By Laurel Woodhouse, Manager, Health and Safet

What Should You Know When Buying Footwear for Work?

Good footwear should have the following qualities:

  • The shoe must grip the heel firmly.
  • The forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes.
  • The shoe must have a fastening across the instep to prevent the foot from slipping when walking.
  • The heel should be not more than 60 mm (about 2.5 inches), and the heel should not be lower than the ball of the foot. (From CSA Z195:14 (R2019) Protective footwear)

People buying footwear for work should take the following advice:

  • Do not expect that footwear which is too tight will stretch with wear.
  • Have both feet measured when buying shoes? Feet normally differ in size. • Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot.
  • Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size. • Ask a doctor’s advice if properly fitting shoes are not available.
  • Consider using shock-absorbing insoles where the job requires walking or standing on hard floors.

When selecting footwear, one should remember that tight socks or stockings can cramp the toes as much as poorly fitted shoes. Wrinkled socks, or socks that are too large or too small, can cause blisters. White woollen or cotton socks may be recommended since coloured socks cause skin allergies in some people.

Type of Footwear Appropriate for Cold Conditions

Selection should be made to suit the specific working condition. Working outdoors in cold weather poses a special requirement on selecting the proper footwear. “Normal” protective footwear is not designed for cold weather. “Insulated” footwear may give little temperature protection in the sole if it has no insulation there. Loss of heat through steel toe caps (commonly blamed for increased heat loss) is insignificant.

Foot protection against cold weather can be resolved by:

  • Insulating the legs by wearing thermal undergarments.
  • Wearing insulating overshoes over work footwear.
  • Wearing insulating muffs around the ankles and over the top of the footwear

How to care for your feet?

  • Feet are subject to a great variety of skin and toenail disorders. Workers can avoid many of them by following simple rules of foot care:
  • Wash feet daily with soap, rinse thoroughly and dry, especially between the toes.
  • Trim toenails straight across and not too short. Do not cut into the corners.

Wear clean socks or stockings and change them daily.

Some feet sweat more than others and are more prone to athlete’s foot. Again, following a few simple guidelines may help:

  • Select shoes made of leather or canvas – not synthetic materials.
  • Keep several pairs of shoes on hand and rotate shoes daily to allow them to air out.
  • Use foot powder.

If problems persist, see a doctor or health care specialist. In cases of persisting ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, fungal infection, and more serious conditions such as flat feet and arthritis, see a doctor and follow the doctor’s advice


By Russ Fox, Master Trainer, Canine

In the past couple of months K9s Roef (Malinois) and Zsoti (GSD), along with handlers Chris and Courtney underwent the first ever Transport Canada and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections for A.S.P. Incorporated at FedEx Canada. The inspection was to view how our K9s operated in the fields that they were tested in palletized and non-palletized cargo.

We (the handlers) were tested on our understanding of the legislation Explosives Detection Dog Handler Teams Security Measures (EDDHTSM), as well as how well we interpret change of behaviour in our dogs when they identify explosive odours.

With us having worked operationally since May and having understood what the legislation requires of us to do, we were able to exceed standards and pass our inspections.

The knowledge we attained from the inspection was passed on, in hopes that other locations would follow in these footsteps and continue to show Transport Canada and our future potential clients our units high standards for performance and compliance. With peak season among us, things have been ramping up here in Ottawa. Our shifts always begin with screening auto parts, and we then move on to screening cargo for international and economy flights. How we screen in a tandem has not changed, as we have devised a process that works to include ample searching time with good amount of rest. The location in which we operate out of is very dog friendly and dog oriented as the phrase “we’ll do anything for the dog” can be heard in the many conversations that we’ve had with FedEx employees. We occasionally must add in a joking manner “what about us” just to make sure they don’t forget about the handlers.

The phrase “we’ll do anything for the dog” can be heard in the many conversations that we’ve had with FedEx employees”.


I would like to start by addressing our current staffing issues at YYC. 2021 has been a challenging year, and although we have been actively recruiting since the summer, we could not have anticipated the unusually long wait times for TC clearances. We currently have over 20 individuals who have been hired but cannot train because they do not yet have clearance. This has led to many issues but because of the great teamwork we have here, everyone worked together, and we were able to get through this difficult time. TC clearances have finally started coming through and we should start to see more staff soon.

