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 “USMCA reflects the 21st century economy and updates several outdated trade policies that will benefit the industry and level the playing field globally.”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.”