News Articles Archive
News articles feature Commissionaires and our staff as they appeared in local or national newspapers or websites.
State of the Art Technology Employed by Commissionaires
Kelowna Capital News
18 March 2011
Mobility is a continuing trend in 2011 and beyond.
And it’s not just people accessing the Internet via smartphones, we are seeing the push to mobility in many business sectors, including security.
Commissionaires BC is charged with securing the city of Kelowna’s parks, city property and yards.
Taking Pride in New Services
Simon Martin, Blue Line Magazine
March 2011
In response to burgeoning demand for expanded services, Commissionaires Great Lakes launched a new investigations unit in December.
Support the Community, Buy Local
Every dollar spent on local products generates four times that in economic activity
Steve MacNaull, The Okanagan Saturday
5 March 2011
A consortium of Okanagan businesses wants to get one simple message out: Buy local. “Buying local is good for the economy and the community,” said Wade McManus, a sales manager at Kelowna-based Tops Telecom and Imaging.
All in the Family for Kings County Commissionaires
The Kings County Advertiser
9 February 2011
When Commissionaire Sandy Skipton of Aylesford talks about “keeping it all the family,” she has good reason.
Sandy, her daughter, Sue, granddaughter Taarna, her grandson-in-law Sean and his dad, Dan, all serve as commissionaires at 14 Wing Greenwood.
Kids Safety at Risk, says Mom
Hope Standard
2 February 2011
Almost hitting two young kids, who darted out from a car parked right in a crosswalk, was just too much for a local mom to bear.
Just hours after that experience, Tessa Hahn-Poole set off on a mission to improve child safety at Coquihalla Elementary School – a mission she says only necessary because parents ignore newsletter safety reminders sent home from the school.
Commissionaires Great Lakes Launches New Investigations Unit
Canadian Security Magazine
20 December 2010
Commissionaires Great Lakes (CGL) announced the launch of its new Investigations Unit to offer clients investigative services in the areas of due diligence, litigation support, fraud investigations, and intellectual property.
The Special Investigations Unit will be led by Tom O’Carroll, a seasoned security professional.
The Sweet Science
Jim Bender, Winnipeg Sun
16 December 2010
These scientists and their friends really do know how to have fun raising funds for those in need each Christmas.
The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health raised a grand total of $16,388 for the Christmas Cheer Board through its annual basket raffle, just a few hundred short of last year’s record total.
Social Security
Security companies employing Twitter and other new media methods to connect with the community
Noa Glouberman, Business in Vancouver
30 November 2010
Most people associate security with uniformed guards, patrol vehicles and alarm systems. But some of the largest security firms in B.C. also want you to think of them when the words Twitter, Facebook and blog come to mind.
Interview with Commissionaires' Allen Batchelar and Roger Harber on the Return to Work Program for Injured Veterans
The Sean Leslie Show, CKNW-AM
November 7, 2010
An Officer and a Gentleman
Mike Mullen, Telegraph-Journal
November 6, 2010
Final tribute will be paid today to the great passion that James Hendricks Turnbull had for all things military.
Afghan Vet's New Job Just the Ticket
Uses overseas skills in parking enforcement
Doug Schmidt, The Windsor Star
November 3, 2010
When Ian Carey returned to Windsor a year ago after serving in Afghanistan with the Canadian military, he, like so many others in Canada's unemployment capital, couldn't find a job.
A master corporal reservist with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, whose commanding officer praised his work on his first overseas deployment, Carey, 26, was left wondering what to do.
Local Man Receives Honour
Governor General’s Commander-in-Chief Commendation presented to Rik Clark
Amy Reusch, Pictou Advocate
October 27, 2010
Eighteen years ago, Sergeant Richard (Rik) Clark and his two battalion arrived in Sarajevo under fire. The unit took the airport and secured it so humanitarian aid flights could land.
“It was a start of the 30-day rollercoaster,” said Clark, adding for a month the airport and his unit were constantly under fire from Serbian troops.
