confident and proud woman.”

Maria Estrella – Security Guard at Toronto Pearson International Airport

“21 years ago I started this grateful journey of having a job as an Access Control Officer

I consider myself a hardworking person, a fighter and proud to be a woman. I like my job and I love what I do.

Every day I come to work with my best wishes to be able to help build a better country. With the satisfaction of knowing that I have given the best of me to the service of the airport community, and to make every day not just an a ordinary day a much better day knowing that I’ve done my job.

Queeneth Nkanga – Crossing Guard

“I am delighted to have the opportunity of contributing to the overall effort of ensuring the safety of our children. The best part of my job as a crossing guard is having the privileged platform of impacting every child that I have worked together with the best knowledge needed for a happy and successful life – LOVE. God bless our children.”

“On This Women’s International Day, I want to express that behind SCHOOL CROSSING STOP SIGN, I stand as a confident and proud woman.”

Zaina Syed – Security Guard , TPIA

“I have been with ASP for 7 months now and I can confidently say that as a woman, I have never felt more equal to my male counterparts in a professional environment than I have with this company! Competency, performance, hard work, professionalism and respect are of the utmost value here. Women and men alike, we are all seen as equal power to keep this ship sailing. Happy International Women’s Day to all!”


By Laurel Woodhouse, Health and Safety Manager

About Lifeworks

LifeWorks blends the best user experience and clinical expertise together to help people everywhere achieve total mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. It has both your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and personalized wellbeing resources that can support you and your dependants with issues related to work, life, and everything in between.

  • 24/7 access to professional, caring consultants for advice and support
  • 24/7 access to the hundreds of articles, recordings, quizzes, self-assessments, and more online and on our free app
  • 24/7 telephonic access to Master’s-level counsellors for immediate, short-term support
  • Referrals to telephonic, in-person, virtual group, or secure video counselling
  • Connections to support agencies in your community
  • Support for people leaders, including critical incident and organizational change support.

Register today to learn more about how LifeWorks can support you on your wellbeing journey! our computer station needs to work for you. Your keyboard and mouse should be at the same level, with the weight of your arms supported by the armrests of the chair.

This active screening occurs before or entering the workplace at the beginning of a shift, or upon the arrival.

Manager Orientation

All webinars start at 1pm Eastern Time

Wednesday, Feb 11th – Managers Orientation

Wednesday, April 8th – EAP Managers

Wednesday, July 8th – EAP Managers Orientation

Wednesday, Oct 7th – EAP Managers Orientation

Employee Orientation

All webinars start at 1pm Eastern Time

Wednesday, Jan 27th – Employee Assistance Program

Orientation Thursday, Feb 18th – Employees Orientation

Wednesday, Mar 24th – Employees Orientation

Thursday, April 15th – EAP Employee Orientation

Wednesday, May 26th – Employees Orientation

Wednesday, June 23th – EAP Employee Orientation

Thursday, July 15th – EAP Employee Orientation

Wednesday, Oct 14th – EAP Employee Orientation


By Laurel Woodhouse, Health and Safety Manager

The Ontario Government amended Ontario Regulation 364/20. Which adds a requirement that the person responsible for a business or organization that is open, operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions issued by the office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals.

At ASP, we are doing just that by utilizing an online tool called “testalerts.com”.

This active screening occurs before or entering the workplace at the beginning of a shift, or upon the arrival.

Reminders are sent out regularly to remind ASP employees.

NOTE: IF ANY OF THE ANSWERS TO THESE SCREENING QUESTIONS CHANGES DURING THE DAY THE EMPLOYEE SHOULDINFORM THEIR SUPERVISOR OF THE CHANGE AND GO HOME TO SELF -ISOLATE EMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OT TELEHEALTH ONTARIO TO GET ADVISE

HOW IT WORKS

STEP 1

You will be asked to either Go to testalerts.com using your phone and enter Survey Code ###### – You have been provided by your Supervisor.

OR

Scan QR that is shown on the POSTER at entrance to ASP sites by Using Phone Camera. Get QR code in the viewfinder and wait for the link to appear.

STEP 2

Answer the questions.

For Each Question, Tap Either Left or Right. All Questions must be answered to be able to submit.

Optional Registration

Saves time from inputting your name and number each time.

