ASPA News

ASPA Day of Recognition: International Women’s Day

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and a call to accelerate progress toward gender equality. It is a moment to recognize how far we have come in advancing women’s rights, while reaffirming our collective commitment to ensuring women’s full and equal participation in every aspect of society.

This year also recognizes an important milestone in Canada’s journey toward gender equality. More than 50 years ago, Canadian women and civil society organizations called for meaningful action to advance women’s rights — advocacy that led to the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, now the Department for Women and Gender Equality. This 50-year milestone is both a testament to the progress achieved, and a reminder of the ongoing work required to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential.

With more than 65% of ASPA members being women, we are especially proud to recognize International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable leadership, expertise, and contributions of women across our profession and in our workplaces. Their impact strengthens our community, drives innovation, and helps shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

In solidarity,

Your ASPA Executive Committee

Save the Date: 2026 AGM

Lunch and Learn: Collective Bargaining and Indigenous Specific Clauses

This presentation was given by two facilitators February 11, 2026. The first being Candice Pete-Cardoso who is the Director, kihci-okâwîmâw askiy Knowledge Centre, Co-Chair, kihci-okâwîmâw askiy Knowledge Centre Steering Committee at USask, and one of ASPA’s Vice-Presidents. The second facilitator is our very own Member Services Officer, Shayne Meggs.

ASPA Executive Nominations Call 2026

The 2026 ASPA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held mid-April with the date and place TBD. At the AGM, six (6) ASPA Executive positions will need to be filled by election or acclamation. If you have preference on length of term, please indicate that in your submission.

President’s Message: January 2026

Greetings ASPA Members,

Welcome to February! The shortest month is upon us, and as the days start to get longer and we get the odd reprieve from the worst of the winter weather, we can feel the promise of spring’s renewal coming right around the corner. This winter has been a busy one for ASPA, and as always, this work could not be done without the challenging work for the ASPA Executive Team and the ASPA Staff.

Thank you to our Vice Presidents Alexis Dahl and Candice Pete Cardoso for their continued challenging work and the expertise they bring to the APSA table, as well as to the Executive members and the ASPA committee members for their collective exemplary work this year. As well, thank you to the backbone of our office, ASPA’s Member Services’ Officer Shayne Meggs and our Financial and Administrative Assistant Angeline Hainstock. We are grateful for the work you do.

ASPA Member Services Officer Update: January 2026

The past six months have gone by quickly since I joined the ASPA team, and the experience has been both energizing and meaningful. Supporting members through difficult situations has shown me, time and again, the resilience, commitment, and strength that define our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work and have genuinely enjoyed my time so far.

ASPA Member Highlight – Lecia Ellis, Admissions and International Education Officer, (ISSAC), and Transfer Credit Department

This member highlight was written by Mariam Alaverdashvili, ASPA Communications & Public Relations Committee member

Lecia Ellis currently serves as an Admissions and International Education Officer with the International Students and Study Abroad Center (ISSAC) and the Admissions and Transfer Credit Department since October 2023. Her journey is made even more inspiring by the perspective she brings as an international student from the vibrant island of Jamaica and as a PhD candidate in USask’s College of Education, where her studies are expected to conclude in 2026.

Recognition for Lecia has been earned through her thoughtful support of university-wide initiatives designed to encourage and uplift the international student community, including programs that respond to food security concerns. A spirit of welcome and care has been felt by many students, who have affectionately come to know her as “Ma,” reflecting the appreciation for the nurturing presence she offers beyond her official responsibilities.

Did You Know? Year End Benefits

The end of the 2025 calendar year is approaching, and it’s a good time to review your benefits. Remember, some of your benefits are “use it or lose it” and reset in January, while some unused benefits stack year-to-year. See the quick overview below:

President’s Message: December 2025

Holiday greetings to all ASPA members! My name is Rob Procyk, and I am the new president of ASPA. I joined the ASPA Executive as a vice-president in May 2025, and I assumed the role of president in November after our former president, Adi Manek, stepped down from the role after obtaining a new position at the university. I would like to personally thank Adi for his exemplary work ethic and enthusiasm as president.

His strength, wisdom, and innate kindness are the hallmarks of a great president, and we wish him the best in his new position. Luckily, Adi will remain as a member of the ASPA Executive, and I look forward to continuing working with him this year!

National Day of Remberance & Action on Violence again Women

On December 6, we pause to remember the 14 women whose lives were violently taken at École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989.

This act of callous misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate this day National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-six years later, it continues to serve as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the ongoing need for collective action.