Fire alarm systems are critical to saving lives, but their reliability hinges on the expertise of dedicated professionals who ensure these systems function flawlessly when it matters most. In a country as vast as Canada, maintaining rigorous safety standards amidst evolving technology requires unmatched skill, collaboration, and commitment. The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA), established in 1973, stands as the cornerstone of this mission, uniting over 400 member organizations and more than 4,500 certified trainees and technicians to safeguard communities nationwide.

As Canada’s foremost authority on fire alarm systems, the CFAA, a non-profit organization, drives advancements in fire protection through education, technical excellence, and industry leadership. Its flagship Fire Alarm Technology Program sets the national standard for technician certification, equipping professionals with the expertise to install, inspect, and maintain fire alarm systems to the highest standards. Recognizing the dynamic nature of fire and safety regulations and technology, the CFAA mandates ongoing professional development to keep technicians at the forefront of industry.

Beyond training, the CFAA shapes Canada’s fire safety landscape by contributing to the development of national and provincial safety codes, collaborating with regulatory bodies, standards organizations, and educational institutions. Through its nine regional chapters, technical training publications, and strategic partnerships, the CFAA fosters collaboration within the fire and life safety community, while helping to raise public awareness of fire prevention.

CIO Bulletin had the privilege of interviewing Suzanne Alfano, Executive Director of the CFAA, whose insights illuminated the association’s pivotal role in uniting technicians, innovators, equipment manufacturers and service companies, engineering firms, building owners, property managers, academia, regulators, and policymakers. Under her leadership, the CFAA not only adapts to change but drives it, forging a safer Canada through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Interview Highlights

What ignited the spark to establish the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) in 1973, and how has that founding vision evolved over the past five decades?

The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 to enhance the effectiveness of fire alarm systems in protecting life and property across Canada. With over 400 member organizations and nine Chapters nationwide, the CFAA provides continuing education and training to more than 4,500 Registered Fire Alarm Technicians and Trainees with eighteen (18) Education Partners across Canada. These Education Partners are public and private colleges that also offer the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program. Its vision is to be the leading national resource for fire alarm information, education, and expertise.

How does the CFAA champion excellence in fire safety and protection across Canada?

At the CFAA, we are committed to advancing fire protection and life safety across Canada by uniting stakeholders with a shared interest in improving fire and life safety outcomes.

With thousands of CFAA- Registered Fire Alarm Technicians and Trainees nationwide, we ensure that fire alarm systems are expertly verified, inspected, tested, and maintained to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Through our Education Partners across Canada, we deliver the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program in both English and French languages, cultivating a highly skilled workforce prepared to uphold evolving fire and life safety standards. Our technicians complete annual Continuing Education to remain current with regulations, technologies, and industry best practices.

We also play a pivotal role in shaping fire and life safety codes and standards. CFAA members serve on Canadian, US, and International Codes and Standards Committees, helping to define and refine requirements for fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems are required to undergo rigorous Verification Inspections (VI) upon installation, along with daily, monthly, and annual inspections to ensure ongoing reliable operation.

For new and retrofit construction, we advocate for Integrated Systems Testing, which confirms that various life safety systems— such as fire alarms, sprinklers, elevators, HVAC, smoke control, generators, fire pumps, emergency lighting and exit doors—function seamlessly together. CFAA Technicians often help perform this critical integrated systems testing, ensuring buildings meet the highest fire and life safety codes and standards.

By supporting our stakeholders, we strengthen fire protection systems and safeguard lives and property across Canada.

CFAA’s Fire Alarm Technology Program is a cornerstone of your organization, recognized nationally as the gold standard for fire alarm technician training. How do you ensure the program remains cutting-edge in response to evolving technologies and industry needs?

CFAA’s Education Committee serves under the National Board Committee and is responsible for ensuring our Fire Alarm Technology Program meets and exceeds the needs of Canada’s fire protection and life safety industry. Our Chapters are keenly involved in developing annual technical training seminars for their region to educate our stakeholders on new requirements, technologies and trends in the fire protection industry.

We are in the process of modernizing our education program and adding a tiered level of certification for our CFAA Fire Alarm Technician credential to recognize advanced education and experience of fire alarm technicians. We also qualify all our instructors who teach the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program.

