Retail Crime Is a Community Safety Issue. And Canada Is Coming Together to Respond

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Retail crime is no longer a retail-only problem. It touches community safety, employee wellbeing, economic stability, and public confidence. When retail becomes unsafe, the ripple effects extend far beyond the store—into neighbourhoods, workplaces, and the everyday sense of security Canadians rely on.

This is the context that makes RCC Retail Secure so important. On March 12, 2026, with pre-conference workshops on March 11, 2026, retail leaders, law enforcement, government, and industry partners will come together for Canada’s national forum on retail safety leadership. It is a space designed not just to talk about collaboration, but to strengthen how it actually works in practice.

At the heart of the conference is the idea of trusted collaboration. Because the greatest challenge facing retail safety today is not willingness to work together. It is clarity. What can be shared? What must remain protected? How do organizations collaborate without compromising privacy, investigations, or corporate integrity?

These questions define modern retail safety leadership, and they sit at the core of RCC Retail Secure’s 2026 conference agenda.

The mainstage speakers bring the experience needed to navigate this complexity. Pamela Barnum, TEDx speaker and former undercover officer, explores how communication and influence build trust. Amik Cardinal (CBSA) examines how enforcement, legislation, and cross-border action disrupt organized retail crime. Dean Henrico (Loblaw) shares how technology and operational strategy are transforming loss prevention. Harjot Sahota (London Drugs) and Matt Hall (lululemon) bring frontline insight into what strong retailer–law enforcement partnerships truly look like.

New this year, the March 11 workshops turn collaboration into capability, focusing on:

  • Building collaboration frameworks with law enforcement and government
  • Sharing information responsibly while protecting privacy and corporate integrity
  • Disrupting organized retail crime through coordinated response models
  • Strengthening internal communication and escalation processes

Retail Secure also honours leadership through the Retail Secure Legends Awards, recognizing established leaders, emerging innovators, and front-line professionals whose work protects our communities. Nominations close February 6, 2026.

For those shaping safety strategy in 2026, this is where national leadership, practical insight, and trusted collaboration come together.

Explore the full agenda:
https://rccretailsecure.ca/agenda/

Tickets, nominations, and details:
https://rccretailsecure.ca

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