As a result, I want to thank each one of you for the hard work you’ve put in over the last 6 months. Many of you have been reassigned while on shift, assisted in covering breaks or asked to complete work you do. Many of you have also been working so much overtime that I don’t think you ever leave work. If this was any other team, I don’t think we would have been able to make it through this tough time. Secondly, I would like to discuss supervision at YYC. Our contract was recently extended and as part of that extension, a change was made in the supervisor structure.

Thank you again to everyone for working as a team and stepping up when it was needed. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.

While we previously had an ITB and DTB Supervisor, a decision was made to have one Terminal Supervisor and one Airside Supervisor. This will increase supervision on the airside and will better help structure our team. We have lost of few supervisors over the last few months and have been using backup Supervisors ever since. Part of the reason for not filling these positions sooner was because of this structural change to the team. Now that the contract has been signed, we are actively recruiting new supervisors and they will be on the floor soon.

The supervisors will go through an enhanced training program meant to better develop their interpersonal skills and ensure better communication with staff. I believe this training will make a great difference and will benefit all staff. Thank you again for all the hard work, everyone is proud of everything this team has accomplished and what we all know we will accomplish in the future.

2021 has been a very difficult year but if we made it through this there’s no reason we can’t make it through any other challenges, especially once this pandemic has ended.


By Garinder Grewal, Senior Operations Manage

We are thrilled to know that another deserving ASP employee, Mohammad Kabir received an Eye on Safety award nomination from the GTAA. Early on the morning of 09 NOV21 at 0232L an elderly male took the escalator going up to Level 3, and as the escalator began the incline up the male fell backwards hitting his head on landing. Mr. Mohammad Kabir was in the area, stopped the escalator, and called it in. He stayed with the passenger until emergency responders arrived. By Mr. Kabir’s quick action, he may have prevented the passenger from sustaining more serious or further injuries.


By Noman Butt, Manager, Client Support

Karl joined ASP after a 36-year career in Bell Canada of which 17 were spent in a managerial capacity. He initially started his security career with the Commissioners at YSB and transitioned over to ASP in 2020. Karl worked his way up from Guard to a Lead Guard, then was promoted to acting supervisor in early November. Karl was promoted to the position of Site Security Manager at Sudbury Airport effective December 1, 2021. Karl will be responsible for operations management, employee management, client, and customer relations at YSB. Karl would like to thank everyone who supported and accommodated the onboarding training for him on short notice. Please join me in congratulating Karl and wish him all the best in his new role


By Angus Wilson, Director Aviation

With the holiday season upon us, we have had a busy quarter and some great work being done by our ASP team in Aviation Security.

Pearson Airport Security

Below are some of the post updates for the last quarter for 2021:

  • G172C opened 24/7
  • FA3022 opened for 16 hours a day
  • NPSV tunnel opened for 8 hours a day
  • L262 reopened to pre-covid hours
  • FD3078 post hours extended to pre-covid hours
  • FC3057 hours extended to 16 hours a day
  • To support the T1 west bridge specialist guards, the T1 level 4 west bridge position was added

Upcoming Changes:

  • NPSV ASIG opening for 8 hours
  • T1 Door Patrol A position to be reinstated
  • Face mask positions to now be 24/7 operations and 7 additional positions are to be added

Additional Updates

  • With many of the posts being reopened or hours extending, most of the schedules in the shift bid have been updated
  • Kenaidan successfully finished the Sectorization project in T1 and the entire Kenaidan team was very appreciative of the support and the services they received from ASP
  • This year’s runway project was a success, thank you to all the employees who went out of their way to support ASP and the GTAA with this project

Calgary Airport Security

  • The Contract with ASP has been renewed for another year, thank you to all the team for your dedication and hard work
  • We have been successful in gaining a new position to carry out fire extinguisher and first aid kit inspections
  • NPS-A is still closed; no confirmed date as to when this will reopen yet
  • We are looking for Supervisors, the positions have been posted, please apply if you wish to be considered for this position
  • Have been actively recruiting since June to increase our staff numbers in the operation. Please remember we have a referral bonus scheme for anyone that is referred, and the bonus will be paid out as soon as they have completed their training

