Well-Deserved Recognition

November 16, 2023

Last week, long-time commissionaire, Art Saunders, was recognized for his more than 28 years of exemplary service at the Westlock RCMP Detachment. In the photo, RCMP / JTFN Contract Manager Darryl Urano (left) presents Art (right) with his certificate and the Corps thanks. Art is known as a kind and gentle man who cares deeply for his fellow citizens and his contributions to Commissionaires are greatly appreciated.

How Will You Remember?

November 10, 2023

Commissionaires has a rich, longstanding tradition of honouring military personnel and veterans on November 11 and beyond. We honour the sacrifices veterans and their families, including many commissionaires, have made for our country. Hear from commissionaires what this day means to them and how they remember.

Service of Remembrance

November 9, 2023

Today, Northern Alberta division CEO Nick Grimshaw (right) and COO Kevin Roberts took part in a service of remembrance and laid a wreath at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton.

Remembering Our Indigenous Veterans

November 8, 2023

The First Nations, Inuit and Métis of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country. Today, on National Indigenous Veterans Day, and throughout the year we recognize and honour their service, commitment and sacrifice.

Building Leaders

October 15, 2023

In today’s competitive economy, training and skills development for employees is more important than ever for Commissionaires. Here’s an overview of the recent CSC1 supervisors course that took place in Edmonton October 10-13. Keep reading.

Supporting Post-Secondary Education Important to Commissionaires

October 13, 2023

Commissionaires is committed to giving back to its employees and offers both National and Divisional bursary programs to assist employees and their immediate family members with the cost of post-secondary education. This year, four individuals in our Division, two commissionaires and two family members of commissionaires, are benefitting from these bursaries. Keep reading.

Honoring 25 Years of Service

September 26, 2023

Recently, two commissionaires received special recognition for 25 years of service. CEO Nick Grimshaw presented Peter Palmer (left) and Albert Lawes (right) with their 25 year service pins and gold watches for their commitment and long-standing service to the Corps of Commissionaires. Thank you Peter and Albert!

Recognizing 15 Years

September 26, 2023

This fall, Commissionaire Neil Borden who works at the Edmonton Garrison, was presented with his 15 year pin. Congratulations and thank you Neil for your dedication and long-standing commitment to Commissionaires.

Changing of the Guard

September 7, 2023

Meet the new CEO of Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division, Nick Grimshaw. In this article, Nick introduces himself, talks about the handover process from former CEO John Slater, what he has been focusing on since assuming the CEO role and looking to the future. Keep reading.

Northern Alberta Division CEO Retires

September 1, 2023

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) John Slater has retired from Commissionaires after more than 16 years. Thank you, John for your service to Northern Alberta Division and for helping thousands of veterans and others contribute to Canadians’ security and well-being. Keep reading.

Photo L-R: Commissionaires National Board Chair, Gord Winkel, presenting former Northern Alberta Division CEO Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) John Slater with the Commissionaires National Award of Merit. 

Commissionaires Donate $500 for Prostate Cancer Research

April 24, 2023

The Division is proud to support this worthy cause, and commissionaire John Breen, who will “Ride For Dad” for the eleventh time on June 10. Read the full article.

Support for the Veterans Association Food Bank Continues

April 14, 2023

Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division recently presented another cheque to the Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank. L to R: Commissionaires CEO John Slater, Bob Cotton and Commissionaires Interim CEO Nick Grimshaw.

Giving to the Community

March 16, 2023

Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division, Cold Lake office, had the opportunity to present a cheque to the Military Family Resource Centre today. Photo: (L) Joseph Jorgensen, Commissionaires and (R) Floyd Perras, Executive Director of 4 Wings Military Family Resource Centre.

Recognition for a Job Well Done

March 13, 2023

Commissionaire Liz McNalley at 4 Wing was presented with a CEO Commendation for her dedication to the security of her post, and her quick and concise communication during a recent incident. Her positive attitude, outgoing personality and experience make her a valuable asset to the 4 Wing security team.

A Well-Deserved Promotion

January 18, 2023

The New Year was off to a great start for Cold Lake commissionaire, Wanda Edel, who was promoted to Sergeant as 2IC of 4 Wing Escorts Section. Photo from left: Cmre WO Catriona Lee, 4 Wing Escorts Section Commander, Cmre Sgt Wanda Edel, Cmre CWO Sherry Levesque, 4 Wing Detachment Commander. Wanda’s daughter, Chloe, is also a commissionaire at HQ.

Veteran Employment Champion

November 23, 2022

Recently, at an annual event hosted by Members of Parliament across party lines to celebrate Canada’s veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and First Responders, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires was recognized as a 2022 recipient of the Veteran Employment Champion Award. The co-hosts of this year’s event were Hon. Marc Garneau, MP, Hon. Erin O’Toole, MP and Daniel Blaikie, MP.

