Commissionaires

What Commissionaires does

Commissionaires is the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, a private not-for-profit organization founded in 1925 to employ veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP. Operating as Canada's only national not-for-profit security company, it employs 20,000+ people across 14 divisions and 50+ physical locations in every province and territory, serving 1,200 communities. The company is led by a National Board and governed through divisional boards, with a stated social mandate of providing meaningful employment to veterans, RCMP, and their families.

The organization delivers a diversified portfolio of physical security and identification services. Core offerings include security guarding, mobile patrol, reception/concierge, alarm monitoring and response, CCTV/video surveillance, and specialized services such as investigations, threat risk assessments, and UAS/drone surveillance. On the identification side, Commissionaires operates RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting, Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) criminal record checks, vulnerable sector checks, pre-employment background screening, and document authentication. Underlying technology consists of accredited digital fingerprint capture systems and direct CPIC access for criminal record verification, supported by certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 18788:2015, and CAN/CGSB-133.1-2017 training standards. Revenue is generated through managed-services contracts (guarding, alarm response) and professional-services engagements (screening, investigations, training), distributed through direct regional sales to government, healthcare, education, commercial, mining, aviation/port, and residential clients.

The business model is a direct-to-client services model with quote-based pricing, multi-year contracts, and a hybrid GTM combining enterprise field sales through divisional offices, mobile on-site service delivery, and online self-serve scheduling for fingerprinting and screening. Customer segments include federal/provincial/municipal government, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, event organizers, mining operations, air and seaports, and commercial/residential properties, with named customers spanning military bases (5 Wing Goose Bay, MARLANT CFB Halifax), airports (Gander, Fredericton International), energy (Irving Oil, Nova Scotia Power), and retail (Avalon Mall). Marketing leverages the veteran-employment social mandate through content, social media, a podcast (Purpose & Protection), and partnerships with veteran organizations, complemented by employee-benefit alliances with BMO, The Personal insurance, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Name

Commissionaires

Legal name

Canadian Corps of Commissionaires

Website

https://commissionaires.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Commissionaires is Canada's only national not-for-profit security company, employing 20,000+ people across 50+ locations to deliver security guarding, RCMP-accredited fingerprinting, background screening, and training services to government, healthcare, education, and commercial clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security Services

NAICS

Security Guards and Patrol Services (561612), Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services (56161), Investigation and Personal Background Check Services (561611), Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Security Systems Monitoring & Dispatch (SOC/Remote Guarding) (IMAIAEAF)

Keywords

• Security guarding services
• Fingerprinting services
• Criminal record checks
• Background screening
• Alarm monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Security Guard Services: Professional security guarding services including patrol, mobile patrol, reception/concierge, and parking services. Provided on 24/7, part-time, or casual basis to commercial, government, healthcare, education, and residential clients.
2. Background Screening and Fingerprinting: Criminal record checks (CPIC), digital fingerprinting, vulnerable sector checks, pre-employment background screening, tenant screening, and international document processing services.
3. Alarm Monitoring and Response: 24-hour real-time alarm monitoring and mobile response services for premises security.
4. Specialized Security Services: Includes investigations, threat risk assessments, video surveillance/CCTV monitoring, controlled goods program management, bylaw enforcement, events security, airport/port security, and drone surveillance (UAS).
5. Training Services: Security guard training, first aid/CPR training, customer service training, use of force training, and other professional development courses delivered across Canadian divisions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Commissionaires (Canadian Corps of Commissionaires) provides professional security guarding services — including uniformed guards, mobile patrol, reception/concierge, alarm monitoring and response, CCTV monitoring, and specialized protection — for federal, provincial, municipal, healthcare, education, defense, transportation, mining, energy, commercial, and residential clients across Canada. In parallel, it operates RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting, CPIC criminal record checks, vulnerable sector checks, pre-employment background screening, and ID document services for both individual consumers and organizations. The company is structured as a not-for-profit with a social mandate to employ veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and offers its services nationwide through 14 divisions and 50+ branch locations.

