Nova Scotia Division
Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) is a member division of Commissionaires, Canada's premier security services provider. We serve the entire province of Nova Scotia from our network of five offices, drawing on our deeply rooted knowledge of the communities we serve. We provide a range of security solutions to many high profile clients such as the Halifax Harbour Bridges, where we have provided security and other services since it opened in 1955, and Department of National Defence. We employ over 1700 well trained and professional employees, most of whom are former military and RCMP, and we are well known in the region for our high standards in hiring the best. Drawing on more than 70 years experience protecting Canadians and their property, our unique combination of knowledge and integrity has made us the region's most trusted security partner.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia Offices
Halifax, Regional Head Office
Halifax, Barrington St
Dartmouth, Windmill Rd
Kentville, Webster Rd
Sydney, George St
Truro, Prince St
Colonel Mike Brownlow, OMM CD
CEO, Commissionaires Nova Scotia
Colonel Mike Brownlow first joined Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) in 2006 after retiring from two distinguished career paths—one with Canada’s Naval Reserve and the other in the teaching profession— both of which were filled with significant milestone achievements. Mike understands the enormity of his responsibilities and brings an energy and enthusiasm to engage all members of CNS to continue the fine record of service CNS has everywhere in Nova Scotia.
Mike’s initial role at CNS was as a consultant in business development and government liaison. He went on to serve as Acting Director of Operations, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Business before being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2010. Today, Mike leads 1,700+ commissionaires who support more than 200 client sites throughout the province.
Since joining CNS, Mike has contributed to the success of many operational initiatives. For example, he completed a workplace environment study with the full participation of commissionaires from all over Nova Scotia. He also contributed to the company’s current Business Plan, Business Continuity Plan, Pandemic Plan, and Communications Plan. He has acted on behalf of CNS while working closely with the Security Investigators Alliance of Nova Scotia (SIANS), which represents Nova Scotia’s security industry with government in the development of the new security legislation and regulations. In addition, Mike recently completed training to become a Certified Port Executive.
Mike first became involved in the Naval Reserve in 1963 and entered the teaching profession seven years later in 1970. Between 1970 and 1996, he successfully managed both careers—during which time he served as Commanding Officer of HMCS Scotian and as CO of NCS Unit with Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), before retiring from the Naval Reserve after 33 years of service. Between 1996 and 2005, Mike focused solely on his teaching career, continuing to take on various teaching and administrative positions before his retirement from the Halifax Regional School Board in 2005 after 35 years of service.
In addition to the education and training he received during his miltary career, Mike graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a “Silver M” award (1967), a B.A. (1968) and a B.Ed. (1970). He earned his M.A .at Dalhousie University in 1972. He is also a recipient of the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) and the Order of Military Merit (OMM).
Mike is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), the Canadian Society of Industrial Security (CSIS), the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).