Remember Our Stories

November 11, 2022

We have a rich, longstanding tradition of honouring military personnel and veterans on Remembrance Day and beyond. This year, Commissionaires decided to look inwards and asked our people what it means to them. Explore this special collection of interviews and discover what Remembrance Day means to our commissionaires, in their own words.

Recognizing 20 Years

October 12, 2022

CEO John Slater visited commissionaires in Cold Lake last week and while there presented long-serving commissionaire Jim Ditchfield with a 20-year pin for his service. Photo: Jim (L), John (R).

CEO Receives Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

October 3, 2022

This September, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, along with the Honourable Jason Kenny, Premier of Alberta, presented the first Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medals (Alberta) at Government House in Edmonton. The medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Albertans. Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division CEO, John Slater (photo: center), was amongst the first recipients.

Commissionaires Supporting Education Through Bursaries

September 14, 2022

Commissionaires National Chair Gord Winkel recently presented Danielle Deschamp, daughter of Commissionaire Chief Warrant Officer Carey Deschamp, with one of the new $2,500 National bursaries. Danielle is studying at the University of Alberta.

The Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

September 9, 2022

The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires is greatly saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and to the Royal Family.

Special Dedication Honors Commissionaires

July 5, 2022

On June 11, 2022, the Military Police Platoon in Camp Wainwright opened a new rest area at their headquarters building. The rest area was dedicated in memory of two commissionaires, Gene Russel and Jean Murphy, who worked at Camp Wainwright. Gene was a veteran who joined the Corps in 2004. He passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer in February, 2016. Jean was a military spouse who joined the Corps in 2015, she passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2020. At the dedication, Detachment Commander John Smith spoke about the dedication to duty and friendship both commissionaires contributed to the Wainwright community.

Building Leaders

June 9, 2022

In today’s competitive economy, training and skills development for employees is more important than ever for Commissionaires. The Commissionaires Supervisor Course Level 2 (CSC2) is held once a year in Western Canada where selected Commissionaires from across Canada are trained in senior management and leadership skills. This year, the week-long course was hosted by Manitoba Division in Winnipeg. Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division (CNAD) leadership and participants included (back row, L to R) Dan Sanford, Chief Instructor at CNAD, John Slater, CNAD CEO, Claire Tearle, Robert Birker, Dick Elson, and (front row, L to R) Sherry Levesque, Rebecca D’Mello, Haileigh Sicard.

Saying Thank You

June 6, 2022

Recently, Governor Erwin Kilotat retired from the Division’s Board of Governors after 12 years of service. We thank Erwin for his contributions to Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division and wish him all the best. In the photo, Erwin (L) receives his Commissionaire Long Service Medal from board Chair, Major-General (retired) Tim Grant.

What Distinguished Service Looks Like

April 14, 2022

Meet the three individuals who recently received the National Commissionaires’ Distinguished Service Medal. Melissa-Anne Moore (left) is the Division’s Assistant Controller and a stalwart finance team member whose skill, dedication and experience has directly influenced the success of the Division. Darby Whitebone (center) is the Division’s Security Standards Inspector and a key command team member who has been a major contributor to the Division’s ISO9001 certification. Guy Robart (right) joined the division as the Quartermaster, became the “go to” person for all HQ staff when they had an urgent HR need and eventually assumed the role of Division’s Chief Personnel Officer.

Meet the Employee of the Year for 2021

April 7, 2022

CEO John Slater (right) recently presented Commissionaire Claire Tearle (left) with 2021 Employee of the Year honours. Claire joined the Corps in 2013 and is presently posted at the Legislature grounds, where she is responsible for a large area with many different moving parts, including four Commissionaire guards posted throughout the grounds at different posts. Her demeanor and attitude, knowledge of the site, communications ability and management skills, and unwavering commitment to her post, define who she is as a person and what makes her a most excellent commissionaire who is deserving of this recognition. Congratulations Claire!

Retirees recognized

April 7, 2022

CEO, John Slater hosted a retirement luncheon for retired commissionaires who served a minimum of 12 years with the Division. Three individuals were able to attend and were presented with their certificates.

Left: Jack MacPherson had 23 years of service with our Division and worked at a number of sites in Edmonton during his time.

Centre: Before joining Commissionaires, Lorne Claypool spent 10 years in the Canadian Forces as a radio operator then 22 years with the Department of External Affairs. Lorne joined Commissionaires, Calgary in 1993, then Northern Alberta Division in 2002. Lorne served with the Corps for 19 years.

Right: Wayne Strong was with us for over 13 years and was a teacher for almost 30 years prior to joining Commissionares. He worked the entire time with us at Celanese.

Some Well-Deserved Recognition

March 24, 2022

Our very own Jill Alm was recently awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in recognition for the time and effort she contributed to organizing and running the annual Edmonton Butterdome Remembrance Day Service over the last eight years. This indoor event, attended by over 6,000 participants and supporters in addition to being televised across Alberta, was the de facto provincial ceremony at which the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta presided. Congratulations Jill!