Human Resources Archives - ASP Security Services

By Neeru Panjwani, Director of Operations

Please join us in welcoming new office and management team members that joined ASP in Q1 of 2025!

Parul Srivastava – Front Desk Administrator, North York

Parul joined ASP in Jan 2025 as the Front Desk Administrator at our North York office. Parul is supporting the RES/CIC division by assisting with reception, inventory management, new hire tasks, recordkeeping, and other related duties. Parul’s previous experience and education make her a valuable asset to the team, and we are immensely grateful to have her join us. She can be reached at psrivastava@security-asp.com.

Farhad Mohammad – Operations Manager, Aviation

Farhad joins us as Operations Manager for our Security Operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA). With over ten years of security experience at organizations such as GardaWorld, Paladin, and the City of Toronto, Farhad is highly skilled in managing CRM systems, Access Control Management, Standard Operating Procedures, and much more. Farhad spent time with the ASP team at Pearson Airport for a detailed orientation before starting his role at BBTCA. Farhad will report to Garinder Grewal, Director of Aviation Operations.

Kirsten Gardner-Lichach – Payroll Specialist

Kirsten joins our Finance and Accounting department as a Payroll Specialist and will report to Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance. Kirsten will support all aspects of payroll and further assist in smooth day-to-day operations of payroll functions and duties. She will manage the end-to-end payroll process and will work with other departments such as resource planning, HR and operations for effective and error-free payroll.

Please extend your warm welcome to our new members of ASP family.

By Neeru Panjwani, Director of Human Resources

This article provides information regarding the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We hope that this information will help you and your family use these benefits. Please be advised that ASP does not have any influence on how you use the program benefits and this is information is for awareness purposes.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a Federal government program that provides dental coverage for Canadian residents who do not have dental insurance and have a household income of less than $90,000 per year. The plan aims to reduce financial barriers to oral healthcare by offering a subsidy for various dental procedures, with eligible individuals being responsible for a co-payment based on their income level. The CDCP is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the government.

Know Before You Go

Depending on your family’s income, you may need to pay a percentage of the cost. The federal government will only pay a portion of the CDCP fees and you will be responsible for additional charges known as co-payments. This means that for many patients, treatments covered by the CDCP will not be free and only part of the cost of the procedure will be covered. You will have to pay these amounts directly to your dentist, if:

your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999; and
you agree to dental care that the CDCP does not cover

Below is the co-payment breakdown based on adjusted family income.

Adjusted Family Net Income	How much will the CDCP cover	How much you will cover
Lower than $70,000	100% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	0% of the CDCP established fees.
Between $70,000 and $79,999	60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	40% of the CDCP established fees.
Between $80,000 and $89,999	40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	60% of the CDCP established fees.

In addition to the co-payment requirements listed above, many of the established fees covered by the Federal government do not meet the full cost of the dental treatment. The difference will be your responsibility.

Preauthorization required for certain services

Starting November 1, 2024, a wider range of essential treatments, including partial dentures, crowns, and higher levels of sedation became available to CDCP patients through the launch of preauthorization. This expansion offers patients access to more care options.

The preauthorization process means that, while dentists recommend the best treatment based on their expertise, certain procedures need to be approved in advance for them to be covered under the CDCP.

The final decision to provide coverage rests with Sunlife and/or Health Canada. For patients, this process may require an additional waiting period. It’s advisable to discuss potential treatment options with your dentist in advance.

Applying and the CDCP welcome package

Appy online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/ benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html Your CDCP welcome packages may take up to three months to arrive from the time you apply. Your coverage start date will be included in the welcome package and may vary based on when you apply and when your application is processed. This means that you cannot receive care under the program until you have received your CDCP card and the official start date. Appointments can only be scheduled on or after your coverage start date.

Not everyone is eligible for the plan at the same time

The federal government is rolling out the CDCP coverage in stages. Health Canada is using a staggered approach to patients’ eligibility for care based on their registration date and age cohort.

Currently, the CDCP provides coverage for specific groups, including seniors aged 65 and over, children under 18, and adults with a valid federal Disability Tax Credit certificate. Full expansion is planned in 2025, with applications opening to remaining eligible Canadian residents.

Who Qualifies for CDCP

Individuals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) coverage.

No access to a dental plan, meaning:
- no coverage through employer or a family member’s employer benefits; including health and wellness accounts;
- no coverage through pension (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits; or
- no coverage through a purchased plan by yourself or by a family member or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company.
an adjusted annual family net income of less than $90,000;
be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; and
have filed their tax return in the previous year.

