For Immediate Release
December 10, 2004
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW LEGISLATION TO MAKE ONTARIANS SAFER
First Significant Change to Security Industry in Ontario Since 1966
TORONTO - The McGuinty government is making Ontarians safer by introducing legislation that would strengthen professional requirements for private investigators and security practitioners, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter said today.
"Professionals offering protection services to Ontarians should be properly licensed, trained and equipped," Kwinter said. "We need to ensure that security personnel have the training they need to keep us safe as they play a larger role in safeguarding Ontarians."
The proposed legislative changes will address the main issues of:
- mandatory licensing for all security personnel
- licence portability (allowing an individual to change jobs within the industry without having to reapply for a licence)
- training standards
- standards for uniforms, equipment and vehicles used by security personnel.
If passed, the new Private Security and Investigative Services Act would make licensing and training mandatory for all security personnel. The proposed legislation would also make in-house security personnel, like those working for retailers, bars and hotels, and the Corps of Commissionnaires subject to the act. They are currently exempt.
Local York West M.P.P. Mario Sergio, a staunch proponent of introducing legislation geared towards increasing the level of training for security officials, enthusiastically praised Minister Kwinter's proposed initiative. "This act will go far in ensuring that both private investigators and security guards receive the required training before licenses are issued. Above everything else, this government has a moral obligation in protecting the public from the actions of improperly trained security personnel," said Mr. Sergio.
The introduction of the act comes less than a year after a coroner's inquest in the death of Patrick Shand, a Toronto man who died after an altercation with employees of a grocery store and security guards. The coroner's jury made 22 recommendations on training, licensing and standards for security practitioners. The new act responds to those recommendations.
Introduction of the legislation follows extensive consultation with industry associations, firms employing security personnel, retail associations, municipalities and police services.
"APSA members have always been committed to the continuous improvement of the security industry and as the principal organization representing the majority of the security industry in Ontario , we will continue to be available for consultation with the ministry," said John Carter, interim president and vice-president of the Association of Professional Security Agencies.
A working group will be formed in 2005 to help develop the regulations that would follow passage of the legislation.
Contact
Mario Sergio, M.P.P York West
Tel: (416) 585-7007
