Private Security Industry in Western Canada: Comprehensive Overview

Private Security Industry in Western Canada: Comprehensive Overview

Industry Overview

Scale and Growth by Province: Western Canada’s private security sector has expanded significantly. British Columbia (BC) and Alberta are among the largest markets – indeed, the security industry is most heavily concentrated in Ontario, BC and Alberta . In BC, the number of licensed security workers has grown rapidly (e.g. from ~4,800 in 1991 to 11,684 by 2005) and even by the mid-2000s they already outnumbered police officers in the province . Alberta’s security industry has likewise surged; the number of licensed security guard companies there rose 8% from 2019 to 2023, and the number of licensed guards increased by 19% in that period . Smaller provinces Saskatchewan and Manitoba have fewer security personnel overall, but they too are seeing growth. For example, Manitoba saw its active security guard licences jump from about 6,378 in 2019–20 to 8,992 in 2024–25 – roughly a 41% increase, attributed largely to rising retail theft and crime concerns . In all these provinces, private security is a multi-million dollar industry that has been growing at ~5% annually nationwide (Canada-wide market ~$8.6 billion in 2019) , driven by demand for safety services.

Common Services: Private security firms across Western Canada offer a broad range of services. The core offerings include static guarding (stationary guards protecting sites like office buildings, malls, campuses, and industrial facilities) and mobile patrols (guards who conduct vehicle or foot patrols and respond to alarms). Event security is another key service – providing crowd control and safety at concerts, sports events, festivals, etc. Healthcare security has grown in importance, with guards assigned to hospitals and clinics to ensure safety of staff and patients. Retail loss prevention officers (plainclothes or uniformed) are employed to deter and apprehend shoplifters in stores . Other specialized services include access control monitoring, concierge security for residential buildings, airport and transit security, critical infrastructure protection (e.g. on oil/gas sites or power facilities), and investigative/consulting services. Most security guards are tasked with maintaining a safe environment, monitoring entrances and CCTV, enforcing rules, deterring crime, and reporting or responding to incidents (and in some cases making arrests or ejecting trespassers) . The industry also encompasses niche areas like K9 security (e.g. detection dogs), executive/VIP protection, and armoured transport (cash-in-transit guards), though armoured car services are often handled by specialized firms.

Five-Year Trends: Over the past five years, the industry’s growth has been buoyed by heightened security awareness and crime rates. Rising rates of property crime and violence (e.g. Canada’s overall crime rate was up 2% in 2019, with a 5% jump in violent crime ) have led businesses and institutions to invest more in private security. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath also created new challenges – economic hardship and social disruptions contributed to increased theft and disorder . Private security stepped in as police budgets faced constraints, effectively filling gaps in public safety when police resources were stretched . In Western Canada’s urban centers, one can observe a “private-security army” in action – for instance, Vancouver’s downtown Business Improvement Association contracts teams of loss-prevention security to patrol downtown streets . Overall, industry revenue and employment have trended upward. Alberta and Manitoba data show particularly strong growth in security guard numbers in response to local needs . Even in BC, where the industry is mature, there is currently a shortage of security guards because many new recruits leave for higher-paying jobs, meaning job openings are consistently available . This reflects high turnover but also ongoing demand. In summary, Western Canada’s private security industry has expanded in scope and scale since 2018, with all provinces experiencing greater reliance on private guards for safeguarding property and people.

Regulatory Environment

Licensing Laws: Private security is tightly regulated in each province, with each having its own governing statute and licensing body. In BC, the industry falls under the Security Services Act (2007) and is overseen by the Security Programs Division (SPD) of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General . Alberta administers security licensing through the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA) – all individuals or businesses providing security or investigative services for pay must hold a valid licence under this law . Saskatchewan and Manitoba each enforce a Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, which similarly mandates that both security businesses and individual guards be licensed by the provincial justice ministry . These acts set standards for screening, training, and conduct, and empower a Registrar or division to enforce rules (e.g. suspension of licences for misconduct).

Worker Licensing Requirements: To become a security guard in any Western province, applicants must meet minimum criteria. Age and background: The typical minimum age is 18 years (19 in BC) , and one must be legally entitled to work in Canada. A clean criminal record is mandatory – all provinces require a criminal record check (including a vulnerable sector check in some cases) as part of licensing . Applicants must also demonstrate basic English language proficiency (for example, Alberta specifies Canadian Language Benchmark Level 5 in English) . Training and exams: Provinces mandate completion of an approved training course and a licensing exam. The standard curriculum is often referred to as Basic Security Training (BST) and is roughly 40 hours of instruction covering Canadian law, powers of arrest, emergency response, report writing, and professionalism. For instance, BC requires completion of the 40-hour BST course and an exam before one can apply for a Security Worker licence . Alberta uses a similar 40-hour Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) course, followed by a provincially administered exam (passing grade ~80%) . Saskatchewan and Manitoba likewise require a provincially approved training program – Manitoba explicitly states that “all security guards must complete a mandatory security guard training program” through an approved provider . After training, candidates must pass a test to be certified. Only upon meeting these criteria, and paying the licence fee, will a province issue a security guard licence (most are photo ID cards valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable with a refresher of background checks) . Working without a valid licence can result in penalties.