STEP 3

Check the box to acknowledge you have read and accepted The Terms of use and Privacy Policy

If you’re not registered, you will need to fill in your name, email and/or phone to identify yourself.

If you’re not registered, you will need to fill in your name, email and/or phone to identify yourself. This will allow us to know if anyone answers “Yes” to any of the questions and act accordingly and conduct contact tracing if it becomes necessary. Thank you for participating – Just another way ASP Securities is looking to make the workplace safer.

Those employees whose work responsibilities involve traveling to multiple locations as part of their day or shift. It is the responsibility of the ASP to conduct screening and not that of the receiving business organization. However, such screening may not exempt a employee from being screened by another workplace if the employee is seeking entry into different types of premises.


By Laurel Woodhouse, Health and Safety Manager

Consider these 7 simple tips:

1. Practice good posture

Good posture is about more than finding a comfortable position to work in, or what “feels right.” Especially when you consider that some positions, while comfortable for the worker, may not be ergonomically correct. To complicate matters further, some shifting and movement in position throughout the day can even be useful for some workers with and without disabilities.exceptional and ASP is fortunate to have a self-initiated team player on its roster. Thank you Tyler!

2. Change it up

Repeating the same movement continuously through the day can cause strains. If it is possible to alternate tasks, it is advisable to do so. If job rotation or alternating tasks throughout the shift is unrealistic, be sure to incorporate several rest breaks. Stretch during breaks or do simple exercises to keep your muscles and tendons from becoming tense or strained. Utilize a Standing desk if possible or create raised area to move your computer occasionally.

3. Lifting with your knees

if your job involves lifting, that you are trained in manual material handling, and that you practice proper lifting techniques. Never lift with the muscles in your back. Lift with your knees.

4. Get a good chair

If you sit at desk all or most of the day, you need an ergonomic chair that has various settings for a variety of seated postures. The best chairs have adjustable height, arm rest, lumbar support, and seat pan depth settings. If your feet don’t reach the floor, a footrest should be used in conjunction with the chair and remember it doesn’t matter how well the chair is adjusted if you do not sit in it properly!

5. Make your Computer Work for You

Your computer station needs to work for you. Your keyboard and mouse should be at the same level, with the weight of your arms supported by the armrests of the chair.

6. Eye Strain

Eye strain is common in workers with and without disabilities who spend a lot of their day looking at computer monitors. Adjust your monitor so that it is at eye level when sitting straight in your chair. Ensure that you look at it directly, and that it’s not angled. If you have a window, place the monitor at a right angle to it to reduce glare. Monitors with poor resolution or a flicker should be upgraded or replaced.

7. Remember to Relax

A stressful work environment can cause workers to tense their muscles, and remain in that state for extended periods of time. Workers who feel pressure to complete tasks may skip breaks or strain themselves to complete tasks faster at the expense of using proper ergonomic material handling methods.


By Garinder Grewal, Operations Manager

Elzbieta Wilczek

Elzbieta was a Security Guard at Toronto Pearson who passed away January 23, 2021. Her ability to carry out tasks with patience and compassion will be remembered by her colleagues. She promoted kindness through her everyday actions and it made the airport a better place to work. Elzbieta’s empathetic nature was a quality that we can all learn from. This nature will continue to live on, and her memory can be honored through the simple act of being kind to others.

Goodbye Elzbieta. The warmth that you brought to Toronto Pearson will not be forgotten.

“Her ability to carry out tasks with patience and compassion will be remembered by all her colleagues”

Sukhraj Brar

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Sukhraj Brar on December 19, 2020. Sukhraj Brar was a Security Guard who worked and spoke with such passion that it left a meaningful impact with every interaction. He was a man of principle whose military background gave him a keen awareness of the geo-political currents that impact our world. He has been with ASP since its early roots and some might even remember his Door Patrol days. He left us as an Airside Access Control Guard, but his larger-than-life personality combined with his strength of character made Sukhraj an unforgettable human being. He will be dearly missed by the airport community.

“He spoke with such passion that it left a meaninful impression with everyone he interacted with”


By Kayvin Montaner, Service Delivery Manager

On February 22, 2021, the Federal Government put in place a mandatory COVID testing and hotel quarantine program for all International arrivals. The OSR team has been instrumental in the success of this launch and they have also been agile in adapting to the evolving changes. On behalf of the Management team, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all your hard work, flexibility and dedication.


