2007
Canadian Security Association Supports TTC’s Installation of Thousands of Security Cameras
November 13, 2007 (Toronto, Ontario) – The Canadian Security Association (CANASA) will make a submission to the Ontario Privacy Commission about the efficacy of private security cameras as a crime prevention tool and investigative aid on public transit systems.
Last month the Toronto Transit Commission announced it was investing $21 million, and adding an additional 10,000 security cameras on TTC buses, streetcars and the subway system. Privacy International, a London, England privacy advocacy group has filed a complaint with the Ontario Privacy Commission.
CANASA is the national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and the safety and security of all Canadians. CANASA is the recognized voice of Canadian Security Professionals. With more than 1,200 members across Canada, representing all major segments of the industry, CANASA advocates, educates and provides leadership to members in a self regulated environment of Canadian Security Professionals.
The United Kingdom is recognized as a leading user of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for community safety and crime investigation purposes. The use of CCTV in support of terrorism investigations in the UK has led to worldwide interest. Canada's public spaces aren't as well monitored but law enforcement is faced with concerns about crime and even terrorism, and wants more cameras in public arenas. Video surveillance is not only a valuable forensic tool but also a deterrent to crime. Cameras are highly visible and if an offense is committed within view of cameras, investigators can review video images to find clues and suspects. Statistics from U.S. cities demonstrate a reduction in crime where video surveillance cameras are installed.
The fact is, Canadians want crime deterred and offenders apprehended even though there are privacy arguments against video surveillance. High-profile cases like the bombings in London’s Underground in 2005 or the Jane Creba murder in downtown Toronto encourage the increased use of surveillance and CCTV programs.
CANASA’s Executive Director, Ken Mitchell, stated, “Recent worldwide events have demonstrated the effectiveness of video surveillance at transit hubs. CCTV undeniably provides the public with a sense of security. Transit riders feel safer and experience one of the most basic freedoms, the right to move freely and safely in public spaces. I think there is a broad spectrum of support to improve control of public space surveillance.
About CANASA
The Canadian Security Association (CANASA) is a national not-for-profit organization, established in 1977 and dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and the safety and security of all Canadians. CANASA is the national voice of the security industry and has a growing membership of more than 1200 members across Canada, representing all segments of the industry. CANASA supports its members through a comprehensive network of services, including security education, government relations, marketing, communications, leading industry trade shows and the latest industry information and news. Visit www.canasa.org
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For more information, please contact:
Deborah Thompson
Canadian Security Association
dthompson@canasa.org
905-513-0622 ext 242
Challenges to Police Reform in Afghanistan
Challenges to Police Reform in Afghanistan - Presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Shaw
October 3, 2007 (Markham, Ontario) – The Canadian Security Association (CANASA) is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Shaw, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Police for Kabul City and Province, will be presenting “Challenges to Police Reform in Afghanistan” to attendees of the Security Canada conference on Thursday, October 18 at 9 a.m. at the Toronto Congress Centre.
In February 2007, LCol Shaw deployed with the Canadian Forces to the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan part of US Central Command. Promoted Colonel, while so employed, he served as the Senior Advisor to the Chief of the Afghan National Police in Kabul Province, a force of over 10,000. LCol Shaw returned to Canada in August 2007. He is currently employed in 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in Toronto. He is also the Deputy Director Armour – Reserve and Vice President Central of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association (Cavalry).
“CANASA members are dedicated to promoting the safety and security of all Canadians. Lieutenant Colonel Shaw’s experience in building security infrastructure from scratch will be a milestone event for all attendees, ” said Kenneth Mitchell, CANASA’s Executive Director and CEO.
Security Canada is Canada’s premier and largest security industry conference and trade show, attracting thousands of exhibitors and attendees from across North America. Exhibitors from physical, electronic and information security converge at Security Canada showcasing the best and newest products and services. In 2007, Security Canada offers more space, more conferences, more security education and more opportunities for business growth.
About CANASA
The Canadian Security Association (CANASA) is the national non-profit organization, established in 1977 and dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and the safety and security of all Canadians. CANASA is the national voice of the security industry and has a growing membership of more than 1200 members across Canada, representing all segments of the industry. CANASA supports its members through a comprehensive network of services, including security education, government relations, marketing, communications, leading industry trade shows and the latest industry information and news.
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Event space is limited. To attend please contact:
Deborah Thompson, Canadian Security Association
dthompson@canasa.org , 905-513-0622 ext. 242
CANASA - Quebec Appointed to new Private Security Bureau
Final Steps to Implement Bill 88 Now in Place
March 22, 2007 (Quebec City) – The Quebec Chapter of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the new Private Security Bureau under Bill 88.
Word of the appointment came in the form of a letter from Public Security Minister the Hon. Jacques Dupuis to Chapter President Normand Fiset.
The Chapter seat on the Board will be filled in the interim by Mr. Fiset,
Bill 88, which passed the Quebec National Assembly last June, called for the creation of a Private Security Bureau to establish regulations governing each of the different sectors of the industry, and to manage the issuing of permits to companies and individuals.
"We are delighted that the last piece of this long journey has finally fallen into place", commented M. Fiset. "Today we embark on a new regulatory era for the security industry in Quebec and CANASA will be at the table."
The purpose of Bill 88 is to regulate a variety of private security practices including guard services, alarm monitoring, life safety, goods and sites protection, investigation, locksmiths, electronic security systems, armored car services and security consultant services. Draft legislation first appeared in the National Assembly in December 2004.
CANASA-Quebec's appointment to the new Board represents a recognition of the leadership role that the Chapter has played on this issue over the past few years, and the support it has been able to build among others in the industry.
“We take this new role very seriously and I commit to work with my colleagues in the rest of the security industry to make this new Bureau work effectively on behalf of all stakeholders", Mr. Fiset concluded.
“Security is a partnership between the private and public sector", said JF Champagne, CANASA's Executive Director, “and we are pleased to see the confidence that has been placed in CANASA with the appointment of our Quebec Chapter to the new Board".
For more information, visit our website at www.canasa.org or contact:
Najah Dowdie
marketingco@canasa.org
(P) 905.513.0622 x231
The Canadian Security Association is a national non-profit organization, established in 1977 and dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and the safety and security of all Canadians. We are the national voice of the security industry and have a growing membership of more than 1170 companies across Canada, representing all major segments of the industry. We support our members through a comprehensive network of services, including high quality security education, government relations, marketing, communications, leading industry trade shows and the latest industry information and news.