Sudbury Airport Security

  • A townhall meeting was held by ASP to discuss several items with employees
  • We created a continental shift in collaboration with the ASP team
  • We had a vacancy for a supervisor. Karl Katzur was appointed as an interim supervisor to support the operation. Karl demonstrated great leadership, dedication and support to the ASP team and was soon promoted and appointed as the Contract Security Manager. Congratulations and well-done Karl

I would like to thank each ASP employee for their hard work and continued dedication in providing the exemplary service ASP is known for. I would like to wish everyone well for the Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year


By Angus Wilson, Director Aviation

On behalf of ASP, I want to thank Garinder for being part of the ASP family for 15 years. Garinder started with ASP in November 2006 as a casual guard, worked in T3 at Duty-free and Air India flights. He also worked at various posts in terminal and airside. Garinder proved himself and was promoted to acting supervisor for Air India and Caribbean airline. After a period, he became a permanent Airline Supervisor and Cargo Screener.

A few years later once Air India stopped operations from YYZ, Garinder was moved to Billy Bishop Airport as full-time supervisor. From Billy Bishop airport, he came back to Pearson Airport as an airside and terminal supervisor. In 2013, Garinder was promoted to Service delivery manager for adhoc services and in 2016 promoted to Services Delivery Manager for terminal access control contract. In 2018, he took charge of the specialist contract and in 2019 his title was changed to Operation Manager. In 2021 Garinder was promoted to Senior Operations Manager, due to his dedication, focus and exemplary service delivery not only to the ASP employees, but also to the GTAA. Obviously, reaching this milestone is an exceptional occasion.

It is also a special occasion for ASP as it is a testament to Garinder’s loyalty to ASP over the years. Garinder is a valued member of our family, and his continued contributions are vital for ASP to continue to succeed in fulfilling our mission, vision and stated values Garinder, symbolizes everything we stand for, and we are happy that he has chosen to make ASP an integral part of his professional journey. I am honored to have Garinder in our legacy and would like to express my gratitude for going the extra mile each time he has been called. Once again, Garinder, thank you for your hard work and dedication. We look forward to your continued contributions and a bright and prosperous future together.


By Debbie Ciccotelli, Vice President, Strategic Innitiative

As ASP’s workforce is culturally diverse, it is important that we ensure inclusivity while maintaining the importance of religious holidays to those who celebrate them. As we celebrate the season, it’s easy to assume that everyone celebrates the same way we do. As we interact with people in our workplace and community, it is important to learn how others celebrate the season. By learning about our differences, we get closer to one other and get opportunities for exciting real life lessons in geography, culture, history, and religion. It’s true that holiday traditions around the world have much in common, especially as cultures mix and influence one another in our globally connected world. Yet there is also rich diversity in celebrations and traditions old and new. The season’s meaning becomes broader and more vivid as it expands to include more cultures and traditions. Did you know that people celebrate more than Christmas during the holiday season in Canada? By holiday season I mean the period starting from fall to early January. Well, I say, the more the merrier! Here are other celebrations this season you may want to know more about:

Diwali (Hindu)

Although Diwali is celebrated a bit earlier in the year in October or November (exact dates depend on the moon cycle). This year Diwali was celebrated on November 4th; it is considered an autumn and winter holiday by many of those who observe it. Diwali is considered the festival of lights, is India’s biggest holiday, and is celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world. It is a five-day holiday of lights. That celebrates the victory of light over darkness or the triumph of good over evil. Hindus also take advantage of this period to contemplate and dispel the darkness of ignorance. As a symbolic gesture, they display diyas which are small clay oil lamps or candle holders

Bodhi Day (Buddhist) In the Buddhist culture, Bodhi Day is a celebration of enlightenment and a day for remembrance, meditation, and chanting. This commemorates the exact moment of Buddha’s awakening (under the peepal tree which is now known as Bodhi). The exact date of celebration varies: Theravada Buddhists use the lunar calendar, Mahayana Buddhists go by the Chinese lunar calendar, while Japan Bodhi Day is set on December 8 every year. At the start of Bodhi day, people decorate a Ficus tree with multi[1]coloured lights strung with beads to symbolize the varied paths to Nirvana (their ultimate state/goal) and signifies that all things are united.