Product overview

Commissionaires is Canada's premier not-for-profit security company providing a comprehensive portfolio of security services and identification solutions. The company operates as a single integrated organization with 50+ locations across Canada offering both core security guarding services (security guards, mobile patrol, alarm monitoring, CCTV monitoring) and specialized identification services (fingerprinting, criminal record checks, background screening). The product portfolio spans industry-specific security solutions (government, healthcare, education, mining, airports, events, construction) and specialized services including investigations, threat risk assessments, UAS/drone surveillance, drug testing, loss prevention, home security, and training programs. The company is distinguished by its social mandate to employ Canadian veterans and operates under multiple ISO certifications (9001:2015, 14001:2015, 18788:2015) and CGSB training standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Security Guard Services Professional security guarding services including patrol, mobile patrol, facility protection, reception/concierge, and parking attendant services. Available 24/7, part-time, or casual, for commercial, government, healthcare, education, mining, energy, defense, and residential clients across Canada.
• Fingerprinting RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting services for criminal record checks, background screening, immigration, travel waivers, employment, and identity verification purposes. Available at 50+ branch locations and through Mobile ID Services at client sites across Canada.
• Criminal Record Checks (CPIC) Basic name-and-date-of-birth based criminal record checks through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system. Apply online for the most convenient, confidential, and fastest turnaround in Canada.
• Pre-employment Background Screening Comprehensive background checks and pre-employment screening services for potential employees, designed to help employers protect their businesses through vetting of candidates.
• Mobile Patrol Proactive mobile patrol services where trained security professionals physically check premises during times critical to the client, ensuring property security with visible deterrent presence.
• Alarm Monitoring and Response 24-hour real-time alarm monitoring and response services delivered by trained security professionals, with mobile response units dispatched across Canada.
• Video Surveillance / CCTV Monitoring 24-hour real-time monitoring of security cameras and surveillance systems, providing operational oversight and incident detection for client premises across Canada.
• Investigations Corporate investigations delivered by personnel with extensive training in domestic and international policing and public/private sector investigations, for both government and commercial clients.
• Threat Risk Assessments Security threat and risk assessments using best practices including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) methodology, delivered by certified security consultants.
• Vulnerable Sector Checks Digital fingerprinting and record checks designed to satisfy Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) requirements as mandated by local police and the RCMP for positions working with vulnerable populations.
• Mobile ID Services On-site fingerprinting and criminal background check services where Commissionaires staff visit client locations to capture biometrics and personal information, serving corporations and organizations requiring bulk processing.
• Training Dynamic training solutions including CAN/CGSB-133.1-2017 certified Security Guard Training, Customer Service Training, First Aid/CPR/AED, and specialized security courses delivered across Canadian divisions.
• Government Security 24/7 guard services, reception, mobile patrols, parking, and administrative security services tailored to federal, provincial, and municipal government facilities.
• Hospital Security Comprehensive hospital security programs including safety programs, guarding, mobile patrol, patient watch, reception, threat risk assessments, and parking services for healthcare institutions.
• Commercial Security Security management programs for commercial facilities including banks, museums, post-secondary institutions, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, and border crossings.
• Airport Security and Port Security Around-the-clock security, seaport security, and harbour security services for critical transportation infrastructure including Canadian airports and maritime ports.
• Mining Site Security Around-the-clock critical controls, accountability, and security services for mining site operations across Canada.
• Events Security Professionally trained security experts who develop and execute security plans to reduce risk and manage crowds within client budgets at events.
• Education Security Safety programs, security guards, mobile patrols, parking services, and safe walk programs for educational institutions across Canada.
• Construction Security Comprehensive security services to protect construction sites, businesses, employees, contractors, and visitors during build phases.
• Condominium Security Professional commissionaires providing residential security and concierge services to manage condominium facilities and deliver peace of mind to residents and boards.
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone / aerial surveillance and filming services for safety and security needs covering people, property, and resources across client sites.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Full-spectrum drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment, post-incident, random, and U.S. DOT workplace testing for employers across Canada.
• Loss Prevention Services designed to eliminate preventable loss by integrating into existing loss prevention and asset protection programs for retailers and commercial operators.
• Home Security (HomeWatch) Home security monitoring services ensuring residences are checked and remain secure when owners are away, delivered by trusted and bonded Commissionaires personnel.
• ElderWatch Regular check-in services for senior individuals by trusted, bonded Commissionaires, providing peace of mind for families and seniors living independently.
• Record Suspensions (Pardons) Assistance with applying for and successfully receiving record suspensions (previously known as pardons) for Canadians.
• US Entry Waivers Confidential and affordable USA entry waiver service assisting individuals with documented U.S. entry difficulties.
• Document Authentication and Legalization Services (Apostille) Assistance with Canadian document recognition abroad through apostille and document authentication/legalization services.
• Reception / Concierge Combined visitor greeting services maintaining high standards of confidentiality and security at building entrances, with reception desks staffed by vetted Commissionaires.
• Tenant Screening Background verification services to help landlords select trustworthy and reliable tenants through criminal record, identity, and credit-related checks.
• Security Consulting Certified security consultants providing expert advice, planning, and guidance based on advanced skills and extensive security experience to client organizations.
• Passport Photos Professional photo services for Canadian, U.S., and international passports including permanent residence, immigration, and citizenship requirements.
• Cannabis Security Complete suite of security services protecting people, property, and products in the Canadian cannabis industry, including guarding, transport, and loss-prevention coverage.
• ID Cards ID card production services to identify employees, students, patients, contractors, and others on client premises; includes physical and digital credentialing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20,000 employees serving 1,200 communities across Canada
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.