For his effort in the mission, Clark received the Governor General’s Commander-in- Chief Commendation this weekend in Truro. In 1994, Clark retired from the army, before the members of his former The Royal Canadian Regiment 1st R22eR Battle Group received their medals for the same mission in 2004.
Red Cross Honours 4 ‘Tobans who Saved Lives
Ross Romaniuk, Winnipeg Sun
August 10, 2010
Commissionaire Doug Hlady from Service Canada has been with Commissionaires for 8 years. Last year he was attending a friend's anniversary party when a 98 year old gentleman appeared to be havening difficulty breathing. Someone at the table asked if anyone could help. Cmre Hlady assisted the gentlemen who was in a wheelchair and preformed abdominal thrusts on him. This helped to dislodge his steak which he was choking on. The gentleman did not require any additional assistance and the party continued!
Commissionaires Thanked
Laurie Mustard, Winnipeg Sun
July 23, 2010
Recently back from a seven-month tour in Afghanistan, Master Cpl. Rob Chmara took some time earlier this week to present an original work of art called Ring of Steel (by artist Silvia Pecota) to Commissionaires Manitoba, given in recognition of its work in the creation and execution of Project Reindeer — Gifts for Our Troops.
Keeping Watch
Vigilance over security can save you a headache and provide added peace of mind
Corey Van’t Haaff, Office Space 2010 published by BIV Magazines
July 2010
If all you had to worry about were a wolf outside, huffing and puffing, then keeping your building secure would be easy. Instead, businesses have a multitude of threats against which to defend, and not all are coming through the front door.
Retirement not on Radar Yet
Michael Staples, The Daily Gleaner
June 14, 2010
Fred Pratt may be 86 but he has no intention of slowing down.
Still in charge: Fredericton’s Fred Pratt, a member of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, stands at his work station in the Victoria Health Centre. The 86-year-old recently completed more than 35 years on the job.
He loves his job way too much to think about that.
Goodwill Ambassadors Strolling Red Deer’s Downtown Core
Laura Tester, Red Deer Advocate
June 2, 2010
City of Red Deer ambassadors dressed in red began strolling downtown streets Tuesday in search of tourists or residents needing a hand.
Commissionaires Organizes Run to Raise Funds for Military
Chad Pawson, CBC News
May 6, 2010
Interview with Carl Huggins on Receiving Governor General’s Commendation
CBC Radio
April 23, 2010
Carl Huggins received the Governor General's Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation. Carl relived his role as a peacekeeper in war torn Yugoslavia circa 1992 in a CBC Radio interview.
Victoria Airport wins Industry Award – Commissionaires Recognized
March 23, 2010
Victoria International Airport has been recognized by Airport Revenue News (ARN) as the 2010 winner of the Airport with the Best Customer Service in the Small Airport Category.
ARN announced the winners of its prestigious Best Airport & Concessionaire Awards at its annual Airport Revenue Conference & Exhibition, held last week in Houston, Texas.
"This award is not because of a single act by a specific company or person at the airport; it is recognition to everyone here who provides courteous service to our passengers on a day to day basis. This includes our Red Coat Host Volunteers, our Commissionaires and security staff, Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) staff, and all of our airline and concession business partners. It is a group effort," comments Richard Paquette, VAA President and CEO.
Run for Military Families to Pass Through Arnprior May 6
Theresa Fritz, Arnprior EMC News
Mar 12, 2010
Arnprior's tie to CFB Petawawa, its military personnel and their families continues to strengthen.
Just a few weeks after base commander Lt. Col. Keith Rudderham, made a visit to Arnprior to thank the town and Tim Hortons for providing gift cards for the military, and to comment on how pleased he is with the town's program to name new streets after veterans, comes news the military will be in Arnprior this spring.
Security Needs to Strike Balance
Joe Couture, Leader-Post
March 3, 2010
A little-known piece of Regina civic history was laid bare Tuesday after a streaking incident at city hall revealed security concerns.
Commissionaires Saskatchewan CEO Cliff Walker recalled an assassination attempt made against his father, Harry, when the senior Walker was mayor of Regina in the early 1970s.