Canadian residents who have access to dental benefits through a social program offered by their province or territory and/ or by the federal government will be eligible for the CDCP if they meet all the eligibility criteria.

Patients who decide to opt out of benefits available to them from their employer, school, etc. will be considered by the federal government as someone who has access to dental plan. This means if you decline dental coverage through your/ your spouse’s employment benefits, you will not be eligible for the CDCP.

Is CDCP intended to replace existing insurance coverage

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is not intended to replace existing dental coverage. It is important that Canadians do not drop their existing coverage, as they might not be eligible for the CDCP if they do.

The CDCP is designed to provide coverage for Canadians who do not have an existing dental plan.

The Canada Revenue Agency now requires employers to report on their T4/T4A whether their employees and their families had access to dental plan coverage, including spending and wellness accounts.

Are Individuals with existing coverage through government programs eligible?

If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social program, you can still qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If you meet all the eligibility criteria, your coverage will be coordinated between the plans to ensure there are no duplications or gaps in coverage.

Useful link for more details: www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

By Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner

Aabha Deshpande

We are excited to share the news of Aabha Deshpande’s transition from the position of Security Guard in our Commercial division to the role of Front Desk Coordinator at our North York Office. After working as a Security Guard for ASP for over a year, Aabha was selected for the Front Desk Coordinator position after applying through an internal job posting. This move took place in January 2024, marking her permanent appointment after a successful temporary assignment. In her position, Aabha takes care of receptionist and office administration duties. Her excellent customer service skills and friendly, positive demeanor when dealing with others make her a perfect fit for the position.

Trinh Thai

In 2023, our Finance department happily welcomed Trinh Thai to the team as our Accountant. With a rich background in the accounting field, Trinh seamlessly integrated into ASP and excelled during a particularly busy onboarding phase. Holding a diploma in Business Administration Accountant/Programmer Analyst and a certification as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner, Trinh brings a valuable combination of education and practical expertise to her role. We wish Trinh ongoing success throughout 2024.

Komal Sidhu

We would like to officially introduce and welcome Komal Sidhu, who joined the Finance team in 2023 as our Accounting Supervisor. Komal reports directly to Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance.

As the Accounting Supervisor, Komal’s main responsibility includes the corporate accounting and financial reporting functions. She also works with accounts payable and oversees receivable processing and payroll, while providing support and direction to the team. Komal brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of accounting, and she has made a great contribution to the team since joining us in October. We look forward to witnessing Komal’s positive impact on our organization and appreciate your cooperation in making her feel welcome.

Prayag Vyas

We are delighted to announce the newest addition to our training team at the North York office– Commercial Trainer Prayag Vyas. As a key player in the development of our workforce, Prayag is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, coordinating, and facilitating a comprehensive training and development program tailored to meet the unique needs of ASP. With a strong background in training, he is well-equipped to empower our employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Prayag. We are excited to have him on board, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make in enhancing the capabilities of our team members.

Jasmeen Chalal

Jasmeen Chahal joined ASP in 2023 as a Resource Planner, and she has quickly proven to be an invaluable asset to our organization. Holding a diploma in Community and Justice Services from Mohawk College, she brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the team. Furthermore, her background in security and administration enhances her ability to navigate complex challenges with poise and efficiency. We are confident that her expertise and commitment will continue to contribute significantly to the success of our scheduling and planning functions.

Rushmika Nadan

After years of dedicated service, we are proud to announce the 2023 promotion of Rushmika Nadan from Security Supervisor to Operations Coordinator. Rushmika has been an integral part of our team for an impressive amount of time, and her commitment, dedication, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. As Security Supervisor, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of others.

In her new role as Operations Coordinator, Rushmika takes on a broader scope of responsibilities, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of various administrative and coordination tasks. Her role is instrumental in supporting attendance and performance management objectives, health and safety initiatives, as well as maintaining effective stakeholder communications. Please join us in congratulating Rushmika on this well-deserved promotion.

Satveer Brar

We are delighted to announce the well-deserved appointment of Satveer Brar to the position of Resource Planner within ASP’s Resource Planning team. Prior to joining the Resource Planning team, Satveer spent six months working as a Security Guard in our Commercial division. With a postgraduate Diploma in Business from Cambrian College, she skillfully anticipates operational needs in her role as a planner. We are confident that Satveer will significantly contribute to the success of our Resource Planning team as we continue to evolve.

