As we step into May, I’ve been reflecting on a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply meaningful: it has officially been one year since I quietly began building the foundation of Canada Security Collective behind the scenes.
What started as late‑night planning, conversations with industry leaders, and a determination to create something better for the people who make up Canada’s security workforce, has grown into a national community with real momentum. Over the past twelve months, CSC has evolved from an idea into a living ecosystem — shaped by volunteers, employers, partners, and the many individuals who believe this industry can be stronger, more connected, and more supportive.
This month’s update captures just how far we’ve come and where we’re heading next. You’ll find our volunteer spotlight, announcements about new services, highlights from our recruiting pipeline, updates on upcoming events, and opportunities for those looking to sponsor, invest, hire, or get involved. It’s a snapshot of a community that is growing quickly — and intentionally — with purpose at the centre of every step.
If you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re joining us now, thank you for being part of this first year. The work ahead is big, but so is the momentum we’re building together.
Amanda Lockhart
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Volunteer Spotlight - Saad Babar
Saad Babar is a cybersecurity professional based in Ottawa with experience across IT networking, desktop support, system and network administration, penetration testing, and security operations. His background spans red team, blue team, and purple team work, along with hands‑on testing of web, mobile, API, and cloud environments.
Saad is also a volunteer with BSides Ottawa, contributing to the local cybersecurity community.
At CSC, Saad is helping build our new national security ecosystem map, which will highlight CSC membership cities, security integrators and guard services, and cybersecurity and IT firms across Canada. His technical experience positions him to support initiatives involving secure member‑portal infrastructure, organization‑directory management, secure workflow automation, cloud collaboration systems, access management, security‑focused operational processes, and cybersecurity community coordination.
We’re grateful to have passionate cybersecurity and IT professionals like Saad helping us build a stronger, more connected security community across Canada!
Saad is currently seeking opportunities in IT or cybersecurity and is volunteering with CSC to gain Canadian experience while contributing his skills to the community.
Connect with Saad on LinkedIn.
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CSC Founder Nominated for Women Making History
Canada Security Collective is proud to share that our founder, Amanda Lockhart, has been nominated for the 2026 Women Making History Awards in the Entrepreneurial & Innovator Award category. This recognition celebrates women across Alberta whose leadership, vision, and behind‑the‑scenes work are shaping communities today and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
Amanda’s nomination reflects the spirit of the work she leads at CSC — the people‑centred ideas, the quiet building, and the commitment to strengthening communities in ways that often unfold long before the impact is visible.
Alberta is full of women doing meaningful, community‑shaping work, and Amanda being included among them is an honour. We extend our congratulations to all the nominees who are building, leading, and creating space for others across the province. It’s inspiring to see so many women making history in real time.
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Women Securing Canada — Program Launch
CSC is preparing to launch Women Securing Canada, a national initiative designed to support women entering, navigating, and advancing within the security industry.
The program will focus on mentorship, community building, practical skill development, and creating clearer pathways into security roles across the country.
Women Securing Canada reflects CSC’s commitment to building a more inclusive, connected, and people‑centred security ecosystem — one where women have the support, visibility, and opportunities they need to thrive. More details, including ways to participate and partner, will be shared in the coming weeks.
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New Canada Security Collective Services
CSC is expanding its support for employers, candidates, and community partners with three new service lines designed to strengthen Canada’s security workforce and ecosystem:
CSC Recruiting
Connecting employers with vetted candidates across security, IT, and cybersecurity roles through CSC’s growing national pipeline.
CSC Event Planning
Supporting organizations in designing and delivering security‑focused events, workshops, and community engagements.
CSC Industry Onboarding
A structured onboarding experience for newcomers to the security industry — including site walkthroughs, meetings with local distributors and manufacturer reps, and foundational industry knowledge.
These services were developed in response to direct requests from employers and partners and reflect CSC’s commitment to practical, people‑centred workforce development.
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Ottawa Event Postponed
Our Ottawa event has been postponed as we finalize a new venue and updated program details.
We’ll share the revised date and registration information as soon as it’s confirmed. Thank you for your patience — we’re looking forward to bringing this event to the community soon.
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CSC Recruiting Services
Candidate Highlights
CSC continues to support a diverse group of candidates across Canada as they advance their careers in security, IT, and cybersecurity. Here are a few of the talented professionals currently active in our recruiting pipeline:
Cybersecurity Graduates & Early‑Career Talent
Several candidates have recently completed cybersecurity diplomas, degrees, or post‑graduate programs and are seeking entry‑level roles, internships, or SOC analyst positions. Many bring hands‑on lab experience, SIEM/SOAR projects, and strong foundational skills in detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
Experienced Cybersecurity Professionals
We are supporting candidates with 3–4 years of experience in endpoint security, Zero Trust/SASE administration, and cloud security. This includes individuals certified in Zscaler, CFOT, and Associate CISSP, as well as those with SOC, threat hunting, and digital forensics experience.
