In the News
News articles feature Commissionaires and our staff as they appeared in local or national newspapers or websites.
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?
“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.