Story 1: A Day in the Life of the Whiteshell Laboratories Personnel Security Team Connie Leishman, Crystal Dias, and Shannon Swaenepoel.
To celebrate International Women’s Month, the WiN Manitoba Chapter presents “A Day in the Life,” a closer look at professional women’s journey with CNL.
Keeping people safe is the top priority for these three WiNners at CNL. Anyone requesting access to the Whiteshell Laboratories (WL) in Pinawa, MB, must be cleared by Connie Leishman, Crystal Dias, and Shannon Swaenepoel before setting foot on the site. The Personnel Security team’s major goal is to keep the people and AECL & CNL’s assets safe.
A typical day for the Personnel Security team includes performing initial checks and clearances on all new hires, contingent workers, contractors, and students. Also, all mid-point clearance reviews go through the team as required. The team works closely with AECL, which maintains ownership of all security clearances; the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS); the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); and the Commissionaires office. Often, they are among the first contacts new staff have with CNL. Connie, Crystal, and Shannon’s jobs are administrative, but they must undergo specialized, high-level training to perform their roles, making them subject matter experts in personnel security processes.
By providing security clearances through risk assessments, information analysis, and investigative practices, the team ultimately ensures that individuals granted access to CNL and AECL assets do not pose a security risk.
With introductions out of the way, let’s dive into what a day in their lives looks like in the workplace.
Why is Personnel Security important at CNL?
We are the first line of defence in CNL’s Security program. Before anyone comes to the WL site, the Personnel Security team has already conducted the first level of checks to ensure there is no security risk associated with bringing them to the site. AECL and CNL assets are important to the safety and future of the nuclear industry in Canada; we are the gatekeepers to those assets, keeping them out of the hands of those who might use them with ill intent.
We are often one of the first points of contact new staff have with CNL, and it is important that we maintain a high standard of professionalism, as we act on behalf of both CNL and AECL. This initial contact also sets the precedent for staff adherence to CNL’s security processes and protocols, so it is critical that we set a good example for new staff and clearly communicate security-related expectations.
What do you like most about your job?
Connie: Our team is definitely a highlight for me. I also really enjoy the people aspect of the job. It allows me to talk to and work with people. I also like the challenging aspects of the job. Most people probably don’t know this, but our processes change often, almost daily, because we are impacted by what is going on in the world. And with the current state of global affairs, that creates an ever-shifting environment!
Crystal: I process employee clearances at the WL, and I enjoy getting to know our employees. Also, the team is really coming together well. We collaborate well and complement each other’s skill sets. There is always a good variety of work to do. I’m happy to be here.
Shannon: I like working with the people at WL – I process all the contractors’ clearances. I like that there is always something new to learn. Every screening is different, so you never get bored. There’s never a dull moment in this job. And we’ve got a great team!
What is the most challenging part, on the other hand?
One of the challenges we face is that others on our site don’t fully understand what we do or why it is so important. Often, timelines are delayed due to processes, not us, but not everyone understands that. We get a lot of pushbacks, and sometimes there are even attempts to go around us, but that creates security vulnerabilities. It’s important for everyone working at the WL to understand the nature of the work we do and the critical importance of maintaining the safety and security of our site. Security, in general, can be seen as a roadblock, but the work we do is important to the future of this site and to the success of CNL.
How did your career path get you here?
Connie: I used to work in the travel industry, then I started my own business for a while before applying to AECL. I started as a casual/temporary Administrative Assistant before transitioning to the Safety & Licensing department. When an opportunity opened in the Emergency Services Operations (ESO) group, I applied and joined that group. I transitioned to a full-time Personnel Security Officer (PSO) role in 2016 and found the perfect fit for my skills and knowledge. I’ve been here since then!
Crystal: I retired from the funeral service industry and moved to Pinawa with my husband. When I learned about my neighbour CNL, I just thought it would be cool to see what a nuclear site was like! I applied, started as an Administrative Assistant, then moved into the PSO role, which has been a good fit for me.
Shannon: I started with AECL in 2013 and have had quite a career journey at Whiteshell Laboratories! I started as an Office Administrator, then moved to Records, then Work Control. I left the company for two years, came back into the PSO role, and I’m loving it.
Can you give some advice to women pursuing careers in the nuclear industry or in this type of security?
Connie: While security in the nuclear industry may be a male-dominated field, I have always felt valued, respected, included and recognized as doing important work. Don’t be intimidated to apply for a role or department with few women.
Crystal: Don’t sell yourself short. I didn’t think I had the qualifications for this position, but my husband convinced me to apply. You’d be surprised to learn how anyone can become a fit for this industry. Don’t feel intimidated by the word “nuclear.”
Shannon: Apply – you never know – good things can happen. There are many opportunities for professional development and advancement. Women belong in the nuclear industry, in all areas, including nuclear security!
If you want to learn more about CNL and the Whiteshell Laboratories Restoration Project, please contact us at manitobachapter@womeninnuclear.com.