IT & Systems Professionals
Our pipeline includes IT specialists with backgrounds in system administration, endpoint management, SaaS security, Active Directory, Windows/Linux support, and enterprise troubleshooting. Several are immediately available for IT support, help desk, or system admin roles.
Security Systems & Integration Specialists
We are working with candidates experienced in CCTV, access control, VMS, perimeter security, presales engineering, and project coordination — including those with 7+ years designing and integrating complex security solutions.
Telecom & Infrastructure Technicians
Candidates with hands‑on experience in fiber installation, OSP surveying, cabling, and network maintenance — including CFOT‑certified technicians — are seeking roles in telecom, infrastructure, and field services.
Corporate Security, EHS & Risk Professionals
Our roster includes seasoned leaders with backgrounds in physical security, crisis management, investigations, emergency response, and business continuity — including former military, special forces, and corporate security advisors.
IT & Cybersecurity Leadership
We are supporting senior candidates with 10+ years of experience in IT management, GRC, SOX compliance, incident management, and cybersecurity program development across major organizations.
Business, Sales & Commercial Talent
CSC’s pipeline also includes experienced commercial leaders, business analysts, and security industry sales professionals with strong track records in B2B growth, solution design, and client management.
These highlights represent only a portion of the talent currently engaged with CSC. Employers looking to hire across security, IT, or cybersecurity can connect with us to access a vetted, diverse, and rapidly growing national candidate pool.
Employer Highlights
We’re currently supporting a security integration partner hiring for experienced Security and AV Sales positions in Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto. These positions focus on commercial automation, security, and audio‑visual — and require strong industry knowledge, relationship‑building skills, and technical understanding.
We continue to see demand from employers looking for skilled talent in sales, integration, and technical roles, and CSC’s recruiting pipeline is working to actively match qualified candidates to these opportunities.
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Investment Opportunity: Alberta Security Integration Company
An Alberta‑based security integration company has entered its third year of operations and is now seeking strategic investment and mentorship to support expansion into major cities across Canada.
The company is privately owned and led by a founder with 17 years of industry experience, including nine years of successful business operations. Over the past year, the business achieved nearly 145% year‑over‑year growth within the seven‑figure revenue range, demonstrating strong market demand and a clear path for national scale.
Operating with minimal debt and a lean asset structure, the company has built momentum through operational performance, customer trust, and deep industry expertise. With the right strategic partners, it is well‑positioned to accelerate growth across Canada.
The ownership group is currently exploring opportunities for:
While a merger is not the preferred direction, it remains a possibility for the right opportunity. The primary objective is to maintain private ownership while bringing on aligned partners who can support national expansion.
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Upcoming Events & Calls for Support
TaleCraft Workshop - Calgary | June 24–25
→ Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Join us in Calgary for the second annual Where Security Meets Story workshop — a two‑day, hands‑on experience designed to help security professionals communicate with clarity, influence, and impact. Hosted by industry leader Tim McCreight, this workshop blends practical storytelling techniques with real‑world security challenges, giving participants tools they can use immediately in their roles.
This year, CSC has partnered with TaleCraft Security to support planning, delivery, and community engagement, ensuring a seamless experience for participants and sponsors while allowing Tim to focus fully on delivering exceptional content.
With a maximum capacity of 25 participants, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to build leadership capability, strengthen communication skills, and connect with peers across Canada’s security community.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for organizations looking to support leadership development and gain visibility with a highly engaged professional audience.
Tickets: tickets.canadasecuritycollective.com
→ Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Join us on Thursday, July 9 for an afternoon Stampede event built for the security community — a relaxed, high‑energy gathering featuring standout vehicles, great food, and meaningful connection.
Expect: Taco food truck, Beer gardens, Premium vehicle showcase, Security‑industry networking in a casual, fun setting! All drink proceeds supporting The Military Museums.
This event expects to draw a diverse mix of security professionals, community partners, and industry leaders — making it an ideal opportunity for organizations looking to increase visibility during Calgary’s busiest week.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, this is your chance to take part in holding Stampede events for a fraction of the cost!
Tickets (free): tickets.canadasecuritycollective.com
Interested in showcasing a vehicle? Register through the same link.
→ Sponsorship Opportunities Available
CSC Edmonton returns in 2026 as part of CSC’s conference series — bringing together professionals from across the security spectrum for a full day of learning, connection, and industry momentum.
This year’s event will feature:
CSC Edmonton 2026 continues CSC’s commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient security industry.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for organizations looking to support community‑driven workforce development and gain visibility in Alberta’s security ecosystem.
Tickets: tickets.canadasecuritycollective.com
