ASPA News

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3, 2024 | Days of Recognition

Hello ASPA Members,  

December 3 is recognized as International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the United Nations. This annual observance aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our political, social, economic and cultural life. On this day and every day, ASPA is proud to advocate for and raise awareness of the… Continue reading

Benefits Reminder 2024

December 2, 2024 | ASPA Updates

The end of 2024 calendar year is approaching and with it some of your benefits. These benefits are “use it or lose it”, reset in January, and do NOT stack year-to-year.

These benefits include:

Medical Claims: Your allotment for various medical claims through SunLife. These renew on January 1st of the new year and any unclaimed amounts cannot be carried… Continue reading

ASPA President’s Message: September 2024

October 4, 2024 | President's Message

Hello everyone! I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy summer and were able to take some time for leisure and connecting with near and dear ones.

I'd also like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance and guidance I continually receive from past ASPA leaders. Recognition is also due to our current Vice Presidents, Philip Hitchings, and Dawn Giesbrecht, who are providing impartial insights that aid us in steering ASPA in the right direction. Furthermore, I want to recognize the executive members for their contributions in devising various initiatives to enhance the membership experience. Our association is fortunate to have an exceptional contingent of ASPA members who volunteered their time for various committees. I encourage all ASPA members who can find some time to volunteer for ASPA committees and consider running for future leadership roles.

I would also like to mention that our ASPA staff members – Glenn Billingsley and Emily Hinatsu – have been doing an incredible job over the last several months and without their invaluable support, we would not run like a well-oiled machine.

Finally, I would also like to thank Ken Glover for his work continually providing IT support to ASPA. Continue reading

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 27, 2024 | Days of Recognition

Hello ASPA Members,

September 30 is recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is a day dedicated to both reflection and action concerning Canada’s history of systemic harm against Indigenous peoples and their cultures. As ASPA members live and work throughout the province of Saskatchewan, including on Treaty 6 territory, Treaty 4 territory, and the… Continue reading

ASPA U of S Policy Grievance – Arbitration Award

September 26, 2024 | Arbitration Awards

ASPA has won another arbitration for two individual greivors, but in a broader look it reinforces the rights of our members. All three grievances were upheld, and the grievors are to be “made whole” – Arbitrator Koskie has reserved jurisdiction.

Arbitrator Koskie accepted every single one of our arguments:  the policy was contrary to the Regulations, the suspensions were disciplinary in… Continue reading

ASPA Celebrates Labour Day 2024 

August 30, 2024 | Days of Recognition

Hello ASPA members, 

As we celebrate Labour Day on September 2nd, we honour the history and deep importance of this day. The Toronto Printers’ Strike of 1872, a crucial moment in Canadian history, marked the beginning of the fight for better working conditions and workers' rights, eventually leading to the very first Labour Day demonstrations and groundwork for many… Continue reading

President’s Message (June 2024)

June 21, 2024 | President's Message

Hello my fellow ASPA members! Summer greetings to all of you. My name is Adi (Aditya) Manek and the ASPA executive at the May 2024 executive meeting selected me to take on the role of your president for 2024-2025. I am humbled to be able to serve you as your leader. For 2023-2024, I was one of the two Vice-Presidents… Continue reading

ASPA Celebrates Asian Heritage Month 2024

May 16, 2024 | Days of Recognition

Hello ASPA members,

The month of May is observed as Asian Heritage Month in Canada, recognizing the rich culture and impact of Canadians of Asian descent, including East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Western Asia and Central Asia. ASPA acknowledges and celebrates the diverse experiences and contributions of our members of Asian heritage to our union.

Asian Heritage Month… Continue reading