Concierge and Security Services
Our security professionals offer courteous service and effectively respond to challenging situations.
Front-desk concierge services
Tactical uniformed security guards
Mobile patrol services
Parking enforcement
Condominium physical security audits
Short-term rental investigations
garda.com/condo-security
By Neil Sutton
Stories from security leaders
Awards season at Canadian Security is both a cause for celebration and a reason for reflection.
In the almost 20 years we’ve held the annual Security Director of Year award, I’ve met recipients who have undertaken colossal projects, transformed businesses and advanced the field of security through innovation and collaboration.
J oey Bourgoin, our 2023 winner, certainly fits the description for all three of those and several more.
I first met Joey more than a dozen years ago at an ASIS Toronto chapter meeting and our paths have crossed many times over the years.
In addition to his volunteer work with ASIS Canada at both the chapter and national level, Joey has served as a mentor at our Security Career Expo and was also recognized by Canadian Security in 2019 with a Top 10 Under 40 award. (Joey has the rare distinction of being on the cover of Canadian Security twice!)
I enjoyed talking with Joey again for this issue’s Security Director of the Year cover story — an ambitious and transformative project for CIBC as they move into a new corporate headquarters in Toronto.
The technology is impressive but what interests me the most about projects of this scale is the process.
The CIBC project is an instructive example of how security can establish connections
“Awards season at Canadian Security is both a cause for celebration and a reason for reflection.”
and touchpoints with different facets of an organization — whether that’s collaboration with multiple departments or becoming part of the business culture through employee training and orientation.
In the years we’ve held the Security Director award, the security industry itself has evolved a great deal and that is certainly evident in the ambition of the CIBC project under Joey’s leadership.
Our Canadian Security Honours for 2023 also include the Emerging Leader, Community Leader and Lifetime Achievement award winners.
This year’s recipients represent several different aspects of today’s security profession, including security services, campus security, health-care security, leadership training, mentorship and the merits of
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Martin Deslauriers: Providis Services Conseils
Agnes Pienio-Ganthier: Amazon Canada
Ken Doige: ESRM Solutions
Roxanne Krause: CN Tower
Danielle Weddepohl: Sheridan College
Rowan Hamilton: Commissionaires Great Lakes
professional associations.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down (virtually) with this year’s winners and asked them to tell me about their professional journeys. I heard many stories, some of them decades old, some fresh in the memory.
You can read more about our winners in this issue as we extend congratulations to Martin Green (Lifetime Achievement Award), Chris Anquist (Emerging Leader Award) and Hi Nguyen (Community Leader Award).
You can also hear more stories and help us celebrate in person by attending Canadian Security Honours in Toronto on Oct. 17.
The lunchtime event will include a keynote address from Cameron Field, vice-president with the Vidocq Group’s Toronto office and a noted expert in financial crime and investigations. His session, “Enemies at our gates: Surviving and thriving in a chaotic decade,” will no doubt be engaging and thought-provoking.
For more details on the Canadian Security Honours agenda, visit our website, www. canadiansecuritymag.com. We hope to see you there. | CS
Fall 2023 Vol. 45, No.2 canadiansecuritymag.com
READER SERVICE
Print and digital subscription inquiries or changes, please contact Shawn Arul, Audience Development Manager Tel: (416) 510-5181 Fax: (416) 510-6875
Email: sarul@annexbusinessmedia.com
Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
EDITOR
Neil Sutton nsutton@annexbusinessmedia.com
GROUP PUBLISHER Paul Grossinger pgrossinger@annexbusinessmedia.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jason Hill jhill@annexbusinessmedia.com
MEDIA DESIGNER
Graham Jeffrey
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Kim Rossiter krossiter@annexbusinessmedia.com
PRESIDENT/COO
Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com
Printed in Canada
I.S.S.N. 0709-3403
Publication Mail Agreement #40065710
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Canada: 1 Year $43.00 + Taxes; U.S.A. (payable in CAD dollars): 1 Year $95.55; International (payable in CAD dollars): 1 Year $110.00
EDITORIAL AND SALES OFFICE
111 Gordon Baker Rd, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 (416) 442-5600 • Fax (416) 442-2230 canadiansecuritymag.com
Canadian Security is published two times per year by Annex Business Media.
Annex Privacy Officer Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2384
Canadian Security is the key publication for professional security management in Canada, providing balanced editorial on issues relevant to end users across all industry sectors. Editorial content may, at times, be viewed as controversial but at all times serves to inform and educate readers on topics relevant to their individual and collective growth and interests.
The contents of Canadian Security are copyright by ©2023 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Annex Business Media disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication
By Ceres Silva
Women in Security event series focuses on empowerment
In the year of recording-breaking live attendance and streaming for the Women’s World Cup, our Canadian women in security chapters are following a common theme: empowerment.
The empowerment of women professionals and gender equality is a constant and almost mandatory pursuit.
The work of the women in security chapters across Canada is essential for fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the security field to their full potential. As these local chapters continue to promote empowerment, inclusion and networking, they contribute to a more diverse and innovative security industry.
2023 INITIATIVES
In beautiful Alberta, ASIS Women in Security (WIS) representatives Amanda Lockhart and Lindsay Nicholson have hosted local events to grow and expand the chapter’s reach. An online gathering called “Meet your local chapter chair committee” back in March
was pivotal for the great attendance of the “happy hour session” that happened in June. These sessions are important and enable women to connect with peers, share experiences and build valuable relationships. These events can lead to collaborations, job opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging in the industry.