Regina police had received a tip that there would be an attempt on the mayor's life. Security was upped, including phone taps and stake-outs outside the mayor's house, Walker remembered. The police "did an awesome job" and, in the end, "actually arrested the would-be assassin going into city hall, with a loaded pistol, to shoot the mayor."
Asked about his motive, the man said he just "wanted to be famous," according to Walker, who noted the incident was not publicized due to fears of a copycat attempt.
Enforcement Staff Considered
Richard Rolke, Vernon Morning Star
February 16, 2010
Enderby officials are trying to decide if there’s a need for designated bylaw enforcement staff.
Council has received a presentation from the Commissionaires to provide bylaw enforcement services under contract.
Why Mandatory Training Doesn’t Raise Wage Levels
Brian Robertson, Canadian Security Magazine
January 2010
Whenever a province decides to introduce mandatory training for licensed security personnel, there are always people in the industry who dare to hope — and are bold to predict — that the result will be that wage levels will go up in the contract sector. It is sometimes said that once mandatory training arrives wages will have to go up.
Training Tips: David Freeman
Employee training: top 10 tips to maximize ROI
Business In Vancouver
January 19-25, 2010
In order to develop employee skills that will maintain and attract new clients, businesses need to invest in training. However, training can be expensive, so how can a company make sure it is getting the most out of its training dollars?
Gas Scare Intensifies Safety Risk
Man spills liquid at city hall
Bartley Kives and Jennifer Pawluk, Winnipeg Free Press
December 17, 2009
Commissionaire Joe Mallet stops a man with a bottle of gas while on duty at city hall.
“New Veteran” Transitions from Military to Second Career
Mario Toneguzzi, The Calgary Herald
December 17, 2009
Neighbours is profiling our soldiers as Calgary's military groups march toward centennial celebrations in 2010.
Drew Beauchamp has been described as a shining example of the "new veteran."
He's a captain in the Calgary Highlanders and also the manager of human resources at the Corps of Commissionaires, southern Alberta division.
Personal Background Checks have Doubled in B.C. this Year
Frank Luba, The Province
December 10, 2009
Demand for criminal background checks in B.C. has doubled since last year.
The Criminal Records Review Act requires a background check for anyone working with children or having unsupervised access to kids to protect the children from physical or sexual abuse.
Checks are mandatory for everyone from teachers and doctors to nurses, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists and physical and massage therapists.
And the Olympics have brought its own challenge with many more security guards needed.
Watch Paul Guindon, CEO, Commissionaires Ottawa, Interview on Veterans’ Survey Results
Rogers Daytime Ottawa
November 11, 2009
Watch John Slater, CEO Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Interview on Veterans’ Survey Results
Global Edmonton Morning News
November 11, 2009
Watch Randy Brooks, Operations Manager, Commissionaires Southern Saskachewan, Interview on Veterans' Survey Results
Global Regina
November 11, 2009
Survey Aims to Clear up Myths about Veterans’ Lives
Sandie Benitah, CTV Toronto
November 8, 2009
A new survey has found that Canadians have the wrong impression when it comes to war veterans and their livelihood after serving in the military.
In a poll released ahead of Remembrance Day, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires found that a significant majority of the 1,000 people surveyed falsely believe that at least half of all veterans receive a pension when they retire. More than 28 per cent of Canadians believe all veterans receive a pension.
Commissionaires BC’s Security Services Backed by Former Canadian Military Personnel
Genevieve Diesing, venture-magazine.com
Fall 2009
Commissionaires BC – aka BC Corps – the British Columbia division of Commissionaires Canada, is an organization that employs veterans for a range of public and private security services. Today, Commissionaires BC does more than $30 million of business with 500 employees. Nationally, Commissionaires has gross revenues in excess of $460 million, and has more than 19,000 employees total.
Garden Hill Undergoes Manitoba Justice Security Guard Training
Miranda Healey, Nickelbelt
September 4, 2009
A Manitoba Justice security guard training program facilitated by Commissionaires Manitoba has been implemented on Garden Hill First Nation, after months of talks with the federal and provincial governments, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and band members from the community.
