Security Services in Canada

Security Considerations in Canada

Each province sets its own rules for security work, and conditions differ widely from coast to coast. Quebec requires French as the working language, New Brunswick is officially bilingual, and major cities serve large international and immigrant communities. Retailers with national store networks need consistent post orders and reporting across every location, adjusted for local language expectations and provincial requirements.

Winter shapes security planning almost everywhere in the country, with snow, ice, extreme cold and long nights affecting entrances, parking areas and exterior patrols for months. Seasonal patterns also vary: cruise and summer tourism drive coastal markets, cross-border shoppers visit cities near the United States, and major events such as the Calgary Stampede and Montreal’s summer festivals create short, intense peaks.

Markets Served in Canada

• Toronto, ON
• Ottawa, ON
• Montreal, QC
• Quebec City, QC
• Vancouver, BC
• Victoria, BC
• Calgary, AB
• Edmonton, AB
• Winnipeg, MB
• Regina, SK
• Saskatoon, SK
• Halifax, NS
• Moncton, NB
• St. John’s, NL
• Charlottetown, PE

Coverage also extends to Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ontario, Kelowna and Fredericton.

Services Available

Services in Canada include luxury retail asset protection, retail security officers, concierge and lobby security, commercial building security, special event security, executive protection support and fire watch. Post Orders are written for each location around its layout, hours and risk.

Screening, Training and Supervision

Officers complete a five-stage screening process and tier-based training before assignment, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition. Supervisors make unannounced site visits, and the MGP Operations Desk answers 24/7/365. Incidents are documented on scene, time-stamped and GPS-verified.

Canada Licensing

Security licensing in Canada is set by each province. McCray Global Protection holds licences in Ontario (11365159), British Columbia (B7016) and Quebec (GAR20058743). In other provinces, McCray Global Protection operates under the MGP Hybrid Operating Model, with officers supplied by vetted partners licensed under each province’s rules and the program managed by MGP.

How is security guard coverage priced?

Rates depend on the officer classification, hours, schedule and site requirements. MGP provides a written rate schedule after reviewing your needs. Holiday, overnight and short-notice coverage is billed at a premium rate.

Security Officer Requirements in Canada

• Security guard licensing in Canada is handled by each province and territory, and the steps to get a licence differ from one province or territory to the next. Source
• Security guards who carry firearms need a firearms licence, and armoured car drivers need a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence covering restricted and non-restricted firearms. Source
• Carrying a handgun or restricted long gun for a lawful occupational purpose requires an Authorization to Carry from the Canadian Firearms Program, applied for on form RCMP 5491 with a $40 non-refundable fee. Source
• Responsible beverage service certification is mandatory for security staff working in establishments that serve alcohol in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Source