News Releases Archives
News releases are official statements issued by Commissionaires BC for the media.
Survey Reveals need for Second Careers after Life in the Canadian Forces
Canadians wrongly believe that most veterans retire with pensions
November 5, 2009, Vancouver, BC – Canadians overestimate how long the average veteran serves in the Canadian Forces (CF) and how many of them retire with pensions, according to a Nanos Research survey released today by Commissionaires in time for Remembrance Day. In reality, only about 30 percent of veterans have earned pensions when they retire from the Canadian Forces. A strong majority of those surveyed believe that at least half of veterans retire with pensions, and more than 28 percent of Canadians believe that all veterans do.
How to Protect Against Looting During Fire Evacuations
Commissionaires BC offers advice
July 30, 2009, Kelowna, BC – Kelowna residents were appalled to learn that some people who were evacuated from their homes during the recent fires became double victims. They may have been lucky enough to avoid having their homes razed by fire, but many were not lucky enough to escape looters.
Six Canadians meet Her Majesty The Queen to Celebrate Commissionaires’ 150th Anniversary
Delegation of Canadian Commissionaires proud to honour organization’s history
July 7, 2009, Vancouver, BC – Six Canadian commissionaires from across the country met Her Majesty, The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as part of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Corps of Commissionaires in England in 1859. The Canadian delegation joined other Commissionaires’ organizations from as far away as Papua New Guinea and Australia. True to its founding purpose, Commissionaires’ mission is to provide meaningful employment to veterans.
Commissionaires BC Selects Surrey for Digital Fingerprinting Site
New immigrant population biggest draw
December 2, 2008, Surrey, BC - In response to where they see the biggest need, Commissionaires BC opened their second Lower Mainland office in Surrey on December 2. The main function of the office is to provide Surrey’s growing new immigrant population with the fastest digital fingerprinting services in Canada. Immigration applicants, citizenship applicants, and permanent residence applicants all need to submit fingerprints to the RCMP.
Poll Reveals Canadian “Obligation” to Ensure Jobs for our Veterans
Commissionaires survey sheds light on “New Canadian Veteran”
November 10, 2008, Vancouver, BC – Nearly 90 per cent of Canadians (89 per cent) believe we have an obligation to ensure our veterans find meaningful employment after they’ve finished their service in the Canadian Forces, according to a poll conducted for Commissionaires by Nanos Research. The survey also revealed that 88 per cent of Canadians believe that reservists serving their country should have their civilian jobs protected while they are on duty with the Canadian Forces. Currently, a patchwork of provincial policies means that only some reservists’ civilian jobs are protected.
Commissionaires BC left with No Alternative - Service at Williams Lake RCMP Detachment Ended
May 27, 2008, Williams Lake, BC – Commissionaires BC issued termination notices to fifteen guards and matrons at the Williams Lake RCMP detachment, yesterday, May 26, 2008.
Commissionaires Unveils New Brand to Drive Recruitment and Growth
82 year-old organization retools to sustain market leadership
July 17, 2007, Toronto, ON – Commissionaires, Canada’s most established provider of security and related services, today unveiled a new progressive brand as part of a broader national strategy to build awareness, drive recruitment, and sustain its leadership in an increasingly competitive market. The new brand embodies and reflects both the long history and the future of Commissionaires’ commitment to deliver superior services to its many clients.
Commissionaires Adds State-of-the-Art Digital Fingerprinting to its Range of Identification Services
Typical five month fingerprinting procedure reduced to 72 hour turn-around time
May 16, 2007, Vancouver, BC -– Commissionaires Canada today announced that they are one of the first agencies to access the enhanced fingerprint services provided by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services in National Police Services. The new process includes processing through the national fingerprint repository, resulting in a 72 hour turn-around time for civil submissions that do not result in an identification of a criminal record. This is welcome news for Canadians who need fingerprints taken for immigration, pardons, employment screening, passports, adoption applications, and Visa, work or travel permits.
Commissionaires BC Signs Agreement with Totally Connected Security Ltd.
