Some people might believe that our association is experiencing difficulty, having spent the better part of the last three years without leadership and direction in the executive director position. Some people closer to the organization have even questioned my motivation to return to CANASA in light of internal issues.

The reality is that after thirty days at the helm, I have never felt so proud of all the CANASA volunteers, directors, staff and members who have stood and taken our association forward in spite of the storms. They have weathered difficult decisions in difficult times and prevailed.

I am proud of our association which continues to put on high quality trade shows and conferences under the Security Canada name. In difficult economic times, Security Canada has managed to deliver the same quality, attract returning and new exhibitors as well as the crowds to make each event a success. All indications are that Security Canada Central in Toronto on October 21st and 22nd will be again a great success.

I am proud of our Quebec Chapter who has been writing history in legislative framework for the private security sector. For the last decade they have worked relentlessly and are playing a central role in the implementation of Bill 88. CANASA will be recognized as a pioneer and a reference for many years to come in the regulation of private security. I am also proud of volunteers in Nova Scotia and British Colombia where they continue the long and hard work to work with governments.

I am proud of the work of the Ontario Chapter who has built the foundation of the Accredited Security Contractor program which we aim to launch in 2010 across the country as one pillar of our commitment to self-regulation.

I am proud to see many sister associations, still eager to work together, grow our partnerships and make better use of our mutual resources to further educate our members and the general public.

I am particularly proud of our volunteers on the National Executive Committee who are about to complete their two year term, Frank, Karen, Bill, Ivan and Kim who have spent countless hours running the ship, making difficult decisions and taking on a job most of us would not take even if we were paid to do it. Bottom line, our National President, Frank Pietrobono has given me the helm of a healthy organization, ready to be taken to the next steps of its evolution.

On my first day I was re-introduced to a fine group of professionals with Steve, Mona, the two Lynne’s, Lisa, Linda and Patty in the National Office, Sylvie and Linda in our Chapter Offices. It is a privilege and an honor to lead them and I have no doubt, thirty days into this trek, that they are as eager as I am to make CANASA even better.

At last I am proud and so should you be, of an ever growing industry, working alongside public safety, with the common goal to keep Canada a safe place to raise our children, to do business, to work and live.

JF Champagne is the ED of CANASA and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or (800) 538-9919