Accredited Security Contractor (ASC)

New Program for all Installers/Contractors

CANASA National Board Approves the “Accredited Security Contractor” Program

CANASA’s National Board of Directors, at their January meeting, granted unanimous approval to a recommendation to launch a program of ACCREDITATION for security contractors. This program will provide an opportunity for member contractors to attest by subscription to a list of industry “best practices”. The program creates a meaningful ‘threshold’ for the security contracting business and one that will permit easy differentiation on the part of the customers of what will be an ACCREDITED SECURITY CONTRACTOR and also to be known as an “ASC”. Initial response to the program, introduced during Security Canada Central ’08, was enthusiastic. In particular, the comments received were mostly “it’s about time!”

Proposed Criteria for Accreditation

CANASA Membership
Incorporation under the laws of the Province of incorporation of the applicant
Three years directly related experience on the part of the principal
All employees shall have current CRC (Criminal Reference Check)
All employees covered by the applicable Provincial workers compensation plan
All field technical staff have completed minimum CANASA ATC 1 certification
Maintain minimum of 2 million dollars of insurance including E & O and Failure to Perform
Declare adherence to the CANASA Code of Ethics.
Agree to submit to the arbitration and decisions of the Council with the support of a 3rd party verification
Bind all sub-contractors to all of the above, with proof provided independently or by providing the required coverage for the sub-contractor (deeming him/her an employee)

We Need Your Help

Before this program can be launched there are many details that have to be worked out and we need your help to make this happen. All those who wish to participate in the development of the LAUNCH VERSION of this ACCREDITATION PROGRAM are urged to contact the CANASA Office. We are looking for interested persons from among the installation companies who can dedicate at least ten hours of their time over the next three months.

Projects that need accomplishing are:

working out the legal issues of the program
developing the protocol for verification; developing advantages for the ASC with insurers, local authorities, vendors and others interested
spreading the word and actively soliciting participation in the program
establishing workable administrative procedures within the existing CANASA office capabilities
finalizing the budgets for the program

Be a part of the program from the beginning. E-mail the CANASA office at staff@canasa.org and let us know your interest and a Committee Member will contact you. We believe this program will lead to an increased membership in CANASA and improved understanding of the standards and training available within the industry.

With your input, this milestone program can launch in 2009. Get on board now and help shape the future of the security contracting business in Canada.

The following is part of a Report of the CANASA Ontario Board on the Establishment of an Accredited Security Contractor Program and the creation of a new designation;

“Accredited Security Contractor (ASC)”

Executive Summary

The Self-Regulation Committee of the Ontario Board of CANASA has prepared this report outlining an ACCREDITATION PROGRAM based on previously established criteria outlined below.

We believe the Program as outlined will create a meaningful ‘threshold for entry’ to the Security Contracting business and one that will permit easy differentiation on the part of the customers of what we would call the ACCREDITED SECURITY CONTRACTOR (ASC – a suitable LOGO would be created for this). This should lead to increased membership in CANASA and increased uptake of the standards and training available within the industry.

Criteria

The Criteria for ACCREDITATION shall be based on the following:

CANASA Membership;
Incorporation under the laws of the province of incorporation of the applicant (or Canada);
Three years directly related experience on the part of the principal.
All employees shall provide and keep current a CRC (Criminal Reference Check).
All employees shall be covered by the applicable provincial workers compensation plan.
All field technical staff shall have completed CANASA ATC 1 certification as a minimum.
The contractor shall maintain a minimum of 2 million dollars of insurance including E & O and Failure to Perform.
The contractor shall declare adherence to the CANASA Code of Ethics.
The contractor shall agree to submit to the arbitration and decisions of the Council with the support of the 3rd party.
The contractor agrees to bind all sub-contractors to all of the above, with proof provided independently or by providing the required coverage for the sub-contractor (deeming him/her an employee).

Overview

CANASA will establish an Accreditation Program for Security Contractor Members.

The program:

Will provide an opportunity for member Contractors to attest by subscription to a list of “Best Practices”.
Will provide for a cycle of automatic expiry and renewal of the Accreditation.
Will provide for 3rd party vetting of all applications for Accreditation.
Will provide for annual on-site verification of up to 10% of Accredited Contractors.
Will provide for Peer Review by the “Council” of any protests or complaints supported by available adjudication from the 3rd party.
Will be open to advancement by consensus of Accredited Contractors.
The program will have an independent advertising budget geared towards the expansion and advancement of the ASC participants.’
Will have a logo associated with the letters “ASC”.
The program criteria may be expanded by the Council to include other ‘best practice’ items such as installation guidelines.
The program would produce labels, stickers, stamps, etc featuring the ASC logo for the use of participants.

For more information or to get involved in the development of the program, please e-mail us at staff@canasa.org.