Muskaan Muskaan

Muskaan Muskaan became an integral part of the ASP team in 2023, bringing her previous expertise as a Resource Planner to our Resource Planning Department. Prior to joining the team at ASP, she had gained valuable experience in both security and scheduling during her tenure at Titan Security.

Muskaan’s background equipped her with a unique skill set, facilitating a seamless transition into her current role. Her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in coordinating schedules make her an asset to the resource planning team, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP of Strategic Initiatives

Security Awareness Week is an annual event held during the second week of February to promote and share good security practices. Security Awareness week is also an excellent opportunity to extend our appreciation to our ASP security employees.

Every day, ASP security personnel help maintain safe and secure workplaces, airports, respite centres, sporting events, cargo facilities, condominiums and communities and provide our clients and their customers with peace of mind. They keep the public safe on a daily basis and are often the first line of defence when it comes to violence, criminal activities, emergency response and public safety threats.

For ASP, security guards, specialists, and canine handlers, situational awareness is paramount, enabling them to assess their environment, identify potential security threats, and swiftly take preventative actions. Staying vigilant and perceptive allows them to respond effectively to security concerns, minimizing risks and maintaining a secure environment for all, including themselves and those they protect. This heightened awareness empowers them to detect unusual activities, potential hazards, or suspicious individuals in real-time, aiding in swift and informed decision-making to prevent security breaches and minimize harm to people and property.

In a world where security is paramount, their role is invaluable, and I want to personally thank all our security officers for their hard work and dedication. It is not always easy, but it is vitally important and appreciated.

In addition, as International Security Officer Day is celebrated on July 24th (07/24), a date which reflects the 24/7 nature of security work, I would like to encourage all ASP team members to recognize the contributions of their colleagues in security by sharing some stories and/or photos for our summer newsletter.

By HR Department

The purpose of this article is to inform all employees with an Ontario Security Licence of significant changes regarding the application and renewal process. If you hold a Security Licence in Ontario, you should have already received this information directly from Private Security and Investigative Services Branch(PSISB) to your personal email address. Please ensure that you have read the email. Commencing February 18,2024, the PSISB will no longer directly conduct police background checks as a component of the licensing and renewal process – new applications and renewals must include a Police Record Check (PRC) attached to their application, whether submitted online or via mail.

What You Need to Know: Key Points

Requirement for Police Record Check (PRC): As of February 18, 2024, all new applicants and those seeking license renewals must provide a valid Police Record Check with their application. This check, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, must be obtained directly by the applicant at their own cost and should not be older than six months. Options for obtaining Police Record Checks include local police services or authorized providers like Triton Canada: https://www.tritoncanada.ca/online-police-checks/
Submission Deadline for Renewals: To avoid disruptions to licensing status, Police Record Checks must be submitted along with renewal applications before the licence expires. Digital copies will be accepted for online applications, while physical copies are required for mail submissions.
Temporary Online Portal Closure: Please be aware that the PSISB online licensing portal will be closed for maintenance from February 18 to February 26. Any new license applications or renewals during this period must be mailed to Service Ontario.

Service Ontario

Occupational Licensing Services Office P.O. Box 4500 Kingston, Ontario, K7L 0E1

Online Portal Access: After February 26, 2024, new licence applications and renewals may resume being made online. They will continue to require a valid Police Record Check. The online portal can be accessed at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/private-security-and-investigative-services
Support from ASP: We will attempt to send you an email to your personal email address 60 days in advance of your licence expiration as a reminder to initiate the Police Record Check and the Security License renewal process. You will also receive emails from PSISB directly regarding upcoming expiries and any further process changes.
Physical Licences: Physical licences are no longer issued by the PSISB. As of September 30, 2023, licences became digital-only. Any staff with pending renewal requests should not expect to receive a physical licence. The digital copy will be emailed to you by the PSISB if your application is successful, and it must always be accessible while on duty as a Security Guard. ON e-Key is no longer available for access. If you previously logged into your Service Ontario Account using ON e-Key, you will need to migrate your account over to My Ontario Account by creating or using an existing My Ontario Account and selecting “yes” when prompted about migration. If you do not have a previous ON e-Key account, you can create a new My Ontario Account to access Service Ontario Account services. For more help setting up your account, please refer to the My Ontario Account help guide.

Please note, it may take up to two weeks to process a Police Background Check and up to one month to process a Security Licence renewal, so applications should be made immediately once a reminder is received.