• The Royal Canadian LegioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommissionaires has partnered with The Royal Canadian Legion to offer Commissionaires employees and their families a special offer on Legion membership. Non-veterans can join to support veterans while gaining access to Legion benefits and community activities.
• Heroes Vacation ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership offering Commissionaires employees, members, and their spouses exclusive travel discounts including hotels, resorts, car rentals, and airfare.
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with BMO offering Commissionaires employees a dynamic banking program with exclusive offers and preferred rates on mortgages, credit cards, and everyday banking.
• The Personal (Insurance)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership offering Commissionaires employees and their families preferred group rates on home, auto, and pet insurance depending on the province.
• Elsipogtog First Nation Security (EFNS)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissionaires NB & PEI and Elsipogtog First Nation Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on future opportunities, training, and workforce development.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Convergint Technologies: Convergint is a global systems integrator focused on electronic security (access control, video surveillance, intrusion) rather than manned guarding. Adjacent enabler whose technology could complement or compete with Commissionaires' alarm/CCTV monitoring business.

Emerging players

• Blackbird Security: Blackbird Security is a growing Canadian security firm offering uniformed guards, mobile patrol, concierge, and event security primarily in Western Canada. Emerging player competing for similar SMB and mid-market contracts.
• Iron Horse Security: Iron Horse Security is a small Canadian security firm specializing in uniformed guarding and patrol services, primarily in Alberta. Smaller-scale competitor for regional contracts.

Direct peers

• Paladin Security: Paladin Security Group is a Canadian-owned security services provider offering uniformed guards, mobile patrol, and integrated security solutions with strong presence in Western Canada. Direct peer competing for the same enterprise and government RFPs.
• GardaWorld: GardaWorld is the largest Canadian security services firm and Commissionaires' closest direct competitor, offering uniformed guarding, cash solutions, and security technology across Canada with overlapping government and enterprise clients. Comparable in scale and Canadian-market focus.

Broad incumbents

• G4S (Allied Universal UK): G4S was a global security services leader that merged with Allied Universal in 2024-2025. Was a significant competitor to Commissionaires in Canadian government and enterprise contracts with broader geographic and capability footprint.
• ADT Inc. ADT is a publicly traded security and alarm monitoring provider with primarily residential focus but growing commercial security business. Adjacent incumbent in alarm monitoring and security systems space where Commissionaires also operates.
• Securitas: Securitas is a global security services leader with operations in Canada providing guarding, mobile, monitoring, and security technology. Larger, broader portfolio; competes head-to-head with Commissionaires on enterprise and government contracts in Canada.
• Allied Universal: Allied Universal is one of the world's largest security and facility services companies, formed through the merger of AlliedBarton and Universal Services. Operates in Canada providing uniformed security, technology solutions, and janitorial services—broad incumbent with deep resources.

Regional players

• St. Moritz Security Services: St. Moritz Security is a North American security services firm with operations in Canada and the U.S., providing uniformed guards and security consulting. Regional/emerging peer for cross-border enterprise and government accounts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/commissionaires
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/commissionaires1/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/CommissionairesCanada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/commissionaires-canada

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Commissionaires