Security Matters. (TM)
By Mary Christidis, Operations Manager
I would like to recognize the entire OSR team for their unwavering support for one and another during these c hallenging times and never losing focus of our purpose in providing our client and passengers with outstanding Customer Service every single day. This could only be achieved through teamwork and commitment to one another.
By Paul Parkinson, Director - Finance
Reminder that if you wish to have your vacation accrual paid outside of the regular May and November payout, your request must be made by no later than the Friday before the payday. Just send an email to aspaccounting@security-asp.com. This is so the team has enough time to get it processed along with the regular pay. If your request is after this cut-off, then it will be processed on the following pay.
To better serve the employees and avoid potential payroll errors, we ask employees to check their online portal to ensure that the hours worked are properly reflected in the scheduling system. If you see something wrong, bring it up to your supervisor or manager immediately. Getting this fixed before payroll starts processing will avoid the need to rerun your pay stub and prevent frustration.
When you started working for ASP you should have received a welcome email or package explaining how to access the portal. If you do have an error in the number of hours you were paid, you will need to reach out to your supervisor or manager to discuss so they can get the correction made.
“ we ask employees to check their online portal ensure the hours worked are properly reflected”
By Cliff Sampogna, Director Operations RES/CIC
I have had the pleasure to be with ASP Security for more than 6 years. Over this time, I have watched this organization grow immensely from our modest roots to the large company we are today.
Sometimes, when companies go through this type of growth, they forget how they got to this point. It is important to note that we are where we are today in this industry because of our dedicated employees who believe in our company culture and vision.
As I reflect on the last 6 years, I am always proud of the fact that no one within the ASP family has forgotten about our humble roots and continue to live and breathe the company’s vision as we continue to move forward.
Part of this process is that we always have an open-door policy for all our family in the field, especially during the unprecedented times due to COVID-19. It is extremely important that we are always available to our people out in the field so that they continually have the highest level of support when needed.
Without the dedication of our employees, we would not have the opportunity to grow and continue doing what we love.
I wanted to remind everyone that we have a full open-door policy and if there is a time that you would like to speak to your manager or would like to provide us with any feedback, ideas on how we can be better or even just want to talk, you can call us anytime. I look forward to having many more conversations with all of you in the future.
“ we always have an open-door policy for all our family in the field”
By Jason White, Technical Writer
The Communications Corner is an ongoing series of tips, tricks, and best practices for writing, creating PowerPoints and decks as well as the theories and best practices to be an effective communicator. Each time, we will look at a key aspect of communications. This week, it is writing effective emails.
We want our ASP family to understand that each call we These days, many of us are overloaded with emails – whether we are writing or reading them. And we all know the frustration of getting an email that is so confusing and convoluted it creates a chain reaction of more emails. None of us need this.
Good business emails are to the point, easy to understand, and give your audience the information they need. To write those great emails, start with the subject line. I like to assume that the person I am writing gets hundreds of emails a day. Imagine getting all those emails with subject lines that are one word or do not relate to the body of the email!
The subject line prepares your reader for the body of the email, and it should give a hint about why you are sending the message. If the email is about something in the future, I like to include that date in the subject line. For example, a good subject line about asking for time-off is “Vacation request– July 5-6, 2021”. In this example, a bad subject line would be “Away” because it could be about someone who is away from their post, which requires immediate attention. Think of how the read would feel if an email hits their inbox with the subject line “Away”.
In the body of the email, I like to clearly state the reason for the message and use bullets if I am covering many items. If the email is an update or instructions, I write one or two short sentences explaining the situation and then write “Please note:” before the bullets. For example:
Email overload in the workplace is often a fact of life, and this will not change anytime soon as businesses continue to rely on tool more and more to communicate both internally and externally. However, using email effectively can help you standout, be appreciated by your colleagues, and most importantly, be an effective communicator!
A few final tips:
• Imagine you are getting the email (don’t over communicate)
• Make subject lines informative and relevant
• Keep messages clear and brief
• Be polite
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
“Good business emails are to the point, easy to understand and give your audience the information they need. ”
By Neeru Panjwani, Human Resources Manager
It is our pleasure to introduce and welcome the following new members in our team. Please join us in providing a warm ASP welcome to all the new members. We are proud to have you all as part of our team.
Matthew joined us in March 2021 as Interim Operations Manager – Calgary Airport. Matthew takes over Ms. Elizabeth Warwick’s position and role as Elizabeth left for her Maternity Leave.
Matthew has over 6 years’ experience in the Security Industry where he has previously worked with ASP as well as Gardaworld and G4S in various management positions. He has successfully completed the Police Foundations Course from Humber College. His experience in managing day to day large scale security operations, Client Management, Forecasting and Scheduling of frontline staff will be a definite asset and a good fit for the ASP family.
Our Resource Planning team is expanding! Natalie, Nathalie, Love, Harjinder and Melissa joined our resource planning team as Planners.
Harjinder has extensive security experience as she has worked as a Security Guard as well as a scheduler with GardaWorld for over three years.
Love has completed her post-graduate from the University of South of Wales, UK. Prior to joining ASP, Love worked as a Customer Care Associate addressing and resolving customer needs.