Should you have any immediate questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your manager:

TPIA
Noman Butt – nbutt@security-asp.com or Ramakrishna Malkapuram –rmalkapuram@security-asp.com
Respite Centres
Kat Szumacher – szumacher@security-asp.com
City of Vaughan
Shine Mathew – smathew@security-asp.com
Residential and Commercial
Sarah Miller – smiller@security-asp.com
K9 Operations
Bradley MacRae – bmacrae@security-asp.com

A valid Security Licence is a prerequisite for your position at ASP, making it crucial to stay informed about these changes. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your prompt compliance with the new licensing requirements.

Your cooperation is essential for ensuring that our security measures align with the latest regulatory standards.

By Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Coordinator

The RES/CIC division was honoured to present the Respite Employee Choice Award for 2023. The best employees in each category were selected by guards via survey. Congratulations to all our winners and a big thank you to the guards who participated in the survey.

Best Respite Rapid Response –
Saikrishna Penjarla — Best Respite Rapid Response – Saikrishna Penjarla

Best Respite Supervisor – Komaldeep Kaur
(Award distribution picture – Ops Manger Kat Szumacher, Komaldeep
Kaur, Dixon Hall Team lead – Praneeth De Silva)

Best Mobile Patrol Supervisor – Manish Munukuntla
(Award distribution picture – Ops Manger Kat Szumacher
and Manish Munukuntla)

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP Strategic Initiatives

Offering outstanding customer service is ASP’s key differentiator and what enables us to not only retain existing clients, but also attract new clients. Our customers are the lifeblood of our business, so it’s crucial that they always feel valued, assisted, listened to, and confident when they interact with us.

Our reputation precedes us. The better our business reputation, the higher our existing customers will think of us and (perhaps just as importantly) the more other clients will want to work with us — both of which are incredibly important for retaining clients and growing our business.

In today’s competition-driven marketplace, our focus must be on our customers and each of you is crucial to achieving this goal.

Front-line employees are the face and brand ambassadors of both ASP and our clients – it is our employees who make sure the job gets done on time and above expectations. They interact with customers every day and each interaction reflect the value, culture and vision of the company.

Employees impact the business environment through the ways in which they interact with each other as well as how they respond to customers.

Sometimes, employees interact with each other in the presence of clients. If they are helping each other to meet customer needs, they are creating a positive image; if, however they are bickering or acting territorial on the floor, they are fostering a negative image of the company.

To deliver exceptional value and service, employees must be committed, motivated, and inspired to serve and support our clients and their customers.

Understanding how to become and maintain a customer- oriented mindset can help us establish a brand as an industry leader for quality and service.

It is important that every employee understands how valuable their role is in relation to customer service and client retention, which is of great importance to both the present and future of the company.

Simply put, motivated, and engaged employees create satisfied customers. When we commit to going above and beyond for our customers, three things will happen:

Here are some tips:

Always maintain a professional, polite, friendly, and helpful demeanor
Project a professional image and adhere to uniform policy and/or dress code
Make every effort to exceed client/customer expectations
Follow Post Orders and Standard Operating Procedures
Build rapport with customers which can help to anticipate their needs and preferences
Put yourself in the customer’s shoes – actively listen, empathize with each customer’s unique situation and needs
Smile, greet/welcome, maintain eye contact and assist
Communicate effectively – transmit clear and concise information – answer questions, address issues, describe services and provide direction or guidance
Pay close attention to your tone, volume, and manner of speaking
Pay attention to your body language – gestures, facial expressions and posture can make an impression e.g., if you stand by the entrance in a hunched position and a wrinkled brow, it may give the impression you are unalert or lazy. But if you are standing straight, with alertness in your eyes, politely smiling upon entrance, it would suggest that you are approachable and aware of your surroundings simultaneously. See the difference?
Be supportive of other team members
Resolve tension or issues and create positive solutions by using effective conflict resolution skills
They will become more loyal because they know that we care about their business
They will become champions for ASP within their organization
Most importantly, they will share their experience with their colleagues and friends

By Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner

It’s that time of the year when we come together to reflect on our collective journey and take a closer look at how we can make our workplace even better. We’re excited to share the results of our recent Employee Satisfaction Survey, which truly reflects the pulse of our organization. First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who took the time to participate in the survey. Your input is invaluable, and your voices matter. This year, we achieved a significant milestone – our response rate increased by an impressive 12% compared to the previous year. This increase in participation demonstrates the strength of our commitment to continuous improvement. Now, let’s delve into the results.