Hanukkah (Jewish)

 Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights that commemorates rededication and purification of the temple after the Jew’s victory over the Greek Syrians in 165 BC. This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from the evening of November 28 to December 6 in 2021. The most well-known symbol of this celebration is the menorah, which is a type of candelabra. One candle is lit each day during Hanukkah. The menorah represents a miracle for the Jewish people. During the battle, the Temple’s candelabrum burned for eight straight days and nights using an amount of oil meant for a single day.

 Winter Solstice (Various Cultures/ Religions) Many cultures all over the world celebrated (and continue to celebrate) winter solstice even before Christmas came to be. In fact, the term Yule was derived from an old European holiday held at the start of the solar year known as the celebration of Light and the Rebirth of the Sun. In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice, falls around December 21. It marks the beginning of winter and the coming of cold, harsh days, but it also marks the beginning of the sun’s return as the days begin gradually to lengthen. Since many so-called Christmas traditions emerged from pagan practices, learning about the winter solstice teaches about history and culture.

Other winter solstice celebrations include:

  • Feast of Juul (Scandinavian) – A pre-Christian festival celebrated in December. On this day, a yule log is burned on the hearth in honor of the Scandinavian god, Thor.
  • Yalda (Persia/Iran) – Also called Shab –e-Yalda, it marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar during ancient times. It commemorates the victory of light over dark and the birth of the sun god Mithra
  • Saturnalia (ancient Roman) – Aside from winter solstice, Saturnalia celebrates the end of the planting season. It was marked by games, feasts, and gift-giving for several days.
  • St. Lucia’s Day (Scandinavian) – On this day, girls dress up in white gowns with red sashes and wreaths of candles on their heads to honor the saint. It is also called the festival of lights as people light up fires to ward off spirits at night.
  • Dong Zhi (Chinese) – Dong Zhi celebrates the end of harvest and the arrival of winter. In the traditional Chinese celestial calendar, this falls between the 21st and 23rd of December. Families gather together to enjoy a feast in celebration.
  • Gody (Poland) – This is the tradition of showing forgiveness and sharing food. It was part of pre[1]Christian winter solstice celebrations.
  • Chaomos (Kalasha, Pakistan) – Kalasha or Kalash Kafir people celebrate for at least seven days. It involves ritual baths for purification, singing and chanting, a torchlight procession, dancing, bonfires, and feasts.
  • St. Thomas Day/Sun God festival (Guatemala) – December 21 is the feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle. Mayan Indians also hold a festival honoring the sun god on this day. It is celebrated with fanfare including colourful parades and the daring flying pole dance in Peru.

Pancha Ganapati (Hindu)

From December 21 – 25, many Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati, and hold a five-day festival in honor of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture and new beginnings. Pancha Ganapati was created in 1985 by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, as a Hindu alternative to December holidays like Christmas. During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, a special sadhana, spiritual discipline, is focused upon by the entire family where they work together to mend past mistakes and bring His blessings of joy and harmony into five realms of their life, and they conclude by extolling one another’s best qualities. Pancha Ganapati includes outings, feasts and exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends, and business associates. A shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in the spirit of this festive occasion. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze statue of Lord Panchamukha (“five-faced”) Ganapati, a form of Ganesha. Any large picture or statue of Ganesha will also do. Each morning the children decorate and dress Him in the colour of that day, representing one of His five rays of energy, or shaktis

Kwanzaa (African)

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday but a celebration of African heritage and culture that eventually ends with a large feast and gift giving. Kwanzaa, which means “First Fruits,” is based on ancient African harvest festivals and celebrates ideals such as family life and unity. It is a seven-day celebration (December 26 to January 1) that features the lighting of the kinara each day, similar to the lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah. Each day is represented by a principle of Kwanzaa: 1st – Umoja (unity), 2nd – kujichagulia (self-determination), 3rd – ujima (collective work and responsibility), 4th – ujamaa (cooperative economics), 5th – nia (purpose), 6th – kuumba (creativity), and 7th – imani (faith).

New Year’s (secular)

New Year’s Eve, December 31, marks the last day in the Gregorian calendar. It is a night of merry making marked with fireworks, parties, and feasts. Many people also observe rituals that are thought to give them good luck and help them start an auspicious year like serving certain food to bring wealth and making noise with fireworks to drive off bad spirits.