Nathalie has over 9 years of customer service / sales experience. She built and maintained customer relationships, managed their complaints and took ownership of their account.
Natalie has worked largely in the retail industry managing stores like RONA and Mastermind Toys. While being responsible for entire store operation, her focus was on delivering exceptional customer experience at all times.
Melissa is a homecoming employee who worked at ASP and supported the HR department extensively last year as an administrative support. She is now joining us as a planner and will support the scheduling team. Her extensive experience and skills will be surely instrumental in the growth of the newly acquired FedEx Canine Contract.
“Matthew has over 6 years’ experience in the security industry”
“Our Resource Planning team is expanding!
Please welcome the new members to our team.”
At ASP, we value and recognize the diverse religious beliefs of our employees. The world is rich in diversity and so is our workforce which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures. Knowledge of the following diversity holidays and celebrations can enhance our workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Throughout the months of April, May, and June, 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 and every one of them.
We have compiled a list below of the many important religious events that took place throughout April, May, and June. 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.
• April 1: Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the Christian holiday commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the Crucifixion. It is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter.
• April 2: Good Friday, a day celebrated by Christians to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is recognized on the Friday before Easter.
• April 4: Easter, a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’ return from death after the Crucifixion.
• April 12 – May 11 (sundown to sundown): Ramadan, an Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer and devotion to Islam.
• April 14: Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi), the celebration of the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated) and the birth of the Khalsa.
• April 20 – May 1: The Festival of Ridvan, a holiday celebrated by those of the Bahá’í faith, commemorating the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder, resided in a garden called Ridvan (paradise) and publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age.
• April 21: Ram Navami, a Hindu day of worship and celebration of the seventh avatar of Vishnu (Lord Rama). Devotees typically wear red and place extravagant flowers on the shrine of the God.
• April 23: St. George’s Day, the feast day of St. George celebrated by various Christian churches.
• April 24: : Lazarus Saturday, a day celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy to commemorate the raising of Lazarus of Bethany.
• April 25: Mahavir Jayanti, a holiday celebrated by the Jains commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira. It is one of the most important religious festivals for Jains.
• April 28: Ninth Day of Ridvan, a festival of joy and unity in the Bahá’í faith to commemorate the reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family, and by extension the unity of the entire human family the Bahá’í faith calls for. It permeates the symbolic meaning of the Ninth Day of Ridvan.
• April 29 – 30 (sundown to sundown): Mahavir Jayanti, a holiday celebrated by the Jains commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira. It is one of the most important religious festivals for Jains.
• April 25: Lag BaOmer, a Jewish holiday marking the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
“we value and recognize the diverse religious beliefs of our employees. ”
Do you feel we have missed anything? Let us know! Contact our Diversity and Inclusion committee at inclusive@security-asp.com.
By Neeru Panjwani, Human Resources Manager
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the amazing country we share today. It is celebrated throughout the month of May every year.
The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2021, “Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve”, embodied the myriad of sentiments that peoples of Asian descent in Canada have experienced and honours their contributions and their diverse stories which are rooted in resilience and perseverance. It is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
At ASP, we held a round table discussion on the topic that was chaired by Ms. Joanna Zhang who works as an Executive Assistant at the GTAA and Ms. Fanny Tran who works at the Billy Bishop airport with ASP. The round table was attended by our employees who came together to share their stories, experiences and their views on being an Asian in Canada and recent uptick in Asian Hate Crime. The conversation was open, informative and needless to say, emotional. There was a huge focus and consensus on the need to educate and groom our next generation in a way that they don’t see the world in a compartmentalized way and stereotype people based on how they look.
How we can fight anti-Asian racism Racism, in any form, is unacceptable and has no place in Canada. It runs counter to the values and spirit of the diverse and inclusive society that we strive to build. It is our collective responsibility to step up, be allies, and stand together against xenophobia, hate fueled by misinformation and all forms of racism including anti-Asian racism.
Here are some ways we can all contribute to tackling anti-Asian racism and building an even better and consciously more inclusive society where everyone is able to participate fully:
• Learn about pan-Asian diversity and the unique identities and cultures that have enriched Canadian society
• Challenge stereotypes and consider how they are rooted in the history of anti-Asian racism
• Show solidarity with Asian communities in Canada, i.e. by supporting local Asian businesses and organizations
• Be an ally – call out acts of racism, discrimination, and micro aggression and actively support those victimized by anti-Asian racism
• Interrupt unconscious biases and consider how they can affect your behaviour and decision-making
As a Canadian of South East Asian descent, I am proud of my culture and beliefs. A hallmark of Asian culture is an emphasis on respect—for elders and superiors, in particular. I consider it a beautiful aspect of Asian culture, but it’s often misconstrued and warped. It’s used as a trope, painting Asians as defenseless and weak. In spite of it, I refuse to let go of my profound sense of identity. Canada is the world’s melting pot that welcomes everyone with open arms. There will always be cultural differences but there are more commonalities than differences. It is truly in seeing the people of all cultures, through their stories and lived experiences, that we are able to expand our understanding of each other and our world views.