Overall Satisfaction:

While the increased participation rate is a testament to our collective dedication to making ASP the best place to work, it is important to acknowledge that our overall happiness rating experienced a slight decrease of 2% from 2022.

As you can see from the infographic, our rating of 86% still surpassed ASP’s benchmark of 80%. However, we want to assure you that we are taking this decline seriously, and your leadership team is committed to addressing any concerns or issues that may have contributed to this decline. Your feedback is instrumental in guiding us on the path to improvement.

Recognition:

On a positive note, there was a slight increase in the number of employees who reported feeling recognized for their hard work and contributions. This is encouraging news, and it reaffirms our belief in the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of our dedicated team members. We are committed to building upon this foundation and ensuring that recognition remains a cornerstone of our culture.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

One of the highlights of this year’s survey results is the significant increase in employees feeling that ASP fosters an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are thrilled to announce an 8% rise in this category. This demonstrates that our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive workplace are making a positive impact. However, we understand that there is still work to be done to ensure that every member of our team feels fully supported and included.

Analyzing Team Results

In our commitment to continuous improvement, our leadership team is not only looking at the overall survey results, but also taking a deep dive into the data specific to their individual teams. This personalized approach allows our leaders to gain insights into the unique dynamics and challenges within their respective departments. By carefully analyzing the comments and ratings received, they are identifying key areas of focus that will help address concerns and amplify strengths. This hands-on approach ensures that we are not only making company- wide improvements but also tailoring our efforts to the specific needs and aspirations of each team. Your leaders are actively engaging in this process because they recognize that your feedback is instrumental in shaping the future of our organization. We believe that this targeted approach will lead to more meaningful and impactful changes, ultimately enhancing the work experience for everyone at ASP.

Your feedback serves as our compass, guiding us toward initiatives and improvements that will enhance our workplace experience. We are committed to engaging in open dialogues, implementing necessary changes, and fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued. Once again, thank you for your active participation in the survey. Together, we will continue to make ASP a place where each and every one of us can thrive.

If you have any questions or would like to share additional feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to asphr@security-asp.com

By Sarah Jessop, HR Business Partner

At ASP, we value and recognize the diverse religious beliefs of our employees. The world’s rich diversity is reflected in the observances that are celebrated and recognized by our ASP employees. Knowledge of the following holidays and celebrations can enhance our workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Throughout the months of October, November, and December, a variety of religious holidays, festivals, observances, and spiritual commemorations took place.

These events were celebrated and observed by many of us, so it is important that we recognize and respect each one of them.

We have compiled a list below of the many important religious events that took place throughout the last few months. We encourage you to review this list to learn more about some of the significant celebrations and observances that are meaningful to your colleagues and friends. Let’s celebrate diversity, together.

October 2022

October 4: Yom Kippur
A Jewish day of atonement to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God.

October 5: Dussehra
Dussehra means ‘the tenth’ and celebrates the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon Ravan who stole his wife Sita. The great Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana, is read and enacted. A big effigy of Ravan is burnt accompanied by fireworks. In Nepal it is called Dashain, and it is a major holiday.

October 9: Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi
Anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslims mark this occasion by special prayers, whilst other Muslims may mark the occasion by dedicating more time to reading the Koran.

October 9 – 16: Sukkot
A day in the Jewish faith that remembers when the Jews journeyed to the desert on the way to the promised land.

October 13: Karva Chauth
A one-day fast kept by married Hindu women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The husbands feed the first bite to their wives only after they see the moon.

October 18: Birthday of the Bab
A day honoring the birthday of God’s messenger in the Baha’i faith.

October 19: Birth of Baha’u’llah
A day honoring the birthday of the prophet-founding of the Baha’i faith.

October 24: Diwali
A 5-day festival of light that combines several different festivals in honor of gods, goddesses, harvests, new year’s, etc. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.

November 2022

November 1: Samhain
A festival in the Pagan and Wiccan religions that marks the end of the harvest season.

November 1: All Saints Day
Also known as Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, this day honors the saints who have attained heaven in the Christian faith.

November 4: Qudrat (13th Month)
The first day of the thirteenth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Quadrat (Arabic) is Power.

November 8: Birthday of Guru Nanak Ji
A day honoring the birth of the founder of Sikhism.

November 8: Lokashah Jayanti
This day commemorates the birth of a famous 15th century reformer, Lonka Saha, who opposed temple worship and use of images.

