Media Relations
Paladin Security Joins Forces with Fort McMurray First Nation
October 3, 2023
Paladin Security is proud to partner with the Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies (FMFN) to create safe and secure working environments for all of its projects. As part of the joint venture, Paladin is now the official security partner for the Fort McMurray First Nation and will provide services for all markets in which they operate. The partnership provides members of the nation opportunities for training and employment, as well as a path to a career in security.
“Our partnership with the FMFN marks the first official joint venture for Paladin in Northern Alberta. This venture promises to offer incredible customer and employment opportunities throughout the entire Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo while bringing true value to our partner nation’s members,” Paladin Director Matthew Garcin said.
“We hope to be able to bring meaningful opportunities to our partners and give back to the nation in an impactful way. We aim to work through this joint venture with dignity & respect and be the best industry partner possible for the First Nation,” Garcin added.
Part of the joint venture includes covering the cost of licensing and training for all new security professionals. Further certifications and training, such as Management of Aggressive Behaviour (MOAB) Certification and First Aid courses will also be covered. This means that fully licensed guards working within the Fort McMurray First Nation will not only protect vital economic projects within their traditional territory but also keep their community safe and further their professional development.
The joint venture will create job opportunities throughout the region. Profits made by the partnership go back into the nation, funding areas such as schools, community programs, and recreation centres. The partnership also includes an annual scholarship contribution from Paladin of $10,000, which will be awarded to a Nation student yearly.
The Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies was created in 1987 and is home to over 400 people. Paladin joins 24 fellow partners from various industries as part of the joint venture, which is the first of its kind for Paladin Security in Alberta.
Paladin Security Bolsters People & Culture with Addition of Susan Ibach
September 26, 2023
Paladin Security is excited to welcome long-time Human Resources executive, Susan Ibach, on board. Susan brings 25 years of experience to her role as Executive Vice-President, People & Culture, effective September 2023.
“Paladin Security is a well-respected Canadian organization that has been recognized for creating a performance-based culture that fosters internal career growth,” says Susan. “As a Human Resources professional, it is exciting to be part of an organization that truly values their employees and strives to positively impact the communities they serve.”
Susan joins Paladin after a decades-long career at Shaw where she oversaw a variety of portfolios within human resources and held several roles, including the latest as Senior Vice President, People & Culture. She has played an instrumental part in the development and delivery of people and culture strategies in all areas of HR, including talent acquisition, business partnering, retention and engagement, and employee and labour relations. Some of her key accomplishments include:
- Integration planning and execution for a number of large-scale acquisitions and divestitures including the purchase of Canwest/Global (2010) and WIND Mobile (2016) and the divestiture of Shaw Media (2016), Freedom Mobile (2023) and Shaw Communications Inc. (2023),
- Acting as the HR lead for Shaw’s Business Continuity Planning team that led the company’s response to COVID-19,
- Designing and implementing a company-wide Voluntary Departure Program to support the organization’s Total Business Transformation.
“We are elated to have Susan join Paladin Security in a key executive role. She is a proven business leader who will add immense value to Paladin while underlying our commitment to our most valuable asset, our people,” Paladin Security President Chad Kalyk said. “Susan’s ability to prioritize culture in the execution of strategy is impressive and crucial for us whose culture is our competitive advantage. To have someone of her capabilities join not only our organization, but our industry, truly is a game changer for us.”
As Paladin’s People & Culture leader, Susan will oversee all of Canada’s operations and will be responsible for enterprise-wide culture, labour relations, talent acquisition, people strategy, and people performance.
“People are an organization’s greatest asset,” Susan added. “In Human Resources we have the ability to influence the talent, leadership and culture, which is critical to an organization’s ability to succeed.”
Paladin Security Lands Security Expert James Blight
November 23, 2021
Paladin Security is adding to its expertise with the addition of James Blight. Blight is a 24-year veteran of the industry and has taken on the role of Director with Paladin Security, effective October 2021.
Blight joins Paladin after time with Ivanhoe Cambridge where he was the manager of Security & Life Safety. While there, Blight played a critical role in overseeing its guard operations across the country. Prior to that, he had a lengthy career in a variety of positions with Concord Security, which is now been integrated with the Paladin Group of Companies.
“James has integrity, believes in doing right by people, cares about making a difference, and brings with him a unique skill set that I know will add to our culture and benefit our organization for years to come,” said Paladin Security President Chad Kalyk.
Throughout his career, Blight has been an instrumental part of a number of initiatives and transformation within the industry. He has a passion for security and safety, evolving the industry, and mentoring the next generation of security professionals. Blight also boasts the following knowledge and skills:
- Extensive experience as an Incident Commander in countless emergency situations and drills
- Received Active Assailant response training from the FBI
- Worked with the RCMP INSET group as a subject matter expert on securing crowded spaces
- Conducted Risk & CPTED Assessments
- Earned his CPP designation from ASIS in 2017
Joining Paladin Security was the natural next step for Blight in his accomplished career.