Q uebec, toujours exceptionnel : Sophie Laplante leads our French WIS group and did an amazing job empowering the attendees by hosting a dinner in Montreal in June with the presence of Royal Canadian Mounted Police team leader Camille-Melanie Habel. Her topic of infrastructure protection not only provided knowledge of threat mitigation but also promoted a more holistic approach to equity and representation from law enforcement.
In British Columbia, the topic addressed at their recent online event drew more than 50 participants. Although not widely spoken about, it is very current in our online lives and is happening under our first world countries’ noses: Modern Human Trafficking. Cody Morash guided the audience on “how to keep your eyes open” for any signs, suspicious activity, and actions to take in case of a potential coercion of young girls.
In October, the Maritimes WIS group is bringing to us a current and utmost needed session “Generational Perspectives —Non-Binary Acceptance.” In our journey of empowerment, Heather MacDonald has gathered our friends from the industry alongside their non-binary kids to educate and enlighten us on how to be inclusive, respectful and highlight the importance of equal opportunities and fair representation.
Finally, I am honoured to announce our annual Women in Security conference will be held in downtown Toronto on Nov. 21. All individuals, regardless of sex and gender, are warmly welcomed to the event. This year’s WIS theme will continue with sessions on “Empowerment — unleash your potential.”
We will gather to celebrate the profound concept of empowerment — a force that transcends boundaries, shatters limitations and ignites the spark of change within individuals and communities. Empowerment is not merely a buzzword; it is a guiding principle that shapes the very foundation of progress and prosperity in our world.
We have lined up three amazing sessions to ignite the empowerment we have within ourselves.
• Entrepreneurship featuring Suzanna Alsayed, founder and CEO of Evolutz, an independent global branding, marketing, copywriting, website and business development agency
• Mental Health featuring Rebecca Higgins, mental health educator, workshop facilitator and published author
• Inspiration featuring Roger Caesar, an award-winning speaker and founder of Caesar Empire Speaking and Coaching | CS
World Security Report: security incidents cost global companies US$1T in lost revenue
Allied Universal and its international business G4S recently commissioned a “World Security Report,” with results indicating that physical security incidents cost global enterprises a combined US$1 trillion in lost revenue last year.
The report documented the opinions of 1,775 chief security officers (or their equivalents) across 30 countries working for large companies with a combined annual revenue in excess of US$20T.
Respondents identified a broad range of threats, including social and economic unrest, climate change, fraud and theft. The report suggests that physical security budgets may rise significantly to keep pace with these potential hazards, with security leaders focusing their investments on technology and additional training.
The report “comes at a time when organizations across the globe are increasingly navigating more complex security hazards and threats,” said Steve Jones, Allied Universal’s global chairman and CEO, in a statement. “The research shows the impact of security threats on organizations is multidimensional — from the disruption of productivity to the loss of customers, to the potentially staggering financial impact.”
One in four companies responding to the survey reported a drop in corporate value after a security incident (internal or external) in the last 12 months. Two hundred global institutional investors were also sur-
veyed for the report — they estimated an average 29 per cent drop in stock price in the wake of such incidents.
“Global businesses are facing increased security threats; a tight labour market globally; and rapidly changing technology that presents new risks and requires different skills,” added Ashley Almanza, executive chairman, G4S.
“In addition, executive boards are grappling with balancing physical and cybersecurity alongside other priorities. The World Security Report helps our entire industry and the wider business community better understand and operate in the challenging, global and fast-moving security landscape.”
Other findings from the World Security Report include:
• Economic unrest was reported by 47% as the greatest security-impacting hazard in the next 12 months
• Climate change is the second most concerning hazard, with 38% saying they may be impacted in the next year
• 36% of respondents said leaking of sensitive information is expected to be the biggest internal threat in the next 12 months
• Approximately half of respondents predicted they will be impacted by groups the report identified as subversives, hackers, protestors, spies and economic criminals
• In terms of technology investments, AI topped the list with 42% intending to invest in AI and AI-powered surveillance over the next five years | CS
OCTOBER 23-26, 2023
Sector Toronto, Ont. www.sector.ca
OCTOBER 24-25, 2023 DEMCON Toronto, Ont. crtdemcon.ca/demcon
OCTOBER 25-26, 2023
Security Canada Central Toronto, Ont. www.securitycanada.com
NOVEMBER 14-16, 2023
ISC East New York, N.Y. www.isceast.com
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1, 2023
The Buildings Show Toronto, Ont. www.thebuildingsshow.com
DECEMBER 5, 2023
Focus on Healthcare Security Toronto, Ont. www.canadiansecuritymag.com
APRIL 9-12, 2024
ISC West Las Vegas, Nev. www.iscwest.com
APRIL 24, 2024
Security Canada East Laval, Que. www.securitycanada.com
APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2024
IAHSS Conference and Expo Orlando, Fla. www.iahss.org
JUNE 19, 2024
Security Canada West Richmond, B.C. www.securitycanada.com
JUNE 24-27, 2024
IACLEA Annual Conference & Expo New Orleans, La. www.iaclea.org
JULY 13-16, 2024
BOMA International Conference & Expo Philadelphia, Pa. www.boma.org
Window on Security
By Kevin Magee
The rise of human-operated ransomware
Ransomware has evolved from a nuisance crime of opportunity into a global cybercriminal industry causing significant financial and reputational damage and, in some cases, even posing an existential threat to organizations.