The federal government had approached Commissionaires Manitoba, who are part of a national security solutions not-for-profit organization, to provide onsite training to residents of Garden Hill to guard the nursing station and particularly the dialysis centre.
Albertan Honours Fallen Soldier
Bill Trembley, Northumberland News
August 4, 2009
Commissionaire Shauna Colp’s timing is unfortunately perfect.
Cmre. Colp, a member of the Northern Alberta Corp of Commissionaires stationed at CFB Wainwright, planned to present the Brighton Legion with a banner to hang from the County Rd. 30 overpass when a Canadian soldier is repatriated. The presentation, a symbol of support from Cmre. Colp’s unit, was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Off-Duty Commissionaire uses Skills to Detain Thief
CTV News
August 1, 2009
Off-duty commissionaire, Tim Klumper, uses his skills to detain thief.
Nothing Little about Job
Daniel Pearce, Simcoe Reformer
July 31, 2009
Standing at the forefront of the battle to keep parking spaces open for customers along downtown streets is Ted Little. Hired earlier this year to enforce parking bylaws after years of having virtually no one to do it, Little walks the beat in Simcoe's core five days a week.
Darrel O'Shaughnessy Interviewed by CHBC Kelowna on Tips to Prevent Looting during Fire Evacuations
CHBC Kelowna
July 31, 2009
Darrel O’Shaughnessy interviewed on July 31 by CHBC Kelowna sharing tips to prevent looting during fire evacuations and other emergencies.
Commissionaires BC Offers Advice on Home Security
Kelowna Capital News
July 31, 2009
West Kelowna residents were appalled to learn that some people who were evacuated from their homes during the recent fires became double victims.
They may have been lucky enough to avoid having their homes razed by fire, but many were not lucky enough to escape looters.
With fire season still in full force, in the face of a sudden evacuation what can Okanagan residents do to protect their homes from thieves?
Why I Work Here
Andrea Dean, Uber Employees Inc.
July 21, 2009
Reasons for working for the Commissionaires: "It's the whole package - I have an excellent job, we are in the downtown core, which is terrific. I love the amenities of being downtown - I can go to an art gallery on my lunch hour and I like that kind of stimulation. We have great office space, I can bike to work and the benefits are great."
Commissionaire George Vondrasek Meets Her Majesty The Queen at UK Corps 150th Anniversary
A Channel Victoria
July 7, 2009
Interview with Commissionaires Victoria, George Vondrasek on attending UK Corps 150th Anniversary celebration with Her Majesty The Queen at St. James Palace.
Training for a Different Uniform
Cpl. Brenda Gullen, Wing Photo Journalist
June 17, 2009
17 WING WINNIPEG, Man. – “We Commissionaires feel that we are playing our own very small part by helping to provide security to those that are left behind – including those who work on the base.” says Len Baspaly, Manager of Training and Development for the Corps of Commissionaires in Winnipeg.
Men and women train at the Commissionaire Security Guard Training Academy (CSGTA). There, they learn the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program which complies with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and The Manitoba Private Investigator and Security Guard Act (MPISGA). In addition, the instructors are qualified to teach Emergency First Aid training and level A CPR.
Coldstream Monitors Parking
Jennifer Smith, Vernon Morning Star
May 30, 2009
With the heat of summer upon us people are flocking to the water.
But between swimmers, boaters, kayakers and other water enthusiasts, the warm weather can also bring a host of parking problems.
Securing the Wing
Cpl. Brenda Gullen, 17 WING Winnipeg
May 29, 2009
Virtually everyone thinks Military Police (MP's) when it comes to security on the Wing. However, they are not alone in this task! Supporting the MP's are the Corps of Commissionaires who, as integral members of the Wing Security Force, are responsible for access control security to the Wing and its many buildings and facilities.
Two Local Men Received Medals Recently for their Service in the Canadian Armed Forces
Tara Hagan, The Sarnia Observer
April 20, 2009
Two local men were honoured this week for their service in the Canadian Forces.