“Considering my experience with Paladin as a client, my existing relationship with many of the management team members, and Paladin’s reputation for excellence and industry-leading corporate culture, the choice was easy,” James said. “Also, Paladin’s motto about making the world a safer and friendlier place is aligned with what I am passionate about.”
At Paladin, Blight will work to refine programs, improve operational efficiency, build new connections, and support innovation and new technology.
“Paladin is an amazing company that has experienced tremendous success by standing by core principles; I want to be part of it. The position and opportunity I have been given as well as Paladin’s people, reputation, and position in the market have me very excited about the next phase of my career,” James said.
PALADIN ADDS LONGTIME POLICE EXECUTIVE TO ITS TEAM
June 15, 2021
Paladin Security is adding to its expertise in the security industry with a notable hiring.
Recently retired Vancouver Police Department Superintendent Steve Eely joins Paladin after a 32-year career with the police force, where he gained significant law enforcement experience. This ranged from street patrols, to being a Commander of multiple districts in Vancouver, a nationally accredited Critical Incident Commander, and finally as a Superintendent, which saw him lead over 400 sworn and civilian members of the VPD’s operations division.
“I’m excited to bring credibility and well-forged relationships with our jurisdictional partners and stakeholders to Paladin Security. Joining the security industry allows me to come full-circle in my career, as I started as a guard while in university,” Steve Eely said.
Throughout his career, Eely has been an instrumental part of a number of initiatives and responses, including:
- Acting as executive lead on the VPD’s response to the George Floyd demonstrations, which were managed in a peaceful manner without violence.
- Assuming Gold Command on the VPD’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required ongoing analysis of public health orders and shifting public and member needs.
- Working with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority on issues such as the tent city encampment at Crab Park.
- Implementation of the VPD’s drone program.
- Chairing the Musqueam Liaison Committee to develop positive relationships with Indigenous community members to help resolve issues of concern.
“To have Steve’s vast expertise and knowledge is a huge benefit for us as we work to drive service quality enhancements, strengthen our culture, and reinforce our position as an industry leader,” says Paladin Security President Chad Kalyk. “His skill set brings tremendous value to a number of areas within our organization that will benefit our clients and employees alike.”
At Eely’s core is innovation: he is known for implementing creative process improvements, such as e-ticketing and predictive policing programs that helped improve the VPD’s operational capabilities that, in turn, mitigated risk significantly for VPD members and the public. That’s one example of what Paladin is excited to tap into, as innovation is something the company strives for and is passionate about.
“My commitment to operational excellence and public safety has paid huge dividends for the VPD and I look forward to applying my drive for constant systemic improvement to Paladin Security’s processes and protocols,” Eely said.
Eely has deep roots within the community and also brings a family-first mentality to Paladin. He’s the proud father of two sons, Luke and Benjamin, and husband to Connie, who’s he’s been with since he was 19 years old.
Eely will join Paladin Security as a Director, based out of our Vancouver office, on July 1st.
PALADIN SECURITY TO RECOGNIZE FRONT-LINE WORKERS WITH PRESTIGIOUS CHALLENGE COIN
February 17, 2021
Paladin Security is honouring those who have shown immense dedication and commitment since the beginning of the COIVD-19 pandemic just over a year ago. The prestigious Challenge Coin will be distributed to front-line officers across the country from now until March 5.
The coin recognizes our security officers who have taken part, along with hundreds of thousands of other front-line works, in the battle of a lifetime to save lives and keep people healthy.
“In our lifetimes, we have never been faced with a challenge of this magnitude. Our teams across the country have worked tirelessly to ensure the evolving needs of our customers are not only met but exceeded, personifying the Paladin Difference,” said Paladin COVID-19 Recognition Committee Chair and Branch Manager Jason Lynagh.
Paladin has undertaken numerous initiatives locally and provincially to recognize its’ officers throughout the pandemic, however, we wanted to create a National program to acknowledge and unite the entire team from coast to coast. Roughly 14,000 employees, including more than 275 in Fort McMurray, will receive the customized Challenge Coin, a commemorative lapel pin, a certificate of recognition and a letter from Paladin’s President, Chad Kalyk.
“It is integral that as an organization we acknowledge the commitment that our people have made to the company, our customer base, one another, and the communities that we are fortunate enough to serve,” Lynagh added.
About the Challenge Coin
A Challenge Coin represents teams, achievements, an anniversary, or a special event. It builds close-knit, lasting bonds between people who receive them and represent unity and trust. The coin also has a long-standing tradition in military and law enforcement history.