A new threat has emerged that is even more concerning: human-operated ransomware.
Human-operated ransomware is a type of attack carried out by skilled cybercriminals who use advanced techniques to gain access to an organization’s network and encrypt their data.
Unlike traditional ransomware attacks characterized by generic and automated tools and bots, human-operated ransomware attacks are executed in a bespoke method by real people leveraging human ingenuity to adapt their tactics to bypass traditional security measures.
Evidence is emerging that while human-operated ransomware is more expensive for cybercriminals to mount as an attack operation, it can also be much more profitable overall.
According to the Microsoft Digital Defense Report for 2022, while the number of ransomware attacks in some regions has decreased by upwards of 50 per cent, the actual ransom amounts demanded have more than doubled. Human-operated ransomware attacks can be categorized into two phases: the pre-ransomware phase and the ransomware deployment phase.
During the pre-ransomware phase, attackers prepare to infil-
“The focus should be on comprehensive protection.” Kevin
trate the network by learning about the organization’s topology and security infrastructure. Attackers can use a variety of tactics and techniques to bypass traditional security measures and gain access to an organization’s network.
These can include:
1 Extensive initial reconnaissance of targets online and via social media channels.
2. Crafting of customized and highly authentic-looking spear-phishing emails and social engineering techniques to trick users into divulging their credentials.
3. Purchasing previously stolen credentials on the Dark Web from specialized cybercriminals known as Initial Access Brokers.
4. Exploiting specific vulnerabilities in software and hardware found during exploration of the victim’s infrastructure.
5. Using password spraying attacks to gain access to accounts with weak or reused passwords.
This phase takes the most time and effort on behalf of the cybercriminal and can range from a few days to several weeks or months, although it has been shortening over the past two years as attackers gain more experience.
Attackers might also invest time understanding the financial processes, available cash and insurance details of the victim to determine an optimum amount of ransom to demand and in so doing maximize their profits while increasing their odds of getting paid.
During the ransomware deployment phase, the trap is sprung. This phase likely lasts only minutes as attackers seek to maximize the advantage of surprise and encrypt as much data as possible before defenders are able to respond.
Combating and preventing human-operated ransomware attacks requires a shift in an organization’s mindset.
The focus should be on comprehensive protection to slow and stop attackers before they
can move from the initial stages to the ransomware deployment phase.
Weak identity controls contribute to the success of these attacks, as they allow human operators to steal credentials, access systems, and remain persistent in the network. To counter this, organizations should implement strong identity controls, such as multi-factor authentication and privileged access management.
In addition to weak identity controls, many organizations also have significant gaps in their security operations, tooling and IT asset lifecycle management. This can make it easier for attackers to gain access to sensitive systems and data.
O rganizations must take steps to identify and address these gaps, such as implementing security monitoring and incident response capabilities, regularly patching systems and applications, and properly managing access controls.
Finally, effective data protection is key to defending against human-operated ransomware attacks.
Organizations must implement an effective data protection strategy that aligns with their business needs. This may include data backup and recovery solutions, encryption of sensitive data and implementing data loss prevention controls.
By taking these steps, organizations can increase their resilience to human-operated ransomware attacks and in doing so, help to disrupt the cybercriminal economy. | CS
Canada’s Security Industry Meets Here Canada’s Security Industry Meets Here
Central Toronto, ON October 25 - 26, 2023
By Winston Stewart
Effective collaboration during emergencies
Emergencies can strike at any moment, throwing us into chaos and demanding swift, coordinated action.
In these crucial moments, the seamless interaction between security companies, their guards and first responders can be the difference between a managed crisis and a catastrophe. With the right training, preparation and communication, security guards can play a pivotal role in ensuring a unified response that protects both lives and property. Let’s dive into the ways security companies and guards can effectively collaborate with first responders during emergencies.
TRAINING FOR EFFECTIVE CRISIS RESPONSE
Imagine a fire alarm blaring and smoke billowing through a building. In such a scenario, the role of a security guard is not just to alert first responders, but to facilitate their efforts by seamlessly integrating into the emergency response system. Proper
training is the bedrock of this integration. Security guards should undergo rigorous training, learning to manipulate fire panels, control elevators during evacuations, and fully understand evacuation protocols.
Moreover, security guards should be equipped with medical training such as CPR, first aid and basic life support. In many ways, guards are the first line of defence in emergencies, providing crucial aid before first responders arrive. This dual role is especially vital in locations like hospitals, where security guards often serve as the first point of contact for distressed patients, staff and visitors. By having these skills, security guards elevate themselves to the status of true first responders, enhancing their ability to assist and to save lives.
TAILORING RESPONSES
Every setting presents unique challenges during emergencies. In residential complexes, security guards need to be well-versed in the layout of the buildings, the locations of fire exits, and the specific needs of the
“In many ways, guards are the first line of defence.”
residents. They act as calm guides, leading residents to safety and aiding first responders with essential information.
