Welcome to the online home of ASPA, located at the University of Saskatchewan
Written by Adam D.K. King January 22, 2024 ∙ The Maple ∙
A new report also finds that unionization’s advantages are greatest among workers who otherwise face disadvantages in the labour market. Despite organized labour facing decades of attacks from employers and governments, the union wage premium remains strong.
Continue reading “The Union Wage Premium Remains Strong Across Canada”Are you planning on a hot holiday this winter, worried about getting shingles, or are susceptible to respiratory viruses? Our benefits provider, Sun Life, covers the cost of some prescribed vaccines that aren’t covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan including RSV vaccines, Shingrix, and Twinrix to name a few. To be eligible a doctor must prescribe the vaccine. Please note the cost of administering the vaccine is not covered by the plan but if you have a health spending account, you can submit the cost for reimbursement. To find out if a vaccine is covered, please use the drug lookup tool on the Sun Life website or app or call 1-800-361-6212. If you don’t have a family doctor or can’t get in to see your doctor, all USask employees and their families have access to virtual health care through Lumino Health.
This update can be found in the YouSask Faculty and Staff Newsletter.
The session was held on December 12, 2023, and facilitated over the lunch hour by Andrea Howe, Director, Provincial Labour Partnerships at United Way of Saskatoon. Please see the recording if you were unable to attend, and email ASPA at aspa@aspasask.ca if you have any questions.
It’s time to think about your “use it or lose it!” benefits!
With the end of the calendar year fast approaching, please don’t forget about the various benefits available to you that may be expiring soon. These include:
Remember also that your choice of allocation for the Flexible Spending Program needs to be made before the end of the year. This will allow you to select to place money either towards the Health Spending Account (HAS, non-taxable) or the Personal Spending Account (PSA, taxable). More info on allocating funds to your Flexible Spending account.
Written by Katharina Elisabeth Goethe (Mother of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) and translated by Christa Weitbrecht.
Take twelve months;
Clean them thoroughly from bitterness, avarice, pedantery, and fear,
Cut each month into thirty or thirty-one equal parts,
So that this stock will last for a whole year.
Each part will be prepared separately
And arranged with one part of working and two parts of cheerfulness and good humour,
Then three big spoons heaped with optimism are added ,
As well as one small spoon of tolerance,
One grain of irony and a pinch of tactfulness.
Finally everything will be flavoured abundantly with lots of love.
It is recommended to adorn this dinner
with small bouquets of attentiveness
and serve it daily with serenity
and a cup of good revitalizing tea.
Written by Patrick Hauser
The 2023 Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Conference was held in Saskatoon, on September 13th to 15th. Twenty-three ASPA members attended the conference this year to take in sessions focusing on prevention of violence, psychologically safe workplaces, OHS committees, OHS legislation, among others. ASPA sent a short survey to these 23 members to gather their anonymous feedback on the conference to determine the value of attending, evaluate the learning opportunities provided to our members, and whether they would attend again in the future.
This lunch and learn session was held October 11, 2023, and facilitated by Anne Wallace over the lunch hour. Please see the recording if you were unable to attend, and email ASPA at aspa@aspasask.ca if you have any questions.
tānisi. hãn. ëdƚanet’e? taanishi. aniin[Cree. Dakota/Lakota/Nakota. Dene. Michif. Saulteaux]
We hope this message finds you well. The ASPA executive wishes to take a moment to express our support for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of immense significance for our country and its ongoing journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
The establishment of this day of observance, is a crucial step towards acknowledging the painful history of Indigenous communities in Canada. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for healing, understanding, and unity as we work together to create a more inclusive and just society.
Reconciliation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires our communities to engage in meaningful dialogue, education, and reflection. By dedicating a day to truth and reconciliation, we are committing to confronting the truths of our past and present, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. It is an opportunity to listen to the stories and experiences of Indigenous peoples, to learn from their rich cultures, and to take action in support of their rights and well-being.
As we observe this important day, let us remember the survivors of residential schools, their families, and all Indigenous communities who have been impacted by the legacy of colonialism. Let us also acknowledge the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples in their pursuit of justice, healing, and equality.
We encourage everyone to take part in events, discussions, and educational initiatives on this day. By doing so, we can contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate Canada defined by the principles of truth, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous rights. Please participate in the activities organized by your college or unit including the Orange Shirt days. We encourage every ASPA member to wear orange shirts supporting the “Every Child Matters” message throughout the week leading up to Sept. 30th.
Let us come together to honor the past, learn from it, and commit to a better future for all Canadians. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to unite in the spirit of healing and hope, and we wholeheartedly support its significance in our nation’s history.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. We are proud that we stand together in support of truth and reconciliation.
Sincerely in solidarity,
Your ASPA Executive
Reconciliation is about taking action. We encourage our members to read a book, watch a film, attend a presentation, or attend a campus or local event.
Click here to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation.
Not Just Another Day Off-Orange Shirt Day and the Legacy of Indian Residential Schools – YouTube
August 2023
As we anticipate the upcoming academic year, I trust that everyone has been enjoying a summer filled with chances for leisure and reconnecting with others. As I take on the role of ASPA President for the 2023-2024 term, I want to extend my genuine gratitude to our outgoing President, LaVina Watts. Her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to enhancing the ASPA reputation and elevating the standing of all members have been truly commendable. LaVina is consistently supporting me, whether it was addressing minor operational queries or tackling significant questions about the interpretation of articles in our collective bargaining agreement.
Continue reading “President’s Message”
ASPA (Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association) 