Business and Oversight: Security companies themselves must also be licensed. All four provinces require any company offering security guard or investigative services to hold a security business licence. For example, Manitoba’s law requires licensing of agencies and even requires registration of any organization that employs in-house security (to differentiate in-house security versus contracted) . Alberta’s SSIA similarly mandates that security firms obtain a business licence through the Registrar, show proof of insurance, etc., and renew periodically . Regulatory bodies conduct audits and handle complaints. They also set rules on uniforms (e.g. no uniforms that could be confused with police) and equipment. Use-of-Force and Equipment: Security guards in these provinces are generally unarmed, but some may carry tools like batons or handcuffs if properly certified. Additional training is required for any use-of-force tools. In BC, guards must complete an Advanced Security Training (AST) 24-hour course (focused on control tactics, the law on force, etc.) and pass with 75% in order to be authorized to carry handcuffs legally . Alberta requires a 40-hour defensive tactics training for those who will carry batons or other weapons . Firearms are only carried by armored car guards or specialized remote site guards, who need to have a valid firearm licence and specialized training. Overall, provinces place strict limits on security guards’ powers (primarily to “observe, report, deter” and only use force in self-defense or to detain for police) and require compliance with laws like citizens’ arrest provisions. Ongoing training and professional development is encouraged: companies often provide refresher courses on use-of-force, first aid, and emerging threats. Regulators also enforce incident reporting (e.g. any serious use-of-force or injuries may need to be reported to the Registrar) . The regulatory regime across Western Canada thus ensures standardized training, vetting, and accountability for private security personnel, with each province’s justice ministry (or public safety ministry) acting as the oversight authority for licensing and complaints.

Major Players and Employers

Leading Security Companies: The Western Canadian security market is dominated by several large private firms, alongside many smaller local companies. Paladin Security (headquartered in Vancouver) is one of the country’s largest security firms and has a strong presence in all four provinces – Paladin provides guarding services in sectors from healthcare to retail. GardaWorld, a global security conglomerate based in Canada, is another top provider operating throughout Western Canada (especially in Alberta and Manitoba, and nationwide in cash logistics). Securitas Canada (the Canadian division of the multinational Securitas) and Allied Universal (which acquired G4S Secure Solutions) also operate in Western Canada, serving clients in industry and government. A Canadian non-profit company, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, is a major player particularly for government and institutional contracts. The Commissionaires is a federation of divisions (e.g. Commissionaires BC, Commissionaires Manitoba) that employ many former military and RCMP veterans, providing security guarding primarily at federal sites, courthouses, and other public facilities. Indeed, GardaWorld, Paladin, and Commissionaires are frequently cited among “the top security companies in Canada” and all have significant operations in the western provinces.

Each province also has notable regional firms. In BC, Securiguard Services Ltd. is a prominent Vancouver-based company (founded 1974) known for corporate security and airport contracts; it operates widely in BC and Alberta . BC is also home to firms like Fusion Security and Genesis Security, though these are smaller than the national players. In Alberta, aside from the nationals, companies such as Backwoods Security (which is Indigenous-owned, focusing on oil & gas site security) and Iron Horse (regional guard firm) are present. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have a mix of branch offices of the big companies and local businesses. For example, Regina-based Impact Security Group bills itself as the largest privately owned security company in Western Canada, with offices in Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and beyond . Winnipeg has homegrown firms like AAA Security and others, though many contracts are handled by larger companies (Paladin has expanded in Manitoba, and GardaWorld has been active especially in secure transport and airport security there).

