Happy New Year! We look forward to another year with our members, technicians and the broader fire and life safety community that includes fire alarm equipment manufacturers and service companies, engineering firms, fire and building officials, regulators, fire authorities, codes and standards development organizations, academia, building owners, property managers, insurance companies and the public.

We welcome you to engage in our CFAA community. How can you do this? By attending a CFAA event, serving on a committee or Chapter, presenting as a technical expert at our training events, being part of a CFAA podcast, writing an article for our Journal magazine, nominating yourself or your peers for a CFAA student or technician award are just a few ways to get involved. There are many ways to participate and/or volunteer at the CFAA. Reach out to us at info@cfaa.ca.

As we closed the book on 2025, we have many successes to celebrate. Here’s a list of highlights of our 2025 year-end accomplishments:

• Developed a new Strategic Plan with the Board of Directors
• 500 students graduated to become CFAA Registered Fire Alarm Trainees
• 350 CFAA Registered Fire Alarm Trainees successfully completed field training and the Registration Practical Exam to become fully registered as CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians
• Created a plan to develop a tiered certification program for the fire alarm technician profession
• Updated the CFAA Reference Manual to cover new codes and standards requirements
• Completed development of a new online Fire Alarm Verification Inspection training tool in French
• Added 95 hours of new Continuing Education training content, with in-person or live online delivery formats
• Hosted 14 technical training events across Canada in 2025 with more than 3000 attendees
• Began a new project to create a complete online French education program for students to become a fire alarm technician
• Over 80,000 hours of online training purchased
• 20% increase of online education sales
• Created 3 new videos for fire alarm technicians covering preparedness and communications
• Preparing to qualify our Fire Alarm Technology Registration Program to ISO/IEC 17024: Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
• Developing a new Association Management System and website to be launched in early 2026
• Welcomed 28 new member organizations
• Updated the CFAA Deficiencies Guide to aid in the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems and reporting requirements
• Continued advocacy efforts for nationwide recognition of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician certification across Canada
• Awarded nine “Above & Beyond” awards to deserving CFAA Registered Fire Alarm Technicians
• Awarded three Student Scholarship Awards to fire protection students
• Managed all queries by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Sponsored National Fire Prevention Week aimed to promote fire prevention in communities across Canada

As we begin a new year, I would like to share a few words of inspiration:

Every great leap in fire and life safety begins with a signal — a fire alarm system that speaks for those who cannot. When we strengthen these systems, we don’t just detect danger sooner; we create a Canada where every second is protected, every building is smarter, and every community is safer than the one before.

Thank you for your unwavering support of the CFAA and your dedication to strengthening fire protection and life safety across Canada. Together, we’re driving progress, elevating standards, and shaping a safer future for everyone.