November 18: Day of Covenant
The eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, referred to this day as the ‘Centre of the Covenant’ which was established to safeguard the unity of the community.

November 22: Qawl (14th Month)
The first day of the fourteenth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Qawl (Arabic) is Speech.

November 24: Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur
This day commemorates his martyrdom (1621-1675). He was the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus and executed in Delhi by the Mughal emperor.

He died for the Sikh faith and also for religious liberty.

November 27: First Sunday of Advent
The Christian church year begins with Advent (from the Latin adventus meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’) which is also a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

November 30: Feast of St. Andrew
A day honoring the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania in the Roman Catholic Church.

December 2022

December 6: St. Nicholas Day
He is the patron saint of Russia, who came from a town in Turkey. Being known as a protector of children, the tradition of leaving shoes out in the hopes of receiving treats is practiced in the Dutch, German and, Eastern European communities.

December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
A feast day celebrated by Roman Catholics that celebrate Mary’s conception without original sin.

December 8: Bodhi Day
In Japanese Zen, Bodhi Day is called “Rohatsu” and is the observance of enlightenment of the historical Buddha. Zen monasteries observe this day with a meditation retreat lasting several days.

On the last night of Rohatsu sesshin, monks and students often sit in meditation until dawn, as the Buddha did 25 centuries ago.

December 11: Masá’il (15th Month)
The first day of the fifteenth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Masá’il (Arabic) is Questions.

December 18 – 26: Hanukkah
The 8-day celebration of the “Festival of Lights” that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

December 21: Yule
A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that begins at sundown at the winter solstice.

December 25: Christmas
This day celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth over 2000 years ago. Customs include lighting candles, exchanging gifts, and using evergreen decorations to celebrate this day, the most widely observed Christian festival of the year. In most communities it is a family day.

December 26: Kwanzaa
A professor who wanted to encourage African Americans to celebrate their heritage started Kwanzaa’s in California in 1966. Kwanzaa means first fruit in Swahili and is a harvest festival.

Families exchange gifts and have African-style feasts. Seven-pronged candleholders are lit on each consecutive night for the seven principles: unity, self-determination, working together, sharing, purpose, creativity and faith. The celebration continues till January 1.

December 26: The Feast of St. Stephen
Also called Boxing Day, this day commemorates the life of a saint known for his service to the poor who became the first Christian martyr.

December 30: Sharaf (16th Month)
The first day of the sixteenth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Sharaf (Arabic) is Honour.

Do you feel we have missed anything? Let us know! Contact our Diversity and Inclusion committee at
inclusive@security-asp.com

By Sarah Jessop, HR Business Partner

On September 30, 2022, Canadian’s recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday which was established to honour those who were impacted by Canada’s residential school system. The purpose of this day is to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The Truth

As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is all about honouring the truth, it is important to recognize the abhorrent residential school system that operated within Canada from 1831 – 1998. Throughout this time, 140 federally run residential schools were created for the sole purpose of indoctrinating indigenous children into a Euro-Christian way of life. This cultural genocide was put in place because the Canadian government wished to deny itself of its legal and financial obligations to Aboriginal people and gain control over their land and resources.

Under the leadership of Sir John. A. McDonald, Indigenous children were ripped away from their families to eliminate all ties to their culture. Upon arrival at the school, children were separated from their siblings and forced to strip out of their own clothing.

They were then made to wear westernized uniforms that were poor in quality and not at all suited to Canada’s weather conditions.

After joining the schools, extreme neglect and abuse became a part of everyday life for these children. They were prohibited from speaking their own languages, and they were physically punished, isolated and humiliated if they misunderstood staff directions. A lack of Supervision created situations where students became prey to abuse, and laborious chores took precedence over learning. Poorly built and maintained buildings contributed to the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, and many innocent children died because of this blatant disregard for human life.

Reconciliation

By establishing the long overdue National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021, our government took the first step in recognizing that this is an issue that all Canadians need to recognize and address. Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian, and it is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. For us to support this mutually respectful relationship, we must be aware of our past, acknowledge the harm that has been inflicted, and make positive actions to change the future.

Wearing Orange

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also known as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led day of commemoration which honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. The orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. The symbol directly relates to the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation who was forced to remove her orange shirt on her first day at a residential school.

Many of our ASP employees took part in Orange Shirt Day as part of this commemoration. Below are the photos that you submitted to show your support. Thank you to all those who participated!