Three King’s Day (Christian)

Also known as Epiphany, this marks the day the Three Wise Men visited the Christ child and brought him gifts. Christians celebrate this on the first Sunday after January 1. In Hispanic cultures, this is a day of gift-giving and other festivities

Orthodox Christmas

Members of the Orthodox Church celebrate Jesus’ birth a week after December 25th and after all our usual celebrations have died down. They celebrate Christmas on January 7th or near this date. Why? It’s a difference in calendars. Those who celebrate Christmas on December 25th are using the Gregorian calendar introduced in 1582. Those who were still using the Julian calendar (much of the Soviet Bloc and the Middle East) celebrate Christmas 13 days later. While most of these countries now follow the Gregorian calendar, many still observe religious holidays on the Julian dates. Traditionally, Orthodox Christians begin with a 40-day period of fasting before Christmas. After the Christmas eve mass, families celebrate with feasts, joyful caroling, and other traditions. Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox faiths prepare 12 traditional dishes representing Christ’s apostles. Ukrainian households also throw a spoonful of Kutia (a traditional dish made of wheat, honey, and poppy seeds) up in the air to know what the year has in store for them. The more Kutia is stuck to the walls or ceiling, the more prosperous the year would be.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is observed in many countries that follow lunar calendars, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Malaysia, and more. Lunar New Year can be celebrated in January, February, March, April, September, or November, depending on the lunar calendar, but February and April are the most common times. Lunar New Year traditions vary from culture to culture. Some examples include exchanging red envelopes or silk pouches containing money, setting off fireworks, playing games, eating traditional dishes, cleaning the house, and holding parades with colourful costumes. Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20 based on the lunar calendar (February 1 in 2022). The first day of celebration starts with the New Moon and ends on the Full Moon 15 days later. People indulge in feasts, watch dragon and lion dances and parades, light fireworks, and distribute luck money in red envelopes to children.

Ramadan (Muslim)

Ramadan is a month of daily fasting during daylight hours. It culminates in Eid-al-Fitr when they break the fast. The period is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is why it falls on different dates each year. It was observed from the evening of April 12 to May 11 in 2021. The next time it will be in December to January will be in 2030. Aside from fasting, Muslims also give up bad habits during the season, pray more, read the Quran, and attend services. Eid-al-Fitr is a time of celebration with the family, giving gifts and doing charitable works.

Omisoka

Omisoka is the Japanese New Year, and like the Western version of New Year’s, is celebrated on December 31st. It is considered one of the most important holidays in Japanese culture, second only to January 1st, known as Shogatsu or Japanese New Year’s Day. Celebrating the close of the old year and ushering in the new one, Japanese people often celebrate with a giant feast, cleaning the house from top to bottom to prepare for the new year, sending post cards and gifts to family and friends on January 2nd and hosting Bonenkai parties, intended to help forget about the past year. Many families make rice cakes as part of the celebration, and homes are decorated with a sacred Shinto straw rope. The holiday season is a great time to explore how different cultures express their values, beliefs, and customs. Celebrating workplace diversity, especially around the holidays, helps to build an understanding and awareness of other cultural practices and to reflect on our own. There’s nothing better than showing your coworkers that you care about and respect them by celebrating the holidays and traditions their families also follow. Learning about holidays from other cultures, is a wonderful way to establish awareness, appreciation, and acceptance of our differences. Regardless of your personal background and beliefs, the holiday season is a special time which is about enjoying spending time with family, friends and colleagues which makes this is the perfect time of year to focus on gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness, both at home and in the workplace.

ASP wishes all of our employees and their families a joyous and safe 2021/22 holiday season!!


By Sarah Jessop, Secretary, Diversity and Inclusion

Purpose


In late 2021, the ASP Diversity and Inclusion committee
launched our second annual Diversity and Inclusion
Survey to inform our 2022 initiatives. We’d like to thank
everyone who took the time to participate, as you have
once again provided us with constructive feedback on how
our culture fosters an inclusive environment where people
of all backgrounds can thrive.
We chose to launch this survey for a second year in a
row because the feedback you provided us in 2020 was
essential in driving our 2021 decision-making. You may
recall some of the initiatives we launched last year in
response to your feedback, such as roundtables held for
Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, Pride
Month and the launch of our revised ASP Workplace
Harassment, Violence and Bullying Prevention Policy
and Anti Discrimination Policy. A snapshot of our 2021
Diversity and Inclusion Survey results are outlined below
in comparison with the 2020 survey. This year, you can
expect to see changes and brand-new initiatives based on
the opinions you voiced!