In commercial spaces, the scope broadens. Security guards become liaisons between first responders and business owners, offering insights about hazardous materials, valuable assets and access points. This collaboration ensures that first responders can act swiftly and strategically, minimizing both damage and risk.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Initiating a robust emergency plan is the bedrock of effective security guard and first responder collaboration. Security companies must collaborate with clients to create tailored emergency plans. Bringing in security consultants to assess the site, identify vulnerabilities and design comprehensive security strategies is vital. These plans should encompass detailed evacuation procedures, communication protocols and designated assembly points. A well-constructed emergency
Winston Stewart is the
plan ensures that all parties are on the same page, reducing confusion and streamlining actions when seconds matter most. It’s not just about reacting, it’s about having a pre-emptive strategy that safeguards lives and property.
THE PERILS OF UNPREPAREDNESS
The repercussions of inadequate security guard training and preparedness during emergencies can be dire. Untrained guards might inadvertently worsen a crisis. Such failures can have legal consequences, exposing security companies to liability claims. Additionally, the reputation of the security company is at stake as clients trust that their safety is in capable hands. A single misstep can
“A robust emergency plan is the bedrock of effective collaboration.”
tarnish the company’s standing, leading to a cascade of negative outcomes.
SECURITY GUARDS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN SYNC
Once first responders arrive on the scene, security guards transition from proactive roles to collaborative support. Their familiarity with the premises, their understanding of emergency plans, and their knowledge of individuals on-site become invaluable assets. Security guards can provide real-time information to first responders, helping them navigate the environment efficiently and mitigate risks. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are maximized , and the response is seamless.
The synergy between security companies, guards and first responders is a cornerstone of effective emergency management. Properly trained security guards, armed with knowledge of fire panels, evacuation systems and medical aid, form a critical bridge between chaos and order. As mentioned, their role extends across diverse settings, from residential areas to commercial spaces and health-care facilities. By initiating comprehensive security plans and collaborating closely with first responders, security companies uphold their responsibility to protect lives and property, cementing their role as first responders in their own right. In emergencies, unity and preparation are our most potent allies | CS
20 YEARS OF SECURITY:
CELEBRATING ICT’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY
October marks a significant milestone for ICT - the 20th anniversary of the company that began its journey as Integrated Control Technology in Auckland New Zealand.
Emerging from the garage of founders Hayden and Rachael Burr, ICT has evolved into a globally recognised leader in unified access control and intrusion security solutions. CEO Hayden Burr shares his thoughts from the early days through to future growth plans.
SIMPLE AND DIFFERENT
“I have and extremely close bond with Canada, having lived and worked there for a good part of my life,” says Burr. “In fact, Canada was the first place that ICT ever released a product.”
“Starting out, we wanted to be a little different. There was a noticeable void in the security market for ethernet connected, control-based devices. My vision was a unification of access control, intrusion, and automation. That’s why the name Integrated Control Technology is universal and not just tied into security.”
“The key for us was to keep it simple. Many existing products were needlessly complex and offered only singular solutions. We designed something that could handle intrusion, access control, or building automation independently, but shows its true power when combined.”
SUBTLE YET SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
“Changes in access control have been subtle yet significant. It’s always been about restriction but is evolving toward accessibility. How do we leverage technology to
enable people to move freely while preserving safety and security of facilities?”
“Mobile phones are a great example. It’s led to almost zero-touch scenarios, but tech like this brings cybersecurity into the spotlight. It’s a constant threat that spans all industries.”
Hayden Burr, ICT Founder and CEO
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
“The road hasn’t been paved with gold over the last 20 years. Take the evolution of Protege GX. It started in 2010, and there were growing pains. But we were changing the face of the industry with our plastic componentry and commercial solution.”
“So yes, there were some challenges! But we’ve overcome those and delivered an exceptional product that is now mature in the market. The key for me is, it’s always about looking after the customer and making sure we solve their problems, 100% of the time.”
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
“I’m often asked what sets ICT apart. The answer lies in our people and values. Personally, I hold a deep connection to kaitiakitanga (the indigenous Mãori word for guardianship). Being an avid outdoor person, this is fundamental
to me. Importantly, guardianship extends to how we interact with people, not just within ICT but everywhere. I believe that our values resonate in how our staff conduct themselves beyond the workplace as well.”
“Family is also embedded into the business. Rachael, my wife (also Head of Finance and the other founder of ICT), still comes in most Fridays with her Mum to bake morning tea for the staff. It’s pretty impressive, especially now there can be over 200 people on site.”
THE NEXT 20 YEARS
“Exciting things are on the horizon. Our new platform, Protege X, offers a cloud-based access and security option with the latest cybersecurity features. There’s also more innovations in the multifamily space on the way that work nicely with mobile credentials.”
“Everything is moving at 100 miles an hour, which makes ICT an incredible place to be. I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved over the past 20 years –our loyal customers and partners, dedicated staff, and their families. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next 20 years.”
Risk Perspective
By Tim McCreight
Reflections on GSX
I’m writing this article in the airport as I begin my journey home from ASIS GSX 2023 in Dallas, Tex.
I’ve had an amazing experience as the President of ASIS for 2023 so far, and participating in GSX this year as President has been an honour and a privilege.
It was heartwarming to see there were so many sessions focused on risk, convergence and the concept of resilience.