Cpl. Tim McNeill and Pte. Ted Partington both received medals at a presentation hosted by the Commissionaires.
The Unblinking Eye of the Boss Sees More than You Realize
Ian Harvey, CBC News
March 12, 2009
Your boss could be watching your keystrokes, logging websites you visit and keeping track of how long you spend there, and looking for keywords in your emails. As if that weren't scary enough, some employers are going even further by demanding prospective employees submit to deep background checks as a condition of employment.
Parking Crackdown to Target Retail Owners, Employees
Ashley House, Simcoe Reformer
February 20, 2009
Parking police in the downtown core will be targeting business owners and employees, not shoppers.
The Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area is contracting a parking enforcement commissionaire to keep parking spots open in the downtown area.
"A big part of the parking problem are constant abusers," said BIA director Deb Murphy. "The people who work and live downtown, who park right in front of or around the corner from their business and sit there all day."
The proposal to hire Commissionaires Great Lakes for parking enforcement was unanimously supported at Tuesday's council meeting. If final approval is given at next week's meeting, downtown merchants and shoppers will see visible parking enforcement as early as April.
Today's Access Control Systems can do so much more than Simply let the "Good Guys" in and the "Bad Guys" out all the Time
Michelle Morra, Security Matters
Winter 2009
A sign that says “keep out.” A key. A scary-looking guard. For centuries these did a pretty good job of denying people access to restricted areas. But as unwanted guests have evolved in their methods of breaking in, so too has access control.
Commissionaires – Times are Changing
LCol (Ret’d) John Slater, Chief Executive Officer, Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division, The Courier Newspaper
February 3, 2009
Just as the Air Force has changed over the years in form, but not in spirit, so has the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. Our mandate remains to provide meaningful employment for former serving members of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP.
Strike Victims Strap on Walking Boots
Earl McRae, Ottawa Sun
January 8, 2009
It's 3:30 a.m. and Gilles Labelle -- transit strike victim -- pokes off the alarm on his clock radio, gets out of bed, heads to the bathroom, brushes his teeth, shaves, washes up, clicks on the TV and takes in the weather channel with his wife Pamela.
Commissionaires B.C. Opens Surrey Office
Black Press, Surrey North Delta Leader
December 3, 2008
Commissionaires B.C. has opened its second Lower Mainland office in Surrey, a response to the city's growing immigrant population. The security organization provides immigrants with digital fingerprinting services. Canadian law requires immigration applicants, citizenship applicants and permanent residence applicants to submit fingerprints to the RCMP.
Planned Improvisation
When your business shifts, are you ready to react?
Tony Wanless, BC Business Magazine
December 1, 2008
In today’s turbulent business landscape, the business models that worked in the past are often no longer relevant, and leaders must devise new approaches to a changing marketplace. This is especially true of the not-for-profit sector, where societies and associations have been forced to become more self-sufficient. One example in that sector offers lessons for all of us.
The New Veteran: Re-Inventing the Legacy
The Maple Leaf, Vol. 11, No. 40
November 26, 2008
Little red poppies, pinned on the lapels of overcoats at the cost of pocket change, have come to symbolize Remembrance Day. For many of us, owing perhaps to the inward-looking “me generation” and to the relatively peaceful period in the world prior to 9/11, Remembrance Day was one of the few times in the year when we gave more than a passing thought to our veterans and to the sacrifices they have made—and are making—every day.
Poll Reveals Canadians Obligation to Ensure Jobs for Our Veterans
A Channel Victoria
November 11, 2008
Interview with Commissionaires Victoria, John Gabel on Commissionaires poll results at Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Victoria, BC.
Canadians in Favour of Employment Options for Military Forces: Poll
Adrian Alleyne, Leader-Post
November 10, 2008
The overall consensus from Canadians is that veterans and reservists need to be taken care of, especially when it comes to employment options. The Commissionaires of Canada commissioned a poll to gauge Canadians' attitudes towards veterans receiving meaningful work and reservists having their jobs protected while they serve in the forces.
