ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL SECURITY AGENCIES
About Us
Mission Statement
Our objective is to enhance and elevate the guarding industry throughout Canada by advocating for standards, ethical practices, regulatory improvements, and educational advancement. APSA exclusively admits companies that uphold a level of professionalism consistent with the Association’s values.
Our Goals Include
Serve as the unified voice of reputable security agencies in Canada
APSA exists to represent professional, vetted guarding agencies and to act as the primary industry interface with federal and provincial governments, regulators, and law-enforcement partners, particularly on matters of policy, compliance, and legislative reform.
Advance professional standards, ethics, and accountability across the industry
A core objective of APSA is to establish, promote, and uphold ethical and operational standards for guarding agencies, ensuring quality service delivery, fair labour practices, and public trust in private security services.
Influence meaningful regulatory and legislative change
APSA actively engages in consultations, submissions, and advocacy related to the private security regulation in each province, with the goal of modernizing regulation, improving oversight, and strengthening industry integrity.
Elevate the professionalism and reputation of the guarding industry
Through education, training initiatives, awards, and collaboration with industry partners, APSA works to enhance the image of private security as a professional, essential contributor to public safety and critical infrastructure protection.
Provide a platform for collaboration among industry, government, and stakeholders
APSA connects member agencies with policymakers, police services, procurement bodies, and allied associations to encourage dialogue, share best practices, and support informed decision-making across the security ecosystem.
Code of Ethics
As a condition of membership, APSA mandates adherence to the
following principles:
Leadership Team
President
Max Warmuth – GardaWorld
Immediate Past President:
Grant Buhr – Securiguard
Vice-President & Treasurer
Nicole M.J. Lentinello – GardaWorld
Secretary/Director of Communications
Sarah Miller – ASP
Director at Large
Winston Stewart – Wincon Security
Director of Membership & Affiliate Relations
Blair Davenport - Paladin
Guard and Supervisor of the Year Committee
Winston Bollers – Skanna Security
Blair Davenport – Paladin Security
Winston Stewart – Wincon Security
Provincial Committee Leads
British Columbia:
NOMINATION PENDING
Alberta
NOMINATION PENDING
Saskatchewan
NOMINATION PENDING
Manitoba
NOMINATION PENDING
Ontario
NOMINATION PENDING
Quebec
NOMINATION PENDING
New Brunswick
NOMINATION PENDING
Prince Edward Island
NOMINATION PENDING
Nova Scotia
NOMINATION PENDING
Newfoundland
NOMINATION PENDING
History
On May 14, 1993, the then Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (Industry Canada) approved and issued, in accordance with, the Canada Corporation Act, Letters of Patent to and in the name of The Association of Professional Security Agencies (APSA).
The founding Directors of APSA were Harold Ball (Intertec Security Ltd), John Hughes and Deborah Coles.
Past Presidents
Harold Ball
Intertec Security
Term: 1993-1994
Harold Ball, APSA’s first president, was a successful and well-respected businessman who founded Intertec Security in 1972. He grew the company over 34 years to employ close to 700 people.
Paul L. Rivenbark
Group 4 Securicor
Terms: 1995 – 1998, 2002 – 2003
Paul was President & CEO of G4S Canada (and various iterations) for over 16 years; previously serving as SVP of Sales & Marketing. Prior to joining G4S, Paul was the Canadian Vice President for Burns International.
Ron (R.J.) France
Paragon Protection Ltd.
Term: 1999 – 2000
R.J. was President & CEO of Paragon Protection Ltd. from 1995 – 2019.
Brian L. Gray
Ensign Security Services Ltd
Term: 2000 - 2001
After a distinguished career with Burns International, Brian formed Ensign Security.
Richard Chenoweth
Securitas Canada
Term: 2004 - 2005
Richard was President and CEO of Securitas Canada.
John Carter
Commissionaires Ottawa
Term: 2005 – 2007
Following 36 years of distinguished service in the Canadian Armed Forces, John became the Director of Operations for Commissionaires Ottawa.
Kevin Bennett
Group 4 Securicor
Term: 2008 - 2009
Kevin was Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for G4S. Prior to joining G4S, Kevin was Vice President, Canadian Operations at Burns International / Securitas.
Ross McLeod
Intelligarde International Inc.
Term: 2010 – 2012
Founding Intelligarde in 1982, Ross spent over 35 years in the security industry.
Paul A. Guindon, CD RCN
Commissionaires Ottawa
Term: 2013 - 2015
Paul is a highly accomplished security professional with over 47 years of combined military, leadership and executive experience. He served more than 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy before launching his second career as CEO of Commissionaires Ottawa.
Nicole Lentinello
GardaWorld
Term: 2015 - 2022
Nicole Lentinello serves as National Director of Compliance & Quality Assurance at GardaWorld and brings over three decades of experience in the security industry. Her career has been shaped by senior leadership roles across Health & Safety, Human Resources, Administration, and Operations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how strong compliance and quality programs support both people and performance.
Grant Buhr
Securiguard Services Limited
Term: 2022 – 2023
Grant is Vice President, Administration for Securiguard Services Limited. Formerly with Russell Security Services Inc., Grant has been in the security industry for over 36 years.
Max Warmuth
GardaWorld
Term: 2024 to current
Max is the Senior Strategic Advisor for GardaWorld in Canada, bringing more than 43 years of experience across a wide range of leadership and operational roles in the security industry. Prior to joining GardaWorld, he served as Vice President at Intercon Security.