I saw a shift in how we’re looking at risk events impacting organizations. Security professionals are now turning their attention to enhancing the resilience of their organizations, appreciating that as events unfold, the benefits of reducing impacts and recovering back to normal operations cannot b e overstated.
One of my favourites was focused on a reflection of Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) over this past decade, with panelists who were part of the first wave of security professionals focused on developing a risk-based approach to their security programs. I can’t believe it’s been a decade since the first ESRM publications!
My highlight, though, was the opportunity I was given to interview President George W. Bush on the second day of GSX. It was a once-ina-lifetime experience to sit on a stage with a former sitting President who led the United States through such historic tragedy and loss. It was not lost on me that, as a Canadian who watched these events unfold some 22 years ago, we had such a different perspective of what occurred that fateful day when America was the target of terrorist acts on their own soil.
I’m going to admit here that I was
really nervous! I’ve given a lot of speeches in my career and taught a few classes on risk, ESRM and leadership. But this — well, this was something I was having trouble wrapping my head around!
“It was heartwarming to see there were so many sessions focused on risk.”
I worked with the amazing ASIS headquarters team and President Bush’s staff to prepare for the opening session.
On the morning of the event, I got to the session hall early, met the team supporting the President, then waited for a chance to chat with President Bush in advance of our interview. It was a little surreal – a kid (OK, maybe a little older than a kid) from Canada getting ready to talk to a former world leader. No pressure.
Before we got on stage, President Bush shook my hand, grabbed my shoulder, and said , “Let’s have some fun.”
For the next hour, President Bush told us stories of his father, his family and his desire to give back to the
American people. He spoke about the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, and how he felt then, and now. He was funny and wise and so very human. He showed us a side of himself that I don’t remember seeing while he was in office. That struck me only after I left the stage – I was busy keeping up with him and his amazing stories to fully appreciate what was said in the moment.
I have a newfound appreciation of what he went through during his presidency, how he had to focus on risk at a global scale, and his belief in the resilience of the American people and democracy across the globe. He began and ended his conversation with a standing ovation — it was so deserved.
President Bush gave me a lesson in humanity, in acceptance, and understanding that even in the face of the most tragic events, you must remain optimistic about the future. I have some homework. | CS
Supercharge Your Access Control Expertise
Register Now to Attend the 2023 Security Canada Central Show
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions and their 600sqft state-of-the-art tradeshow booth will front and centre at this year Security Canada Central event, October 25-26 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Our sales and technical security professionals will be on-hand to learn more about your facilities, access control needs and how we can help you deliver for your clients and build to professional toolbox.
Register Here
Quick Support
ASSA ABLOY DSS
Check out new solutions from your favourite brands including SARGENT, Corbin Russwin,
Medeco and new brands such DoorBird and Gallery Specialty.
H.E.S., Securitron,
Canadian Security Honours 2023
For the sixth annual Canadian Security Honours, we recognize four security leaders at different stages of their careers — some just beginning and showing tremendous promise, others with an accomplished body of work.
In 2023, we acknowledge Martin Green (Lifetime Achievement Award); Hi Nguyen (Community Leader Award); Chris Anquist (Emerging Leader Award); and Joey Bourgoin (Security Director of the Year).
The 2023 winners will receive their awards at a gala luncheon
in Toronto on Oct. 17.
Featured keynote speaker at the event will be Cameron Field, a noted expert on financial crime and investigations and vice-president of the Vidocq Group. Field’s address will focus on the theme of “Enemies at our gates: surviving and thriving in a chaotic decade.”
For more details on attending Canadian Security Honours in October, visit www.canadiansecuritymag.com.
Winner profiles by Neil Sutton
Lifetime Achievement: Martin Green
Ayoung Martin Green might be surprised to find out he would carve out a long and distinguished career in health-care security.
The security part was a natural fit for Green but the sights and smells of hospital hallways took some getting used to. “I was squeamish,” says Green. “The thought of me working in a hospital was terrifying.”
As a student in the 1970s, he enrolled in a law enforcement college program with ambitions to join the police. Upon graduation, he shifted over to security when he took a job at Eaton’s department store at the Toronto Eaton Centre.
Green found his footing there in loss prevention, but after six years confronting shoplifters, he was ready for a change.
An enigmatic newspaper ad for a senior security professional was his ticket out. He only learned at the interview that the job involved managing security guards at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto.
Green took the job, uncertain that it would last long, but his aversion to hospitals was short-lived. “I acclimatized to it really quickly,” he says. “That
“A hospital is a small city — security fills many functions to support that city.”
job led to a number of different jobs in health-care security and for most of the last 38 years, I’ve worked directly or indirectly for a hospital.”
Since taking the St. Joseph’s role in 1985, Green has become a familiar face on the Toronto health-care scene, working at a variety of facilities, including CAMH (then known as the Queen St. Mental Health Centre), Women’s College Hospital, Rouge Valley Health System, and most recently Baycrest Health Sciences Centre.
As Green’s career matured, so did his interest and involvement in the security community. He helped to develop the colour code emergency system that is
still in use today across Ontario hospitals and more broadly across the country.
A longtime member of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), Green became more engaged in the early 2000s after a positive networking experience. The sitting IAHSS president reached out to him for advice on how to cope with a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) case, since Toronto had experienced its own SARS outbreak in 2003.
