Communique Winter 05 - Commissionaires Ottawa

Communiqué
thereby helping to avert the complete spoiling of thousands of
dollars worth of food. OM Claude Leblanc summed up the level of
response by saying, “Their detection and follow through
demonstrates true professionalism and this is the kind of action and
diligence that separates us from our competitors.” We couldn’t
agree more!
Cmre Rob Haley was highly praised for his support at Doors Open
Ottawa, the National Capital Region’s largest architectural and
heritage annual event. This year over 55,000 visitors viewed 117
buildings such as embassies, ambassadorial residences, scientific
laboratories, architectural triumphs and historical landmarks.
Michelle Gagnon of the NRC Institute for Aerospace Research
wrote to say she enjoyed working with Rob and would be delighted
to have him back on her team next time. She also wrote: “Among
the many things he did to help us was his coordinating of the Doors
Open Ottawa volunteers as I was unable to move about freely
myself, as in previous years. He brought them to their stations,
explained to them what their responsibilities were, and sat in for
them when they had to go to the bathrooms, etc. He also kept me
posted on issues that came up and made me aware of individuals I
should know about (such as the NewRO [A-Channel] cameraman
who came on Sunday), among many other things.” Kudos, Rob!
In recent months, NAV Canada was involved in a scorecard
exercise with the Office of the Commissioner of Official
Languages, which included a surprise in-person visit and service
inquiry. Our client wrote that one bright spot during the assessment
came as a direct result of our front desk commissionaires, who
scored 100% in three areas: Visual Active Offer of Bilingual
Service, Active Offer of Bilingual Service by Staff and Adequate
Service Delivery in Both Official Languages. It should be noted
that only two organizations visited by the Office of the
Commissioner of Official Languages – the other being NAC –
received a perfect score. When Cpl René Poveda-Lopez was
contacted by HQ to obtain the names of the commissionaires
present that day, he responded, “I would prefer that these kudos [be
applied] to all commissionaires at this site, as we all do our job as
best as we can in a courteous manner.” Excellent teamwork!
The following words speak volumes: “The purpose of this letter is
to commend Cmre Bud MacLeod for the assistance and moral
support he provided me and my family when we arrived at the
airport at 2:15 a.m. to catch an air ambulance plane to London,
which was unable to land due to poor visibility,” writes a kidney
transplant survivor to OM Bert Kemp. “He gave us every possible
encouragement and went far beyond the call of duty for which we
are forever grateful. His assistance was crucial in helping me in my
race against the clock to get to London for my kidney transplant.
Due in large part to his efforts, I was able to board an Air Canada
plane to Toronto where I was met by my uncle who drove me at
record speed to the waiting surgeons in London. We would like to
thank Mr. Bud MacLeod for his compassion and incredible
willingness to help. You, sir, are indeed fortunate to have such a
wonderful person in your employ.” Bud, you helped save a life that
day and we are grateful to have you as a commissionaire.
MWO Carole Payer, our Chief Dispatcher, was called on to
control access and safeguard $130,000.00 of crown assets at a series
of Elections Canada training sessions held in Ottawa earlier this
year. Seventy Returning Officers from across Canada and thirty
NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINES
Trainers and support staff were present during an event that with
little advance notice, had to extend beyond the end dates of the
project. Carole and her team of commissionaires accommodated
the additional shifts without any interruptions. “My team and I
want to express our deepest appreciation for the efforts of MWO
Payer. We have a very high regard for her professional services and
consider MWO Payer as a critical factor that contributed to the
success of these training sessions,” writes Richard Leduc,
Departmental Security Officer, Elections Canada. Commissionaires
Ottawa appreciates such positive feedback from our clients, and we
commend Carole and her team for their outstanding work.
Cmre Jim LeVatte was praised by letter and with a plaque for his
outstanding support at special events, including the opening of the
National War Museum. Working closely with representatives of
Ideal Parking, OC Transpo, the National War Museum, to name a
few, Jim has successfully coordinated parking for thousands of
vehicles as well as locations for bus stops and base tents for
volunteer organizations. He is recognized for paying particular
attention to the needs of vets, ensuring their walking is always kept
to a minimum. He has reunited families who have become
separated in large crowds and has helped transport some attendees
to bus stops. We have received a few different letters from various
sources, which just goes to show how much of an impression Jim
continues to make time and again. Jim, thank you for your
kindness, diligence and professionalism.
Marc Gushue, from the Justice Communications Branch, wrote a
glowing tribute entitled “Our Cherished War Veteran:
Commissionaire René Beaupré” for the Justice Department’s
November 10, 2005 issue of “JustInfo” (an internal web newsletter).
Here are some excerpts: “Entering his thirtieth year with the
Commissionaires Corp, Mr. Beaupré has met a lot of Justice
employees. But he tries his best to remember everyone by name and
to make everyone feel special as they walk through the doors of the
Department of Justice. What most visitors do not know, however,
is that René Beaupré is also a decorated war veteran who served his
country as a member of the Army in both the Second World War
and the Korean War.” The next few paragraphs provide details
about his youth, military service, and thoughts about Remembrance
Day. The article concludes, “A pillar of strength at the age of
eighty, René Beaupré continues to stand his post. He counts each
day as a blessing, because he is a man who truly understands the
value of life.” Beautifully written for a man who is indeed a pillar
of strength!
Captain Michel Poirier received a thank you letter from RCMP
Chief Superintendent and Canadian Police College Director General
Mike Saunders, who commended Michel for his dedication, support
and professionalism in the months leading up to and during the FBI
Academy’s National Executive Institute Cycle II held at the
Canadian Police College. Mr. Saunders states that Commissioner
Zaccardelli, along with colleagues and members of the FBI
Academy and National Executive Institute, provided excellent
feedback regarding their experience at the event. Mr. Saunders
states that while many people went above and beyond the call of
duty to ensure the success of this event, he wanted to take the
opportunity to recognize and appreciate, in particular, Michel’s
contributions.
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