Public-Sector Security Employers: A significant segment of the security workforce in Western Canada is employed directly by public-sector organizations. Healthcare: Provincial health authorities are major employers – hospitals require 24/7 security. In Alberta, for example, Paladin Security has long been contracted to provide hospital security for Alberta Health Services. BC’s health authorities historically contracted companies for security, but recently BC moved to create hundreds of in-house hospital security positions. In 2022–2023, the BC government funded the hiring of 320 new “Relational Security Officers” across 26 high-risk healthcare sites (these are health-authority employees with specialized training) . This shift indicates growing public-sector investment in healthcare security. Government facilities: Federal office buildings, Service Canada centres, and courthouses frequently use private security (often Commissionaires or Garda). Provincial government buildings and liquor stores also hire guards – e.g. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries deployed guards at liquor stores after a surge in theft. Municipal governments may have their own public safety officers for facilities like libraries and recreation centers, but also contract private firms for certain needs (Winnipeg’s downtown, for instance, has business-funded security patrols). Education: Universities and colleges typically maintain their own campus security departments. Major universities (UBC, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, etc.) employ campus security officers (sometimes as special constables with limited peace officer authority). These campus officers are often not under a private company but are direct university staff focused on patrol, emergency response, and student safety. Other sectors: Utilities and transit authorities also employ security – for instance, BC Hydro uses private security for some sites, and Calgary Transit and TransLink (Metro Vancouver) have security personnel (TransLink employs both in-house transit security and contracts some services). In sum, aside from the private security firms themselves, public sector and institutional clients form a crucial source of security jobs. Health authorities, government departments, crown corporations, and educational institutions either hire security staff directly or are key clients for contract security services. This integration means many security guards eventually work in public-sector environments even if employed by private firms.

Wages and Job Outlook

Wage Levels by Province and Role: Wages for security guards in Western Canada vary by region and by the nature of the role. In general, security guard pay is modest (often near the lower end of the wage spectrum), especially for entry-level positions, though certain specialized or senior roles command higher rates. According to 2022–2023 labour market data, the median hourly wage for security guards (NOC 64410) is approximately $21.00 in British Columbia , $20.00 in Alberta , $19.00 in Saskatchewan , and only about $16.50 in Manitoba . These medians reflect full-time and part-time guards across all industries. The lower median in Manitoba is partly historical – Manitoba until recently had a legislated security guard minimum wage that was below the general minimum wage (it was $12.50/hour, repealed in 2022 to bring guards up to the general minimum wage of $13.50 and beyond) . Starting wages for licensed guards tend to hover around the provincial minimum wage or slightly above. For instance, in Alberta the average starting wage for entry-level guards is around $16–18/hour . Many basic security posts (e.g. static guard at a retail store or construction site) pay in that range.

However, there is a significant wage range depending on the employer and responsibilities. Guards employed directly by government or high-paying sectors, and those in specialized roles, often earn more. The high end of the wage range (90th percentile) can reach $30–36/hour in provinces like BC and AB – these higher wages typically go to experienced supervisors, armed transport guards, or those working in remote/industrial sites. In Alberta, for example, the top 5% of earners in security occupations make over $35/hour (often in remote oil sands security or supervisory roles). Unionized security jobs (such as some hospital security officers or campus security) also pay above-average wages with benefits. A recent example in BC saw unionized security guards winning a new contract with a start rate of $19.75/hour (up from ~$17) for general duty guards . The median annual salary for full-time security guards in BC is around $37,500 , but this can rise with seniority. Security supervisors or site managers might earn in the range of ~$45,000–50,000 annually in many cases. Notably, guards who are certified for higher-risk duties (carrying firearms or specialized skills) tend to command premiums – for instance, armored car guards or those with advanced tactical training earn higher hourly wages than unarmed, general duty guards. Overall, while entry-level security work is often low-paid, there is a wage progression as one moves to more specialized positions (mobile patrol, industrial sites, team lead) and there are opportunities to earn overtime during busy periods or special events.

Job Demand and Outlook: The employment outlook for security personnel in Western Canada is generally positive, with steady or growing demand projected. All provinces are seeing sustained need for security services in both the private and public sectors. In BC, industry sources describe an ongoing shortage of security guards – high turnover means security firms are constantly hiring, and many positions go unfilled as workers leave for other industries . The Government of Canada’s Job Bank forecasts a “moderate” outlook for security guards in BC for 2024–2026, noting that employment growth will create some new positions and replacement of retirees will open additional jobs . As of late 2024, approximately 14,750 people were employed as security guards in BC , and this number is expected to rise modestly. In Alberta, the robust growth of licensed guards (19% increase from 2019–23) indicates strong demand – fueled by economic recovery, expansion of industries, and heightened security needs (especially in urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton). The prairie provinces also show expanding demand. Manitoba’s recent spike in hiring (over 2,600 more licences in five years) was driven by an “onslaught” of retail theft and safety concerns, pushing even small businesses to employ guards . Business associations in Winnipeg report that many retailers have had to spend much more on security measures (guards, cameras, etc.) in response to crime, treating it as a necessary investment to prevent losses . This trend suggests continued job openings for guards, even as it poses cost challenges for employers. Saskatchewan’s outlook is also stable – major projects (construction, infrastructure, mining) and public facilities all require security, and the guard workforce will be needed as long as crime and safety remain public concerns.