2020 vs. 2021 Diversity and Inclusion
Survey Results


We are thrilled to say that our participation rate increased
by 10% this year. The 2021 results show that we have
made steady progress in most areas, with room to improve
as we move into 2022.


In my organization, I can be successful as my
authentic self:

  • 2021 – 81% agree
  • 2020 – 77% agree


ASP management appropriately responds to
discrimination:

  • 2021 – 81% agree
  • 2020 – 80% agree

People of all cultures, backgrounds, and identities are valued here:

  • 2021 – 80% agree*
  • 2020 – 82% agree
  • Our D&I Committee will make this a focus for 2022. The comments you shared in the 2021 survey have helped us understand what needs to be improved. When I speak up at work, my opinion is valued:
  • 2021 – 69% agree
  • 2020 – 67% agree


*Although we have improved by 2% in this area, we know more work
needs to be done to show you that your voice matters.
Within ASP, everyone has access to equal opportunities
regardless of their diverse background.

  • 2021 – 80% agree
  • 2020 – 78% agree


Your Comments


The comments you share with us in the Diversity and
Inclusion Survey are one of the most valuable tools for
our committee. They provide us with your insight on how
ASPs day-to-day operations impact feelings of fairness,
belonging, and voice.


They also give you an opportunity to provide our
committee with some great suggestions on how we can
continue to improve. Below are some of your comments
on what we are doing well, and what we need to focus on
in 2022:


“The leaders give equal opportunity and motivation to
express your comments in meetings”
“Discrimination is not strongly emphasized during
trainings or orientation”


“ASP has firm and effective anti-harassment, anti-violence,
and anti-bullying policies…

“A suggestion would be to visit more sites and give positive
feedback”


“ASP provides equal employment opportunities”


“…put more efforts into gender equality and monitor work
locations to identify and address discrimination issues that
employees may be reluctant to report”


“Diversity and inclusion are a continual effort; I think ASP
has come a long way!”


Next Steps

Our Diversity and Inclusion committee has heard what
you have to say. We are now designing our 2022 initiatives
so that they align with your feedback. Please keep an eye
out for more information on these projects throughout
the year.


New members in the ASP D&I Committee

We are expanding our membership of the ASP D&I
Committee as we begin our second year. Please join us in
welcoming the new members in the committee. We look
forward to your contribution and involvement and are
confident that your inputs will support the committee’s
mission and purpose.

  • Keba Walters, Asst Manager, Recruitment
  • Langelihle Lissa Ncube, HR Coordinator
  • Gillian Byron, OSR at Pearson Airport
  • Mohamad Miah, Terminal Patrol at YYC


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the committee at inclusive@security-asp.com With
your help, we can continue improving the diversity and
inclusion experience for all employees at ASP.


By Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance

With each change of the calendar year, it’s commonplace to remember all that has occurred the past year and to look forward for the coming year. I feel it’s important to recognize the accounting team. We had 2 new additions in 2021. Melissa Shehadeh has joined the team as an Accountant focussing on accounts receivable A/R collections and invoicing. She has started with her feet running without a chance to tie her shoes! Paige Piercy is the other addition to the team. She is part of the payroll team in processing payroll and records of employment for the over 1,800 staff. Together they join Sherrie Storimans, Giselle Lopes and Yemisi Joshua. This has been a challenging year for all members and all facets of the accounting department responsibilities. The team has risen to the challenge putting in late hours and weekends to ensure the highest satisfaction level for our customers and employees alike while always responding within our 24-hour rule. For 2022, we will continue the path to excellence and look forward to working alongside the other departments to improve system integrations and finding efficiencies which will benefit all. To all our readers, please take care of yourself, your family, and your colleagues.

To the team I say, THANK YOU! Your work ethic and autonomy has made me proud