Commissionaires Nova Scotia Will No Longer Provide Security at Halifax-Stanfield International Airport

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has chosen to end its longstanding partnership with Commissionaires by awarding their contracts for Security, Security Operations Centre, and Parking and Curbside Services to another service provider after a competitive proposal assessment process.

Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS), a provincial not-for-profit company with a mission to provide employment for veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was notified on July 27, 2016 they were the unsuccessful proponents, and will cease providing security services when the current contract expires at midnight on Dec. 31.

"We were surprised and certainly very disappointed HIAA has chosen to partner with another company," noted CNS CEO Bruce Belliveau. "We understand this was a purely business decision on their part; however, it directly impacts the livelihood of the 160 commissionaires working there. I am extraordinarily proud of the work our people have performed. We still have a job to do, and we'll continue to provide the highest level of service to HIAA."

HIAA issued their Request for Proposals for Security, Security Operations, and Parking and Curbside Services on April 27, 2016 and CNS submitted a comprehensive proposal for each of the requested services. Although HIAA did not debrief unsuccessful bidders for the contract, CNS believes pricing was likely the differentiator.

 "We will never be the cheapest security option," said Belliveau. "We firmly believe clients deserve the best security for their shrinking dollars, as long as that doesn't come at a price itself, namely commoditizing security to the point where it is down to the 'bottom dollar'. It's a disservice to the men and women who are providing these critical services, and increases client risk.  It is ultimately HIAA's decision; however, and we're sad to see the end of an era of nearly 60 years of continued services to the travelling public at this location. Our commissionaires' knowledge, skills, and experience are unmatched in the industry. Over the next few months, we will be working closely with our employees and their union representatives to find alternate placements for all those who are affected."