‘Modern-Day Veteran’ Lauded for Service to Canada
The Maple Leaf, Vol. 11, No. 33
October 8, 2008
Sergeant (Ret) Bill Jones, a CF veteran and commissionaire who has devoted decades of his life to Canada, received the Distinguished Service Medal at Commissionaires Ottawa’s annual awards presentation ceremony. His wife, Ellen, also a veteran and former commissionaire, was by his side.
Commissionaires Great Lakes Expands to Sarnia
October 4, 2008
Commissionaires Great Lakes is hosting a community security day in the Sarnia neighborhood to celebrate the opening of its new Sarnia office.
How to Secure Your Home
Tyler Kula, The Observer
October 3, 2008
Commissionaires Great Lakes Director of Operations, Mark Van Den Bossche, shows what criminals are looking for when they decide to break into a house.
Ink and Roll Goes Digital
Commissionaires now offering service to collect digital fingerprints
Neil Sutton, Securing the Nation
October 1, 2008
Fingerprinting may be one of the oldest security technologies in existence, but it’s moving from ink to uplinks thanks to digital technology that promises to improve the process.
News 1130 Interviews Doug Stuckel for Commissionaires BC
Russ Byth's Business News, News 1130 AM
September 2008
Listen to Russ Byth’s Business News on News 1130 AM interview with Doug Stuckel, CPP/Master Anti-terrorism Specialist and Senior VP Operations for Commissionaires BC.
Open for the World’s Business
Kathleen Sibley, Securing the Nation
September 2008
With Asian ships beating a path to its door, the Port of Prince Rupert has developed a 21st century model for port security in Canada.
New Training Centre for Commissionaires Nova Scotia Opens in Burnside
The Burnside News
August 1, 2008
Commissionaires Nova Scotia officially opened a modern 10-room training centre in Burnside on July 18 in the former Precision BioLogic location at 900 Windmill Rd.
Security Standard Raised in Okanagan
Kelowna Capital News, Cariboo Press
May 16, 2008
Since 9/11 the demand for highly skilled security providers has gone way up worldwide, and Kelowna and the south Okanagan are not immune to this trend.
This, combined with the Okanagan’s growing business scene, led a local security company to raise the bar and train their managers to the highest international standards.
Run for Military Families Nets $32K
Stephen Uhler, Pembroke Daily Observer
May 12, 2008
Members of Petawawa's military family community had 32,000 reasons to smile a little brighter on Saturday afternoon - all of it in dollars. This was the result of efforts from Commissionaires Ottawa, who, in their first- ever 'Run for Military Families' raised $32,000 to help the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre with its programs.
Runners Hit Highway to Aid Military Families
40 participants heading along Hwy. 17 to Petawawa
Aedan Helmer, Ottawa Sun
May 9, 2008
The inaugural Run for Military Families set off from Parliament Hill this morning, bound for CFB Petawawa. Approximately 40 runners are taking part in the trek, to raise funds and awareness for the Petawawa Family Resource Centre, a non-profit agency on the base designed to support the families of those serving overseas.
Minister Threatened; Man Charged after Threats made at Community Services Office
The Chronicle-Herald
March 6, 2008
The children of Community Services Minister Judy Streatch first learned from news reports Wednesday that someone had threatened to kill their mother.
"They were very good when I discussed it with them," the Chester-St. Margarets MLA said of her four children.
She told them that "I wasn't in any danger. But you can imagine for teenagers who know that their mother is in the newspaper and know that their mother is in public life, it's upsetting."
Commissionaire Robert Cummings Receives Award
GlobalTV
March 2008
Commissionaire Robert Cummings, 73 year old veteran, was recognized for his brave actions, dedication to duty and commitment to the City of Surrey at the third annual Surrey RCMP ‘Officer in Charge’ awards ceremony. Cummings, working at a Surrey bank, noticed a man demanding money from one of the tellers, he came to the rescue and, with the help of fellow commissionaire and bank manager, took down the would be thief and held him until help came. His efforts earned him a commendation.
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