SIA, ALAS and CANASA Urge Congress to Approve United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

SIA, ALAS and CANASA Support Letter for USMCA

The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will benefit the North American security industry and open new opportunities for existing and emerging markets.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA), the Latin American Security Association (ALAS) and the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) have formed a coalition to urge the U.S. Congress to promptly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the renegotiation of NAFTA. SIA, ALAS and CANASA – the leading representation of the security industry in North America – collectively represent more than 2,500 companies with business operations located in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In a Sept. 9 letter to Congress, the trilateral coalition highlighted the growth and change in the security industry and the renegotiated policy’s updates to reflect the current state of the market. Legislatures from Mexico and Canada have already voted in overwhelming support to ratify USMCA.

“The security industry in North America is undergoing substantial growth, a robust workforce and a strong international business climate and is poised to meet the high demand for security in our countries,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “USMCA reflects the 21st-century economy and updates several outdated trade policies that will benefit the industry and level the playing field globally.”

According to SIA’s July 2019 Security Market Index – a bimonthly review of current market conditions provided to the association’s members – nearly 50 percent of security professionals rated current business conditions as “excellent,” and 69 percent of respondents stated they are increasing their number of employees or hours worked.

 “The Canadian government has supported officially the USMCA as a positive trade agreement between our three countries for some time,” said Patrick Straw, executive director of CANASA. “We are very hopeful that this is ratified in the near future.” 

“Mexico was first to ratify USMCA,” said Alberto Alvarez, CEO of ALAS. “This new agreement will strengthen commercial relations and boost business between the three countries.”

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,000 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.

About ALAS

With more than 20 years of experience, ALAS is the main association of leading companies in the security industry representing Latin America and the Caribbean. ALAS promotes growth and professionalization of the security industry through education, research, networking, standards development and support to the interests of its partners.

About CANASA

Established in 1977, CANASA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the security industry. CANASA protects and promotes the interests of its members and the safety of all Canadians through education, advocacy and leadership. CANASA is a recognized voice of the security industry in Canada and has a growing membership of more than 1,000 member organizations in 10 regions across the country representing all segments of the industry.