Giving That Makes a Difference

November 14, 2024

The Veterans Association Food Bank of Edmonton is doing important work to support veterans and we’re thrilled to be able to support their organization once again. On November 14, our CEO Nick Grimshaw presented them with a cheque for $35,000, which will cover the costs for one month’s worth of gift cards for food hampers. In the photo with Nick (left) is Joe MacAulay, Assistant General Manager of the Association.

We Will Remember

November 11, 2024

Take time and reflect. We do today and every day.

Commissionaires has a rich, longstanding tradition of honouring military personnel and veterans on Remembrance Day. On November 11, we observe this day of remembrance throughout our Division, reflecting on their sacrifice and continuing to pay tribute to the Canadians who have lost their lives in military conflicts.

We Remember and We Honour

November 7, 2024

Division CEO Nick Grimshaw (centre), together with Dave Basham (left) and Darren Longstaff (right) with the Royal Canadian Legion, attended the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Service of Remembrance today. A wreath was also placed in honour of those who have served in the Armed Forces and those who continue to sacrifice their own safety for Canada.

Supporting Homes for Heroes

September 24, 2024

Our Division is pleased to support the work of the Homes for Heroes Foundation. This week, CEO Nick Grimshaw (L) presented a cheque to Sherri Clarke (R) from the Foundation to support building perimeter fencing around their Edmonton ATCO Veterans Village. Homes for Heroes #H4HF builds tiny home communities with social supports across #Canada to support our #Canadianveterans and end homelessness with veterans.

Division Represents at EPS Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

September 18, 2024

On September 14, 2024, several Northern Alberta Division staff participated in the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, presented by the Edmonton Police Foundation. Our Division was also proud to be a “Sergeant Sponsor” of this event that brings together police and the community in a fun and safe atmosphere, fostering positive relationships. A big shout-out to all of our runners for representing our Division well in the 10K and 5K races.

Commissionaires awards $35,000 in bursaries to 20 students

September 11, 2024

Since 2022, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (National) has awarded bursaries to post-secondary students who are employees or family members of employees. When the program started, $12,500 was awarded to five students. In 2023, $25,000 was awarded to ten students. For 2024, Commissionaires (National) is awarding $35,000 in bursaries to 20 students. This marks the highest total amount ever distributed by the program and represents the largest number of recipients for one year. Meet this year’s recipients, which include seven individuals from Northern Alberta Division!

85 Years is Something Special to Celebrate

September 5, 2024

2024 is a special year for Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division as it marks 85 years of continuous service. While the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires was established in 1925 with the singular purpose to provide jobs for World War I Veterans, it was not until September 5, 1939, that the Edmonton Division was activated. It retained that title until September 1972 when it was renamed the Northern Alberta Division.

Over the past 85 years, as Alberta has grown so have we. From our original three commissionaires we have grown to over 1,900 security professionals throughout Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Since 1999, we have also welcomed non-veterans into our ranks. The resulting mix of ex-military, RCMP members, their families and others make for a well rounded, reliable and dedicated security team.

As we proudly celebrate our 85th anniversary, we salute those who have gone before and all of you who presently serve as security professionals under our Divisional banner.

Commissionaires Ranked Among Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes

March 19, 2024

As Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider and the largest private sector employer of veterans, Commissionaires stands out as the sole security provider on this year’s list. With one of the highest employee retention rates in the security industry, Commissionaires cultivates a workforce marked by loyalty and satisfaction. Read more in the official news release.

A New Collaboration to Advance Security Solutions

January 31, 2024

Cobalt Robotics, a leading provider of intelligent security robots, and Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division (CNAD), a trusted security and support services organization, are pleased to announce the launch of a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance security services by combining Cobalt’s cutting-edge robotics technology with the expertise of CNAD. Keep reading.

Long-Serving Commissionaire Recognized

January 26, 2024

Help us congratulate commissionaire Ian Frost for 15 years of service to the Corp. Thank you Ian – we appreciate you!

Response to Edmonton City Hall Incident

January 24, 2024

Commissionaires are aware of the incident that took place at City Hall during the morning of January 23, 2024. We were relieved to learn that nobody was injured or harmed and our thoughts are with those who were affected by this incident. Read the full statement. 

The Spirit of Giving

December 21, 2023

This week, CEO Nick Grimshaw (right) presented a cheque for $1050 to Bob Cotton (left) for the Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank. The money raised was all from HQ staff throughout the year via various fund raisers.

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.