IAHSS had a Canadian presence at the time, says Green, but it was more functionally active in Western Canada. Green helped to form an Ontario chapter through a group of health-care security professionals that was already meeting on an informal basis. It began with six members and now has more than 120. “My involvement with IAHSS lit a fire for me, and I saw the value of the association,” he says.
He joined the IAHSS board as a member-at-large in 2012, and was asked to serve on several committees. Green was elected president of IAHSS in 2017 (one of a handful of Canadians to serve in that role) and was granted a lifetime membership in 2019.
Green, who has also held memberships in the Canadian Society for Industrial Security and ASIS International, preaches the value of belonging to an association. Peer networking is incredibly valuable, he says, and an almost unlimited source of information and advice. “It’s also given me some tremendous friendships over the years.”
Hospital security departments transcend their proscribed roles, says Green, often due to the fact that they tend to be uniformed and stand out against other staff who mostly wear scrubs. If a visitor or a patient has a question or a concern, a security guard is an easily identifiable guide or authority figure.
“A hospital is a small city —
security fills many functions to support that city,” says Green. “Even if nothing is going on, as a security manager or a security guard in a hospital, you’re giving that presence that everything is OK in the city today.”
Green retired from healthcare security in 2023 and was ready to settle into an easier pace of life when another opportunity
Community Leader: Hi Nguyen
Hi Nguyen had always taken an interest in police and counter-terrorism, but it was the 9/11 attacks that “pushed me off the sidelines,” he says.
He left a career as a sales rep in the software industry, walked into an RCMP recruitment office and signed up. He says he immediately clicked with the policing lifestyle and its goal-oriented culture, and graduated as an RCMP officer less than two years later.
His first posting was in Langley, B.C., as a uniformed officer, where he learned the “bread and
butter” of police work. He soon moved into more ambitious assignments, investigating drug networks and car theft rings, and was eventually transferred to Ottawa. There he joined the Prime Minister’s protective detail as a bodyguard, before transferring to an assignment protecting the Governor General.
In 2011, Nguyen achieved his dream, moving over to a role in national security and counter-terrorism. Nguyen stayed with the RCMP for another six years, and was part of high profile investigations, including the 2014 terrorist attack
on Parliament Hill.
Retiring from the RCMP in 2017, Nguyen says he had a “What now?” moment. His solution was to take on a new challenge — something completely different from police work. He started his own business, helping children with learning disabilities. The work was fulfilling, he says, and he learned a great deal about what it takes to run a company, but he missed his old life. Nguyen sold the company after a few years and looked for a path back into investigations.
Nguyen joined the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation as an investigator for a few years before accepting his current role at the University of Ottawa as director of protection services.
“It was a huge shift for me,” says Nguyen, who immediately prioritized the transformation of the university’s security department. “I really applied everything I learned in policing, everything I learned in business, [and] all the courses I took on leadership. I’m super-proud of what the team has accomplished in the last two years.”
came knocking. He recently accepted a role as security manager at Toronto-based property management firm Greenwin Corp. Green says he still keeps close tabs on the health-care security scene through his professional network and friendships — which is something he can’t imagine changing, semi-retired or otherwise. | CS
Nguyen can speak passionately and at length about leadership, team-building and collaboration — a result of his years in intense police environments and a personal commitment to growth and development.
Shortly after joining the University of Ottawa, he saw an opportunity to lean on his existing skills while developing new ones. In 2022, he reached out to other campus security professionals in the Ottawa area to form a “Leadership Mastermind” — a group of peers that could meet on a regular basis to problem-solve and exchange ideas. The mastermind began with six people but quickly grew to dozens across the country.
“I learned a whole ton doing this from other people, and other people learned from me. Everyone was contributing continuously. It’s been a fantastic network,” says Nguyen.
Nguyen was recognized for his leadership earlier this year by the Ontario Association of College and University Security Administrators (OACUSA) with their Award of Excellence.
Nguyen also recently re-en-
tered the business world, establishing his own coaching and mentoring company Team Up Leadership Consulting. Nguyen operates the business separately from the master-
mind group, but the two share some common ambitions.
“I want to give back to the world of policing and security,” explains Nguyen. “A lot of people are thrown into a leadership
position” without having the preparation. “Nobody’s teaching them how to do this. That’s what I do — I spend time with them and teach them the skills.”
About to reach a milestone
Emerging Leader: Chris Anquist
Chris Anquist could have pursued any number of different career paths, yet he always seemed to veer back to security.
Anquist spent his post-secondary education and formative years of employment picking up a variety of interests, skills and accreditations.
With doctors in the family, he broke with tradition and went to school for politics at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. An internship at Indigenous Services Canada took him to Ottawa in his third year of university. He subsequently moved to back to B.C., working in the Surrey mayor’s office as a speech writer.
Security began to seep into these experiences, first via a temporary job helping to process a backlog of passport applications, then more noticeably through his work with the mayor.
He also interned with a meditation firm, picking up conflict resolution skills, and became more familiar with CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) concepts from experts he met who worked at the city.
Security became a viable career option Anquist hadn’t seriously considered before, so he looked for a means to explore it more fully. Anquist and his wife moved to the U.K., where he attended the University of Sheffield for a master’s degree in global security.
