News CANASA Update Opinion
CANASA: Exciting things coming in 2021

While there are still many challenges facing us due to the ongoing pandemic, all indications are that the security industry continues to function at a very high level.

Membership

While we have membership attrition every year due to retirements and acquisitions, this was offset considerably with 41 new member companies, allowing us to keep our membership very stable. It is exciting to see cybersecurity and IT companies joining the CANASA family, recognizing our role in the Canadian security landscape. These companies are also bringing new partnership opportunities for traditional security companies, which will benefit the public we serve and create new revenue streams. We have also benefited from the explosion of touchless products and temperature detection technology, fulfilling the need for safer versions of entrance tools.

Security Canada

Many of you have been asking about the Security Canada program for this year. After our successful virtual show in December, we have a suite of virtual and hybrid activities planned for 2021. Working with our Board of Directors, we have decided to wait a few more weeks before assigning time lines to these activities. As soon as these decisions are made, we will be posting news on social media and heavily promoting them. We are also continuing our weekly webinar series.

Education

CANASA’S Education committee has been working to complete our upgrade of the Alarm Technicians Course in partnership with Centennial College. We expect to have the changes completed in early February, at which time they will be sent to the college for implementation. This has been an enormous undertaking and we cannot thank all of the volunteers enough. We are also awaiting the completion of the Security Technicians course that Conestoga College is working on. We are hopeful that this will be available by the end of 2021.

Upcoming Elections

CANASA is looking for individuals interested in becoming National Board members with a commitment to ensure that the association is governed with excellence and vision. Nominations are due on March 17. In accordance with our by-law, the new Board will be ratified at the June Annual General Meeting. If you are elected, your two-year term will begin with a meeting on the day following the AGM.

I think it is fair to say that last year required quick and strategic decisions for all of us. The banding together of the CANASA family across Canada was truly remarkable. To our members, Board of Directors, regional councils, committees and staff, well done and thank you!

Patrick Straw is the executive director of CANASA (www.canasa.org).