Quebec Chapter Requests that Private Security becomes a True Partner of Public Security
As part of a presentation to the National Assembly at the Institutions Commission Private Consultations on the Private security white paper "Partnering for internal security", the Québec chapter of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA), promoted an approach that encourages a partnership between public and private security that would enhance the security of citizens.
Contrary to what the white paper is suggesting, the Québec chapter of CANASA believes that such a partnership is essential. "The white-paper constantly opposes public and private, denying the citizens from improved security" says Robert Branchaud, Vice-president of CANASA’s Québec chapter. "In many ways, our industry can play a positive role in public service responses, especially during alarm responses. Today’s technology allows us to guide police officers and firemen and even reduce the risks tied to their response."
By limiting the response scope of private security to prevention and by excluding it from public locations, the white paper shows a lack of knowledge about the private security industry. This limitation does not match up with reality and could even create problems, such as in banks where security systems play an essential role not only to protect assets but also to protect people. Furthermore, it carries the preconceived idea that private security is unprofessional. Many associations, such as CANASA – Québec, are well organized with a code of ethics, training programs and other services allowing them to be self regulated. Because of the misunderstanding of its industry, CANASA – QUÉBEC, along with CASIQ (Conseil des agences de sécurité et d’investigation du Québec), ASIEQ (l’Association des agences de sécurité et d’investigation du Québec) and AQIS (l’Association québécoise de l’industrie de la sécurité), wishes the creation of private security governance and the position of an Assistant Deputy Minister within the Public security ministry.
CANASA – Québec also believes that the future Private security law should take into account the following elements that are unique to the security system industry; a uniformed regulation maintaining direct access numbers for emergency services, allowing for the implementation of a false alarm reduction policy and allowing the control of emergency call systems with the goal of promoting partnership, banning the use of outdoor sirens in residential areas, disaffiliation of our industry to the construction sector law and mandatory ULC listing for every central station.
CANASA – Québec intends to play a key role in the future consultations that will follow the white paper consultations, the same way it has done so since 1996 as part of the Québec advisory committee on private security.
The Canadian Security Association (CANASA) to which CANASA – Québec is affiliated, is a non-profit national association established in 1977; it represents the interests of the electronic security alarm industry and helps dealers, distributors, manufacturers and monitoring businesses across Canada to succeed. Its Professional Development Courses, Information Services and Membership Advantage Program are all part of a comprehensive network of services designed to help members save money and run their businesses faster, safer and in a professional and ethical manner.
For more information, contact:
Sylvie Laflamme
Administrative Manager
CANASA Québec
T. 514.990.2349
Toll-Free 1.800.537.0774
F. 514.990.2349
E. slaflamme@canasa.org
Robert Branchaud
Vice-President, the Canadian Security Association – Québec Section (CANASA)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Microtec Sécuri-T Commercial inc.
Tel: (418) 864-7924, Extension 372