Immersing himself in education, he absorbed not only the curriculum
but the deep conversations he had with students and faculty. “I learned a lot about how other people view the world... I learned how to think critically about the big picture stuff,” he says.
“Good security starts with genuine care for people.”
Anquist moved back to Canada, settling in Calgary, and began working at his father-in-law’s auditing firm. There, he sharpened his business skills and took an interest in one of the company’s clients, a private school. He helped the school develop a more secure way to manage the way students are dropped off and picked up by their parents.
With each new experience, Anquist was adding more arrows to his quiver, but still found it challenging to find a permanent job he could settle in to. He and his family moved to Saskatoon, where he took on a communications job for the city. Anquist’s keen interest in security matters shone through and he was asked to develop the city’s corporate security department as manager.
That led to more exposure to security technology, risk assessments and guard-
birthday, Nguyen is taking a sabbatical in October to travel around Asia. His goal is to “read, write, explore new things and talk to new people.” | CS
ing contracts. “Then COVID hit and the world turned upside down. Every week, it would be a new thing,” says Anquist.
A meeting with Scott Young at GardaWorld (then the vice-president of company’s Prairies division and currently the national VP of security systems and technology) opened a door for Anquist and he was ready for a new experience.
Initially hired to do business development, Anquist says he made himself an indispensable strategic resource for the company. He was tasked to update one of GardaWorld’s control centres, then found himself pivotal in a much larger plan when the company consolidated some key operations into a brand new Calgary facility. This July, Anquist shifted over full-time into GardaWorld’s consulting and investigations business.
Anquist credits several mentors for guiding him along his professional journey, including Young, who gave him an opportunity at GardaWorld and encouraged him to take on bigger responsibilities. Young also suggested Anquist earn his CPP designation at ASIS International and join the local ASIS chapter in Saskatchewan. Anquist did both and recently finished a term as chapter chair. (Young was the recipient of Canadian Security’s Emerging Leader award in 2018.)
“My philosophy that I coined years ago is, ‘Good security starts with genuine care for people,’” says Anquist. “This is really satisfying work. I’m glad to be here.” | CS
FROM THE GROUND UP
Joey Bourgoin builds a comprehensive security program at CIBC, starting with the bank’s new HQ
There are projects that sound routine when they’re just a concept, but grow into game-changing stuff when the plans become real and ideas are put into practice.
To hear Joey Bourgoin tell the tale, CIBC was ready to update its physical security systems with the new CIBC Square facility in downtown Toronto acting as a catalyst for change. While that is no small undertaking, Bourgoin led a team that tackled so much more.
Bourgoin’s role in CIBC Square “started about seven years ago,” he says. “I was
brought on in the very early days for a little project that ultimately led to our new global headquarters.”
CIBC Square is a three-million-squarefeet structure comprising two office towers of 49 and 50 storeys and an elevated park that will be open to the public. The south tower opened in 2022 and began welcoming CIBC staff after the pandemic. The north tower is scheduled for completion in 2024. The building now serves as CIBC’s new headquarters, the bank being the majority tenant occupying approximately 70 per cent of the real estate.
The business case for CIBC Square in-
cluded moving a disparate workforce across the Toronto region into a central location, says Bourgoin, senior director of enterprise physical security, CIBC. As a result, “we looked at our physical security programs (and) initiatives, and the overall mandate at CIBC and how we approach physical security,” he says.
From there, an opportunity was identified to “launch a new program that can evolve, leveraging modern technology, systems and solutions to better protect our bank’s people, information and assets,” explains Bourgoin.
In recognition of his leadership and
Security Director of the Year
project management during the CIBC Square transition and implementation, Bourgoin was awarded Security Director of the Year 2023 by Canadian Security’s advisory board.
FROM SQUARE ONE TO CIBC SQUARE
Bourgoin, a graduate of Sheridan College’s police foundations program, gained experience in security and loss prevention working for several retailers, including a role in Starbucks’ safety and security team. He joined CIBC’s security department in 2014, working in different disciplines until he was tapped for a pivotal role in the security of CIBC Square five years before its scheduled opening date.
A new building was the ideal platform to rethink security infrastructure and consider a more holistic approach. “We looked at the core basics of security — typically, intrusion, alarms, access control and video — and we looked at the opportunity to modernize,” says Bourgoin.
From a technology perspective, CIBC looked to unify security systems as well as offer centralized management.
“Our primary goal was something that can scale to our needs and can scale across the entire enterprise,” says Bourgoin.
The advantage of a facility like CIBC Square, still in the construction phase, is that security systems can be planned out well ahead of time. Major projects like this also encourage and reward collaboration between different departments. Bourgoin says that from the outset, corporate security had a strong voice in the conversation.
“ We, within the corporate security team, had built a great relationship and rapport with our executives
in real estate and technology over the years. As this project came up, it was identified very early on with our key stakeholders that they wanted to have corporate security at the table to work on this program and initiative before the first shovel even went into the ground,” says Bourgoin.
“ We were at the table and we were one of the first groups engaged when we started looking at our CIBC Square strategy and vision.”
Security is, of course, more than security these days — it can also be a key business enabler. “We looked at everything we could do to make our business partners’ day-to-day lives easier while mitigating risk and leveraging the technology needed to add value across the enterprise,” says Bourgoin.
