Features
The most read SP&T News stories of 2020

Over the course of 2020, SP&T News focused on the effects of COVID-19 on the security industry, from technology trends to the impact on installs and monitoring practices. But not all of our most-read stories this year followed that pattern. There were some major deals and acquisitions announced or completed in 2020, along with industry personalities making the news. The 10 stories featured here are among the most popular based on website traffic this year.

Anita Brunet: A pioneer for women in security
Anita Brunet, vice-president, Western Canada, Anixter, started her 30-year security career right out of high school and never looked back. This article takes a closer look at Brunet’s professional path, including some major milestones at Anixter and CANASA. Brunet was also a guest on SP&T’s Security Coffee Break video series this year.

G4S acquires Montreal security integrator
Back in February, G4S expanded its Canadian systems integration footprint by acquiring Montreal-based Securium.

Telus acquires Price’s Alarms
Telus continued its rapid expansion into the security and monitoring market with the acquisition of B.C.-based Price’s Alarms earlier this year. At the time of acquisition, Price’s served approximately 40,000 customers.

WESCO and Anixter to merge
In January, WESCO reached an agreement to purchase Anixter International in a transaction valued at approximately US$4.5 billion

Security service providers discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses
In March, when the pandemic was still in its infancy, SP&T News editor Neil Sutton met (virtually) with several Canadian integrators and monitoring professionals to get their initial take.

Mission 500 Hockey Classic raises almost $14K for Peel Crime Stoppers
The fifth annual Mission 500 Hockey Classic, in support of Peel Crime Stoppers, brought 12 teams onto the ice for this year’s fundraiser, hosted by SP&T.

Quebec and Ontario put security on essential services list
Provincial orders for non-essential businesses to close came down in March as a precaution against the pandemic. Security businesses were among those deemed essential according to lists issued by the provinces.

Tim Grose joins G4S Canada
Industry veteran Tim Grose joins the company’s secure integration team as vice-president.

CANASA executive director offers advice on how security businesses can cope with COVID-19
Patrick Straw provided some words of wisdom to Canadian security businesses who were facing a lot of brand new challenges and unanswered questions in the first few weeks of the pandemic. Straw was recognized by CANASA members this year for his leadership during these tough times.

Edmonton integrator solves smart building puzzle
Fibertel Communications Canada was the 2020 recipient of the annual Integrator of the Year award for a complex integration they accomplished for the HSBC Bank Place building in downtown Edmonton.