This year we recently added a new position – Director of Education & Regulatory Services. Catherine Aastrom started with us in March 2025 and is making great strides to modernize our flagship education program with our Education Committee.

What certifications and professional development opportunities do you offer at the CFAA for fire alarm technicians and industry professionals?

We at the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) proudly serve as Canada’s leading national authority for certifying fire alarm technicians, offering the prestigious CFAA Fire Alarm Technician credential through our comprehensive Fire Alarm Technology training program. For over 40 years, we have trained individuals to excel in the fire protection and life safety industry, earning recognition from almost all building and fire authorities across Canada. This credential empowers our technicians to verify, inspect, test, and maintain fire alarm systems to the highest standards.

We deliver our Fire Alarm Technology Education Program both online and in-person, partnering with many public and private career colleges nationwide. Upon successful completion, our graduates can apply for CFAA Registration, a hallmark of professional expertise. To ensure our technicians remain at the forefront of the industry, we require annual Continuing Education, keeping them updated on the latest regulations, standards, technologies, and best practices.

Beyond technician certification, we support the broader fire protection and life safety community with extensive professional development opportunities. Through our technical symposiums, seminars, and webinars, we engage not only fire alarm technicians, but also engineers, designers, electricians, building and fire officials, building owners, property managers, insurers, and others. These initiatives enhance industry knowledge, promote best practices, and contribute to the safety and effectiveness of fire protection systems across Canada.

By providing robust training, certification, and continuous learning, we at the CFAA empower fire alarm professionals and help strengthen community safety nationwide.

What transformative projects is the CFAA launching to enhance services and empower clients across Canada?

At the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA), our vision is to be the nation’s definitive resource for fire alarm- related information, education, qualifications, expertise, and industry support, with active chapters spanning Canada.

To achieve this, we are significantly expanding and modernizing our renowned Fire Alarm Technology Program with new curriculum and courses that will be available in both Canadian official languages, English and French.

We introduced live hybrid training, along with recorded online training, a few years ago during Covid and it has proven to be the fastest growing part of our business. In 2024, we doubled online course sales. We host approximately fifteen live training events each year across Canada. We introduced the Technicians Podcast, where we talk about all things fire safety-related, with a new episode dropping every two weeks.

In recent years, we have embraced a digital transformation of our operations and educational offerings. We are developing a new website, to be integrated with our new Association Management System (AMS), which will be completed in early 2026. All CFAA core courses, exams, and continuing education programs are now available both in-person and live online, providing flexible learning options to suit diverse needs.

CFAA is also expanding our online French course offerings. We are continuously enhancing our online course portfolio and developing innovative updated content to keep pace with industry advancements. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 attendees participated in our live technical seminar events, with more than 90 hours of new CFAA training offered. Our online education offerings has grown to more than 90 training courses, manuals and simulator tools designed for new students, trainees and experienced fire alarm technicians.

Recently we launched a new virtual verification inspection simulator tool will allow trainees to continuously practice and prepare for our Practical Exam to become a CFAA Fire Alarm Technician.

We also have strategies related to technician workforce development and growth, government advocacy and enhancing national recognition of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician credential across Canada.

Through these expansions and innovative services, we at the CFAA are strengthening our commitment to advancing fire and life safety education, fostering professional excellence, and protecting lives and property across Canada.

The Visionary Leader behind CFAA’s Success

Suzanne Alfano is the Executive Director of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA), bringing over 35 years of leadership in fire and electrical safety. With a background in electrical and electronic engineering and an MBA, she bridges technical expertise with strategic vision.

Her career spans influential roles across Canada and the U.S. in association management, consulting, standards development, and government relations. She has championed key electrical, fire and life safety initiatives that elevate industry standards and public safety.

A respected voice in fire protection, Suzanne is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement. Under her leadership, the CFAA continues to lead nationally in education, certification, and fire and life safety advocacy—empowering professionals and protecting communities across Canada.

“At the CFAA, we are committed to being the nation’s definitive resource for fire alarm-related information, education, qualifications, expertise, and industry support, with active chapters spanning Canada.”