“Joey’s visionary leadership, forward-thinking, and innovative approach have been pivotal in both design and execution, integrating security into every part of CIBC Square,” says Michael Brzozowski, a
“We looked at the core basics of security … and we looked at the opportunity to modernize.”
security team member at CIBC. “Joey’s ability to foster collaborative relationships across the many teams at CIBC has been vital in aligning the security strategy with business objectives.”
NEW SECURITY CULTURE
CIBC Square officially opened two years later than originally planned due to pandemic-related delays. “We had an evolving and fluid construction schedule. It required us to constantly pivot and reassess,” says Bourgoin.
Well-worn concepts of office life were also challenged thanks to COVID protocols and the work from home movement. CIBC’s security program adjusted to meet this new reality.
Bourgoin and his team took the opportunity to change the way security is viewed throughout the organization.
Traditionally seen as a clandestine occupation and the sole responsibility of a dedicated de -
CIBC Square’s south tower opened in 2022. The north tower is scheduled to open in 2024.
PHOTO: COURTESY CIBC
partment, Bourgoin wanted to shake up those conventions and make security something that all CIBC employees could participate in.
“ We wanted to shift from a mindset of, ‘If you see an issue, call security’ to a mindset where security is the accountability of all employees at CIBC,” says Bourgoin. “To observe, report and challenge... to really increase that security culture throughout our campus and our organization.”
That approach has received endorsements from multiple departments within the CIBC organization, including the C-suite. New training, orientation protocols and awareness campaigns have been implemented across the enterprise, encouraging all staff to
“We were at the table and we were one of the first groups engaged.”
take some ownership of security.
A proponent of constant education, Bourgoin has also encouraged his own staff to develop and hone their skills.
Bourgoin, an ASIS International member for more than 15 years, has participated in the association through its Toronto chapter and also as assistant regional vice-president for the ASIS Canada Young Professionals group. Bourgoin holds the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation and recommends certification to his colleagues as both a knowledge builder and career enabler.
Thus far, most of his team members have achieved the CPP, one has earned ASIS’s Associate Protection Professional (APP), and others are working towards a Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.
“ Ultimately, for me, ASIS, the membership, the networking opportunities… It’s really made me the security professional I am today,” he says.
In addition to his volunteer work with ASIS, Bourgoin served on the Professional Advisory Council for the Public & Private Investigations Diploma Program at his alma mater Sheridan College from 2015 until 2021.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE
With a solid security plan in place for CIBC Square, Bourgoin’s attention has turned to how it can be implemented across CIBC’s global footprint. “ This will be a full transformation of our systems end to end,” he says. CS
Product Focus
Access Control
Electronic locking swinghandle
Southco
Southco has introduced an H3-EM electronic locking swinghandle with modular access control options. Specialized for data centre racks and similar applications, it allows manufacturers to meet a wide variety of security needs using a single latch. The H3-EM Modular latch integrates with existing enclosures and security systems. The H3-EM Modular has a variety of access control options, such as RFID readers, that can be freely interchanged and combined. These devices are mounted independently and secured from behind the door panel to ensure there is no access to mounting screws when the door is closed.. www.southco.com
Electronic padlock
SALTO Systems
SALTO’s Neoxx G3 electronic padlock features a special armoured case with a double-layered structure. The SALTO Neoxx G3 integrates RFID, Bluetooth L, and NFC technologies. In addition, the Neoxx G3 electronic padlock features SALTO SVN data-on-card and BLUEnet wireless network capable core technologies onboard. Due to BLUEnet wireless advanced capabilities, the padlock can read, receive, and write information via a smart card or real-time communications over the air. The padlock also includes SALTO JustIN Mobile technology, which provides users access with an iOS or Android smart device. The SALTO Neoxx G3 padlock is made of hardened steel with a removable shackle model option. www.saltosystems.com
Access control utility
Sielox
The System Clean Up Utility feature is available with the Sielox Pinnacle 11.0 access control platform. The System Clean Up Utility feature enables a cleanup of invalid or outdated access control data. By utilizing Pinnacle’s System Clean Up Utility feature, system administrators can address neglected or overlooked access data such as expired cardholders, duplicate access levels and inactive cardholders. Within the Pinnacle access control platform, there are eight tests that can be selected from the utility that identify risky access data, including unused access levels, duplicate access levels, inactive cardholders and more. Current Pinnacle platform users already have access to the System Cleanup Utility feature at no added cost.
www.sielox.com
Card readers
Camden Door Controls
Camden Door Controls announced it has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them secure and virtually clone-proof, according to Camden. The CV-7600 mobile-ready readers combine Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and contactless smart card technologies and can be used with any access control systems with either Wiegand or bi-directional OSDP. A downloadable app turns any Android or Apple iOS smartphone into a user’s mobile access credential. CV-7600 readers have a field configurable reception range from one to 30 feet.
www.camdencontrols.com
Turnstile software
Automatic Systems
The V07 software update is designed to address cybersecurity concerns and to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications, according to the company. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. The software communicates using an Automatic Systems generated encryption key. An end user can also choose to add their own personalized encryption key before granting access to their internal network. The V07 is designed for use with the Automatic Systems SlimLane, SlimLite and FirstLane optical barrier speed gate turnstiles as well as their AccessLane swing gates, as these devices use the AS1190 motherboard.
www.automatic-systems.com
