A security services provider for the commercial and residential property sectors has received a national award for advancing employment equity. Securiguard Services is among 13 newly named recipients for 2024, recognized for its efforts to remove barriers, correct under-representation and introduce policies to encourage a diverse workforce.

The annual awards are aligned with the federal Employment Equity Act to recognize employers committed to ensuring fairness and creating opportunities for women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and members of visible minorities. Private sector companies regulated under the Act and federal contractors are eligible.

Securiguard Services is commended for its Indigenous employment and training program, which includes covering the full cost of candidates’ one-year security worker licence. As well, the company hired 645 women across the organization in 2022, equating to a 3.5 per cent uptick from the average for 2020-21. Both employment trends arise from active outreach to prospective candidates from under-represented groups, while training also emphasizes diversity and inclusion.

“When you include everyone, you get the best,” says Canada’s Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan, Jr.. “The winners of these awards represent the best of the best.”