It took me a long time to get here, to develop an appreciation for my Asian roots, to be able to call out prejudice when and where I see it. It holds true for many of us who came to this beautiful place to raise our family. We must take the time to celebrate each other, learn about one another and take pride in the part we have all played in Canadian history regardless of our racial, ethnic or religious identity because we are all Canada!
ASP Asian Heritage Month Round Table chaired by
Ms. Joanna Zhang
Executive Assistant, GTAA
Ms. Fanny Tran
OSR – Billy Bishop Airport
June is nationally recognized as Pride Month in Canada, and in many other places around the world. Pride Month is a great time to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) issues, but we must also recognize the fact that the issues the LGBTQ+ community faces don’t go away after Pride Month is over.
Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place in June 1969 in New York City following a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. This series of events was a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community and marks one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement. As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2005 Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the Civil Marriage Act. In 2016 Justin Trudeau became the first sitting Prime Minister to march in the Toronto Pride Parade, and that same year June was officially declared Pride Month in Canada. Although Canada has come a long way, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure everyone is treated equally at work and in life. Pride Month gives our ASP family a reason to continue our focus on workplace diversity and improve our workplace for everyone, not just during Pride month, but all year round.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation and replacement of mass Pride celebrations with innovative virtual events that provide alternative ways for all to feel connected and be safe. Pride Month is a time when people come together to celebrate, honor, and show support for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Even though there will be no parades and concerts this year due to COVID-19, June is still a time to celebrate the lengths we’ve come as a country and to recognize the work that remains to be done for the LGBTQ+ community. In a year that has been marked by so much change, uncertainty, and devastation, it has never been more important to celebrate everything that Pride stands for: self-affirmation, dignity, and equality.
ASP recognizes Pride Month for what it symbolizes in terms of freedom and equality. Pride can, and should, be celebrated by all, even if you identify as straight or aren’t sure how you identify at all! We encourage and urge all of our employees to recognize and celebrate the value of diversity and to use the occasion of Pride Month as yet another an opportunity to build greater solidarity in support of human rights for all.
It is important to celebrate Pride in the workplace and acknowledge and recognize the accomplishments of the gay rights movement and to celebrate our diverse voices. It is always the right time to focus on diversity and inclusion and make our workplace a more welcoming environment. For our LGBTQ+ employees, inclusion can mean the difference between feeling understood and feeling excluded.
Here are some actions you can take to help create equality for LGBTQ in both the workplace and in your personal life:
At ASP, we are committed to a culture of belonging where diverse individuals can form a genuine community. Pride Month is an opportunity for ASP and our people to demonstrate that purpose and inclusion. We have an opportunity to transform the places we work in. Through dialogue, education and thought leadership we can build a workplace that celebrates all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identify, and sexual orientation and create safe and inclusive workplace. Together we can role model kindness and inclusion in the workplace and in our everyday life. Will you make that commitment today?
It is extremely important to take the time on your “off hours” and enjoy the little things in life. No person can work 24/7 forever and it is highly recommended that you take much needed time to recharge when you are not at work. Below is a list of a few beautiful locations to assist with recharging and “enjoying the little things”. Please do not let yourself get burnt out. Take the time to go for a walk and do some outdoor activities whenever possible. You need to recharge to be the best version of yourself.
Toronto – 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Beautiful scenery with a Zoo inside, several lovely parks, and a multitude of different things to explore.
Orangeville – 673067 Hurontario St, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Y9
Hike over multiple bridges and islands on the lake.
Brampton – 10302 Heart Lake Rd, Brampton, ON L6Z 0B4
A beautiful location, south of the Heart Lake Conservation Area.
White spruce is home to a Dog Park, Hiking Trails, Volleyball nets, and a Disc Golf Course.
It is extremely important to take the time on your “off hours” and enjoy the little things in life.
By Asad Abbas, RES/CIC Operations Manager
It is important to recognize this COVID-19 fatigue and understand what we can do for our employees to help. The CIC/RES Division organized the “Mango Party” for its office staff on Friday 4th June 2021. The objective of the party was to add fun in the routine life and enjoy the delicious taste of Pakistani Mangoes. Jasmine Khimany, our Human Resources Manager, was instrumental in the organization of this event. We requested that everyone in the office wear yellow, green, or orange on this day.
To make this activity fun, participants were required to participate in different games. The first game played was “Mango Trivia” through Kahoot. Alyssa Rizzo was exceptional in this game and was declared the winner. The second game played was Mango Presentation. In this game we learned there are several ways to cut a mango. At the end of our game Shakerah Bennett was the winner!
“At this point in the pandemic, people are tired of being cooped up due to restrictions”
The third game was “Fast Mango Eating Competition”. In this game each participant had a mango in front of them and had to peel the mango and eat it as quickly as possible. Amy came out as our winner, but it was a close call between her and Cliff Sampogna.
The last event of the Mango Party was the “Lucky Draws’ where participants had a chance to win a $25 gift card. Mike Moledzki was the lucky draw and opted to give his gift to the newest member of the team Tasiyah.
The RES/CIC division also created a “Social Committee”. This committee will ensure that events like the Mango Party will continue to ensure better moral and employee engagement.