By Noah Thompson, Senior Manager – Projects and Information Systems

As new technology is introduced the need for support increases as well. ASP has launched an internal ticketing system to support our evergrowing IT infrastructure. Support requests for anything related to the Intranet or IT Systems Support should be done through this function. Some of the support requests may include but are not limited to,

  1. New Page or List Creation (Help)
  2. Permission or Access Assistance
  3. Site Links and Webpart Creation
  4. Library Structure and Content Building
  5. News and Events Help
  6. Systems not functioning properly
  7. General Support

To submit a support request, navigate to the Projects and Information Systems page. Scroll down to the “Need Support” Heading and follow the on screen instructions. Automated emails will be generated to advise you of the status of your support requests.


By Angus Wilson, Director, Aviation

We are a quarter of the way through 2021 and we are beginning to see a change in operations as we plan and prepare for our borders potentially opening up later this year. Below is a focus on activity we have had in each of our operations:

Pearson Airport Security

  • We are supporting the GTAA with the mandatory COVID-19 testing for International arriving passengers and mandatory hotel quarantine, where we are providing over 60 employees daily.
  • We are proud to play a role in Toronto Pearson being awarded the “Best large airport in North America” for the fourth year in a row and also receiving a new award for “Best hygiene measures in North America.”
  • The new virtual recertification program has been rolled out at the beginning of this year, with the portion of the program being put on our LMS Ispring we are now able to recertify our employees while complying with the current covid restriction.
  • We are beginning to roll out our SRA app which is the mobile app for booking of additional guards for specific projects – this provides efficiency in our operations and our response to our clients as well as reducing our carbon footprint.

Calgary Airport Security

  • New process for temperature screening at NPS points – wristbands issued to employees to eliminate the need to be temperature screened repeatedly during shift
  • We conducted Training classes for SOC and New Hires
  • ASP personnel now have dedicated Lunchroom
  • Additional Terminal Patrollers have been brought in to assist with COVID quarantine requirements
  • We have implemented the ASP intranet along with the new training credential tracker to better report to our clients
  • Human Resources implemented Bamboo autoreminders for licenses and credentials – employees now receive reminders directly to their personal emails

Sudbury Airport Security

  • We have developed some bespoke technology in enhancing our service delivery to Sudbury Airport by creating an Electronic Aircraft parking app. This app will eliminate the need for manual reports and will make for more efficient reporting to our client.
  • As we are going through some contractual changes in the operation due to the effects of COVID-19. Many of our staff have gone above and beyond in their support to not only to ASP but also to Greater Sudbury Airport. Simon Duchesne and Larry Duvall who are constantly are willing to support the operation and regularly make themselves available to support the operation.

Thank you from all of us at ASP.

“we are beginning to see a change in operations as we plan and prepare for our borders to open later this year”


By Karim Khamisa, YSB Site Manager

Geetings from the ASP team in Northern Ontario! Contrary to the common misconception that it’s always Christmas in Sudbury – YSB operations have in fact been heating up with lots of wins in Q1.

Superhero Spotlight

He may not be Ironman, Captain America or any other Marvel superhero… but Tyler Hilderbrandt is absolutely an ASP superhero! Over the past several months, Tyler (Lead Guard) has stepped up in a huge way to support airport security operations. He regularly interfaces with the client, has gone above and beyond for passengers, and most importantly plays a critical role in assisting various airport employees with their airport-related credentials via the pass control office. Tyler has been nothing short of exceptional and ASP is fortunate to have a self-initiated team player on its roster. Thank you Tyler!

Operations Update

Several projects were undertaken and successfully executed by the site operations team, client support team and senior leadership team during Q1 of 2021.

A revamp of post orders and standard operating procedures have been completed successfully in partnership with the client (Greater Sudbury Airport).

A blitz on updating all credentials and certifications for the guard team was initiated early this year with a 98% completion rate to date.

The site operations team also worked alongside the information systems team to roll out a new digital application platform monitors aircraft parking for the airport and assists the client with revenue generation and long-term financial sustainability for the business.

Overall, Q1 of 2021 has been exceptionally busy as well as exciting for YSB operations – we look forward to a successful Q2!


By Daniel McCormack, Quality Control Manager

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!