A key factor in future demand is the overall crime and public safety climate. Unfortunately, increases in crimes like shoplifting, vandalism, and violence in some Western Canadian cities have heightened the reliance on private security. For example, Winnipeg saw such a surge in retail theft that the provincial government introduced a rebate program to help small businesses afford security measures (which was fully subscribed almost immediately) . When police response is limited for low-priority thefts, businesses turn to private guards as a deterrent . Social issues such as homelessness and the opioid crisis have also led to more guards being hired to patrol transit stations, libraries, and downtown areas to maintain order – roles that likely continue to grow. On the other hand, the industry does have a pool of potential labor (e.g. many guards use security as an entry-level job and there are always new entrants). The Job Bank outlook in BC notes that there are “several unemployed workers with recent experience” in the occupation, tempering the outlook to moderate rather than “good.” In summary, Western Canada’s private security job market is expected to remain strong. Demand drivers include heightened security needs in retail and healthcare, new infrastructure requiring protection, and an overall emphasis on safety. Turnover rates ensure frequent vacancies. Prospective security workers can generally expect ample job opportunities, with the caveat that competition can exist for the better-paying or more desirable assignments. The consensus of projections and trends is that the private security field will continue growing in the near future, albeit at a moderate pace, closely tracking the needs created by economic and social conditions .

Emerging Trends and Challenges

Technology Integration: The security industry is rapidly embracing new technology to enhance effectiveness. Advanced surveillance tech like AI-powered cameras, sensors, and drones are becoming part of the standard toolkit for Western Canadian security firms. One notable trend is the use of mobile surveillance units (MSUs) – these are portable, typically solar-powered camera towers equipped with night-vision cameras and analytics software. Major companies such as GardaWorld deploy AI-enhanced MSUs that can autonomously detect intruders, read license plates, and alert security operators in real time . Such units have proven valuable for monitoring large areas and critical sites. For example, at a Western Canada airport suffering rampant vehicle thefts, the deployment of MSU camera towers led to a 92% reduction in theft incidents within six months, as well as assisting police in catching top offenders . Similarly, drones are now used for wide-area patrols, especially in Alberta. In Calgary, security companies use drones to quickly cover large industrial yards or remote pipeline routes – a drone can inspect what would take a guard on foot hours, and provide live aerial video to a control center . This enables faster response to alarms and is more cost-effective for sprawling sites. Drones equipped with thermal cameras can also conduct night surveillance or support emergency response (for instance, scouting a potential intruder’s location before guards approach). Alongside drones, intelligent video analytics have upgraded traditional CCTV. Modern surveillance systems employ AI algorithms to automatically detect suspicious behaviors such as loitering or breaching of perimeters and then trigger real-time alerts . This reduces the need for humans to watch banks of screens continuously, and makes surveillance more proactive – a camera can now “watch” for specific events (someone climbing a fence, unattended bag left behind, etc.) and notify guards immediately.

Another tech trend is the integration of remote monitoring and mobile tools. Many Western Canada firms run Security Operations Centers where incoming feeds from clients’ cameras and alarms are monitored centrally 24/7. These “virtual guard” setups mean a single center can oversee dozens of sites and dispatch mobile responders as needed. Guards on the ground are increasingly connected via smartphones and apps: for instance, guards use GPS-tracked patrol apps to log their rounds, report incidents with photos, and receive assignments in real time . Such apps improve accountability (clients can verify patrols) and safety (monitoring centers know where guards are). Access control systems have also advanced – instead of just keys and swipe cards, many sites use biometrics or mobile credentials, and security personnel manage these digital systems. Western Canada has also seen growth in license plate recognition (LPR) technology at gated facilities and parking lots, enabling automated vehicle screening by security at sites like condos or parkades . Overall, the push for technology is partly driven by client demands to augment or reduce reliance on manpower. As one industry leader noted, clients ask for tech solutions to “reduce man-hours” and increase efficiency, though not to eliminate guards entirely . The future likely holds a hybrid model where fewer guards in some roles are supplemented by cameras, sensors, and AI – with human guards focusing on tasks that require judgment, intervention, and customer service.

