Brown Bag Session January 18, 2021. Presented by Darcy Hryn-Bird, ASPA Member Services Officer.
ASPA’s Post-Bargaining Survey Results
Written by the ASPA Research Committee
Introduction

ASPA Research Committee conducted an online survey in December, 2020 to gather ASPA members feedback on various aspects of the latest round of bargaining. The short survey gathered insights on level of satisfaction with ASPA’s communications during bargaining, the information sessions, the forced vote, tentative agreement, as well as what ASPA did well during bargaining and areas for improvement. A total of 432 surveys were completed, representing a 32% response rate. This article provides an overview of the survey results. All averages reported are based on a 5-point scale, where 1 equals “strongly disagree” and 5 equals “strongly agree”.
Continue reading “ASPA’s Post-Bargaining Survey Results”ASPA Member Highlight – Kamal Gabadage, Clinical Associate (Bovine Field Service), Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)
Written by Karen E. Mosier

Kamal graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Sri Lanka in 2007. He came to Canada in 2009. He completed an internship in Large Animal Medicine in 2012 and completed a 3 year residency training in Food Animal Production Medicine in 2016 at the WCVM. Kamal is a specialist in food animal production medicine and holds diplomate status of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Food Animal Practice. He gives credit to his WCVM colleagues and friends Dr. Ted Leighton, Dr. Lyall Petrie, Dr. Fritz Schumann, Sherry Presnell, and Jane Fitzpatrick for their support during this time. In particular, he acknowledges his mentor and role model Dr. Ted Leighton, Professor Emeritus, WCVM, and former Executive Director, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, who helped him to overcome racial barriers, financial difficulties, visa challenges, and cultural stereotyping that international students often face when they move to a different country to continue their studies and find employment.
Continue reading “ASPA Member Highlight – Kamal Gabadage, Clinical Associate (Bovine Field Service), Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)”Increases to Extended Health Provisions
With the new agreement there are increases to some of the benefits that ASPA Members have available to them. These are:
Continue reading “Increases to Extended Health Provisions”Take Stock of Your Achievements
Written by Karen E. Mosier

Time flies by and things need to get done. Often we don’t take the time to think about everything we have accomplished. Starting a new year is a great time to reflect on the last 12 months and think about all the things that occurred. It is important to keep track of your achievements, even the smaller ones.
Here are some great ways to take stock of your achievements:
Continue reading “Take Stock of Your Achievements”12 Days of Holidays Give Away!
We would like to announce the winners of our ASPA 12 Days of Holidays contest:
- Tracey Baliski
- Stryker Calvez
- Darcie Earle
- Tamara Hominuke
- Daryl Janzen
- Angela Ko
- Lauryn Kronick
- Sean Polreis
- Daryl Pshyk
- Heather Ross
- Travis Rotenburger
- Brent Usselman
Congratulation to our lucky winners. Our Administrative Assistant will be mailing out the prizes.
We would like to take the opportunity to wish all our ASPA members Happy Holidays and all the best in 2021! May you have a safe and relaxing holiday.
ASPA Communications & Public Relations Committee
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women – December 6

Ways to be Kind to Yourself at Work
Written by Karen E. Mosier

Do you ever feel tired and worn out? Do you ever think “I’m going to fail. I’m not smart enough to do this?” Sometimes life is tough and work can be hectic. It is especially important during these times to take care of yourself. Being kind to yourself allows you to move past self-criticism and negative self-talk.
Continue reading “Ways to be Kind to Yourself at Work”ASPA #Fall Active Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all our members for participating in this photo contest! The winners are as follows:
Continue reading “ASPA #Fall Active Photo Contest Winners”Bargaining Update
I am very happy to report, and as you all know, the ASPA membership has voted to accept the tentative agreement with 92.5% in favour. I have personally heard from several ASPA members that they are very happy that we have settled this round of bargaining and in such a timely manner.
Continue reading “Bargaining Update”