June 6, 2006, Vancouver, BC — Commissionaires BC recently signed a memorandum of understanding agreement with Totally Connected Security Ltd., a leader in information security and computer forensics. This agreement will allow Commissionaires to enhance its technology security offering and provide their clients with computer forensic investigation and examination services, as well as IT security audits. This new agreement is part of Commissionaires’ ongoing strategy to become the leader in full service security services.
Commissionaires BC Appoints New Management for Southern Interior Office in Kelowna, BC
May 2, 2006, Vancouver, BC — Commissionaires BC has announced a plan to support the exponential business growth they have experienced in the Southern Interior region of BC. Keith Smith, who has managed the Kelowna-based Southern Interior office for the last two years, will take the position of Director of Sales & Business Development for the entire province of BC. Brian Garvie, who has an extensive background with the RCMP, previously managed Guard and Patrol Services in the Vancouver market for Commissionaires BC, and will now head up operations for the Southern Interior office.
Commissionaires BC Provides Security for First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna BC
November 21, 2005, Vancouver, BC — Commissionaires BC is scheduled to provide on-site security for the upcoming First Ministers’ meeting to be held over two days this week at Kelowna’s Grand Hotel. The national conference, focused on addressing aboriginal poverty and improving the quality of life of aboriginal people in Canada, takes place November 24th and 25th. Commissionaires, required to hold the appropriate security clearance, will assist RCMP in ensuring the Prime Minister, provincial premiers, as well as native leaders and other guests, will be properly secure. Their main role is to assist in securing site access and in maintaining the integrity of the area. Commissionaires BC has provided security support at previous meetings and similar events. “We are extremely pleased to be working with all levels of national protection in providing security to our nation’s leaders,” says Keith Smith, Southern Interior Regional Manager, Commissionaires BC.
Kelowna Mayor Salutes Commissionaires BC Praising Two Decades of Service During Presentation, Markin
October 4, 2005, Kelowna, BC -- Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray thanked Commissionaires BC for its contributions to the safety and quality of life in the City during a plaque presentation celebrating Kelowna’s centennial. In his remarks, Mayor Gray noted that Commissionaires BC’s performance over the past two decades, in one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, holds great promise for the future. “Considering the effective, reliable, professional and dedicated service that Commissionaires BC offers to the citizens of Kelowna,” said Mayor Gray, “I see an ever increasing role for their organization in our community in both the public and private sectors.”
Canada’s Oldest Serving Commissionaire Retires
July 8, 2005, Vancouver, BC — A life-long British Columbia resident and member of Commissionaires BC will retire today after 45 years and seven months of dedicated continuous service. At 84, Charles Brown is also Canada’s longest serving Commissionaire!
Barry Heselgrave Appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors, Commissionaires BC
June 16, 2005, Vancouver, BC — Commissionaires BC has appointed Barry Heselgrave as Chairman of the Board. This appointment will help Commissionaires BC reinforce its market leadership. ”I am confident this change will help the organization advance to the next level”, said Allen Batchelar, President and CEO.
Commissionaires BC Awarded Three Year Contract to Supply Jail Guard Services to City of Kelowna
June 9, 2005, Vancouver, BC — Commissionaires BC will continue to supply the Kelowna RCMP Detachment lockup, managed by the City of Kelowna, with jail guard services for the next three years. The contract is worth $1.5 million and will continue to provide work for 16 commissionaires. The number of hours will be increased from 21,000 per year to 24,800 based on experience from the first two year contract.
Commissionaires to Handle Security at Big White Ski Resort
January 11, 2005, Vancouver, BC — The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has handed security for the Big White Ski Resort to Commissionaires BC. The contract went into effect on November 1st and is initially for a one-year period. The contract will be monitored to ensure it fits with the needs of Big White. Before hiring Commissionaires, Big White Ski Resort security was handled privately and called upon the RCMP for emergency assistance. As the Resort grew, the private owners of Big White became concerned about liability and wanted increased security. A referendum on increased security was conducted and approved by taxpayers.
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