Trauma-Informed and Specialized Training: Another emerging trend is a shift in how security personnel engage with the public, especially vulnerable individuals. Security officers are increasingly expected to have skills in de-escalation, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed practice. This comes as security guards often find themselves dealing with persons experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or substance use issues in public spaces. Recognizing this, training programs are being updated – for example, some BC security companies now include Trauma Informed Practice modules in guard training . The concept of “Relational Security” has gained traction in healthcare security. BC’s new relational security model emphasizes that guards in hospitals should be adept at anticipating and de-escalating aggression in a compassionate way, understanding how trauma or mental illness affects patient behavior . All 320 of BC’s newly hired health security officers received trauma-informed practice training to apply a patient-centric, empathetic approach rather than a punitive one . We see similar trends elsewhere: security staff in shelters or transit are taught techniques like non-violent crisis intervention. This trend is in part a response to public concern over rough handling by security – a well-publicized incident of a guard using force can lead to backlash. By emphasizing communication, respect, and understanding of mental health, the industry aims to both improve safety outcomes and public perception of security guards.

Responding to Crime and Social Issues: The rise of private security is directly linked to crime trends and social challenges. In many Western Canadian communities, fear of crime (or “public perceptions of out-of-control crime”) has fueled demand for more security patrols in streets and shops . High-profile problems like organized retail theft, vandalism in downtown cores, or violence in hospitals have spurred businesses and government to invest in private security measures. This has some side effects: private security guards are now a common sight in places they weren’t before – not just banks or malls, but supermarkets, fast food restaurants, libraries, and homeless shelters. The Winnipeg Free Press noted that security guards used to be mostly seen at bars or banks, but “now we see them in grocery … malls … large box stores” as a result of surging theft and related violence . Downtown business groups in cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver routinely hire private security or “ambassadors” to patrol entertainment districts or business zones, attempting to improve public comfort. While many citizens appreciate the extra eyes on the street, there is an ongoing debate about the public perception of private security. Some see them as a necessary supplement to police that improves safety, while others worry about accountability (since private guards do not have the same oversight as police). Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns in the past that the proliferation of security guards – who lack extensive training – could lead to civil rights infringements or overstepping of authority . Incidents where security personnel have used excessive force (caught on video) can draw public criticism and lawsuits, highlighting the need for proper training and oversight.

On the other hand, the increasing professionalism in the industry is aimed at earning public trust. Canadian security firms stress rigorous screening and training to ensure guards are qualified . During the COVID-19 pandemic, security guards were even deemed essential workers in many cases, which slightly elevated public appreciation for their role (e.g. guarding vaccination clinics or managing occupancy in stores). The industry’s narrative is that private security plays a “vital role in safeguarding both public and private interests” in Canada . Going forward, we can expect private security to continue evolving – using smarter technology, collaborating more with law enforcement (information sharing, alerting police to issues), and adopting community-oriented approaches. The Western Canadian security industry in 2025 is at an intersection of traditional guarding and high-tech innovation, all while striving to balance safety with respecting the public. As crime and safety challenges persist, the presence of private security is likely to further expand, making them an even more integral part of Western Canada’s overall safety infrastructure. The key trends of technological enhancement and improved training standards are set to shape a more effective and professional private security sector in the years ahead .

References

• Government of British Columbia – Security Programs Division (Licensing and regulatory information)

• Government of Alberta – Security Services and Investigators Act (licensing standards)

• Government of Manitoba – Private Investigators and Security Guards Program (licensing info and stats)

• Winnipeg Free Press (2025). “On guard: Business is booming for private security in Manitoba.” (Data on licence growth, crime-driven demand)

• Tip of Spear Security Training Blog (2023). “Growing Demand for Private Security in Canada.” (Industry growth rates, Alberta stats, crime drivers)

• BCBusiness (2008). “Fear Factor: Vancouver crime and private security.” (Historical perspective on BC growth, ratios vs police)

• Job Bank Canada – Wages and Outlook for Security Guards (2024 update, StatsCan LFS data)

• ALIS Alberta Occupational Info (2023). Security Guards – Wages and Salaries in Alberta. (Average wage and pay range in AB)

• Vancouver Public Library – “Security Guards: A Guide for Newcomers” (2023). (BC industry overview, shortages, median salary)

• BC Gov News (2023). “Relational security officers foster safer workplaces for health-care workers.” (Healthcare security initiative, trauma-informed training)

• GardaWorld Security Systems (2024). “Tackling Technology Trends” – Roundtable (Use of AI, mobile surveillance units, results)

• GPS Security (2025). “Exploring Drones and High-Tech Tools in Calgary Security.” (Use of drones, AI surveillance, remote monitoring in Alberta)

• Commissionaires / Securiway (2025). Top Security Companies in Canada. (Industry leaders like Garda, Paladin, Commissionaires)

• Government of Canada Job Bank – Outlook Report for BC (2024). (Job prospects 2024–26 and employment figures)

• Additional sources as cited inline above , etc.