Latest news with #MinistryoftheSolicitorGeneral
Time Business News
19-07-2025
- Time Business News
How Licensed Security Guards Uphold Ontario's Legal Standards
In Ontario, licensed security guards play a vital role in maintaining public safety and protecting property. These professionals are not just passive observers—they are trained to act as the first line of defence in a wide range of situations. Their responsibilities are regulated under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, which sets clear expectations for conduct, training, and accountability. Preventative Presence to Deter Crime A uniformed security guard acts as a visible deterrent to potential wrongdoers. Their presence alone can discourage theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other illegal activities on private or commercial property. Whether stationed at retail stores, construction sites, or residential complexes, their visibility promotes a sense of safety for everyone on the premises. Responding to Incidents and Emergencies Security guards are often the first to respond to on-site emergencies—be it a fire alarm, medical situation, or criminal activity. They are trained in de-escalation techniques, emergency protocols, and communication with law enforcement and emergency services. Their ability to act quickly can prevent injuries and limit property damage. Monitoring Surveillance Systems In addition to patrolling, many licensed guards are responsible for overseeing CCTV systems and access control technology. This digital vigilance allows them to spot suspicious behaviour in real-time, track entry and exit points, and maintain accurate logs of daily activity. Monitoring can be done from a control room or combined with physical patrols, depending on the site's needs. Enforcing Property-Specific Rules and Regulations Every property has its own set of policies, whether it's a shopping mall, office tower, or industrial facility. Security guards ensure these rules are followed—whether that means checking IDs, managing visitor access, or preventing unauthorized loitering. While they are not police officers, they have the authority to perform citizen's arrests when necessary and are trained to handle such scenarios within the boundaries of Ontario law. Ministry of the Solicitor General Oversight The entire licensing process falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which regulates private security in Ontario. This body enforces compliance with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 , and is responsible for issuing licences, overseeing training standards, and maintaining a public registry of licensed professionals. Mandatory 40-Hour Training Course All aspiring security guards must complete a ministry-approved 40-hour training program. This course includes core topics such as the role of security guards, report writing, legal authorities, and emergency response, and health and safety procedures. A portion of the training must also cover first aid and CPR certification, which is essential for handling on-site incidents. Passing the Provincial Security Guard Test After completing the training, candidates must pass a provincial security guard test, which evaluates their knowledge of the material covered in the course. The multiple-choice exam consists of 60 questions, and a passing score is required to move forward in the licensing process. Successful candidates receive a Testing Completion Number, which is required when submitting a licence application. Eligibility Criteria To apply for a security guard licence in Ontario, individuals must meet the following criteria: Be at least 18 years old Be legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit) in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit) Have a clean criminal record (certain convictions may disqualify applicants) Once these steps are completed and the application is approved, the individual is issued a Security Guard Licence Card, which must be carried at all times while on duty. Use of Force Limitations (Only Reasonable Force Allowed) Security guards are permitted to use force only when absolutely necessary and in a manner that is considered reasonable under the circumstances. This typically applies to situations involving the protection of people or property, or during a lawful citizen's arrest. The use of excessive force can lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges or loss of licence. No Authority to Arrest Unless a Citizen's Arrest Applies Unlike police officers, licensed security guards do not have special powers of arrest. They may only perform an arrest under the citizen's arrest provision of the Criminal Code of Canada, which allows a person to detain someone they catch in the act of committing a crime on or against the property they are protecting. However, guards must promptly contact law enforcement and transfer custody to a police officer as soon as possible. Requirements for Carrying and Presenting a Licence Every licensed security guard must carry their licence card at all times while on duty and must present it upon request to a police officer, employer, or member of the public. Failure to do so can result in fines or disciplinary action. The licence also identifies the guard's status and confirms that they meet provincial training and conduct standards. Duty to Report Incidents Appropriately Guards have a legal and professional obligation to report incidents they witness or respond to. Accurate, detailed incident reports are essential for documenting events, supporting investigations, and protecting liability. Many employers and clients also require guards to maintain daily logs or submit reports in real-time using digital reporting tools. Writing Detailed Incident Reports One of the key responsibilities of a licensed guard is documenting incidents accurately and thoroughly. These reports must include essential facts such as time, date, individuals involved, and actions taken. Proper recordkeeping ensures transparency, supports investigations, and demonstrates that the guard followed legal protocols during any incident. Observing Privacy and Human Rights Laws Guards must operate in a way that respects the privacy and human rights of individuals. For example, they cannot conduct physical searches or monitor areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy unless authorized by law. Training includes an understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code and how to avoid discriminatory practices while enforcing site rules. Using De-escalation Techniques Rather than resorting to force, guards are trained to de-escalate potentially volatile situations through calm communication, non-threatening body language, and strategic positioning. Effective de-escalation reduces the risk of harm and helps resolve conflicts without legal complications. It's one of the most valuable tools a security guard can use to stay compliant and protect everyone involved. Cooperating with Police and Emergency Services Security guards are often first responders, but when police or emergency personnel arrive, guards are expected to cooperate fully, providing information, surveillance footage, or witness accounts as needed. Their role is to support—never obstruct—official investigations and emergency response efforts, ensuring seamless handoffs and lawful coordination. Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes In healthcare settings, guards must balance security with compassion. They are expected to maintain order without interfering with medical care or violating patient privacy protected under legislation like the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Their presence helps prevent unauthorized access, manage visitor flow, and respond to disruptive behaviour in a legally compliant and respectful manner. Retail Stores and Shopping Malls Retail security guards deter theft, handle shoplifting incidents, and monitor for disturbances, all while respecting the rights of shoppers and staff. They must follow proper procedures when conducting citizen's arrests or detaining individuals and ensure that surveillance practices comply with privacy laws. Legal missteps in these environments can quickly lead to complaints or civil liability. Construction and Industrial Sites At high-risk job sites, guards enforce safety regulations, check IDs, and monitor access to hazardous areas. They often work closely with site supervisors and must understand occupational health and safety rules, trespassing laws, and workplace incident reporting procedures. Legal compliance here protects both worker safety and the guard's own liability. Residential and Commercial Buildings In condos, apartment complexes, and office towers, guards play a dual role: ensuring security while interacting with residents, tenants, and staff. They must enforce building policies without discrimination and handle disputes or disturbances in ways that align with both legal standards and property management expectations. Events and Public Gatherings Large crowds at concerts, sports games, and festivals present unique security challenges. Guards must manage entry points, enforce event policies, and deal with intoxicated or aggressive individuals—all while staying within the limits of lawful conduct. Their training in crowd control, de-escalation, and emergency response is especially vital in these fast-paced environments. Licence Suspension or Revocation If a guard violates the conditions of their licence—such as using excessive force, failing to carry their licence while on duty, or performing duties without proper training—the Ministry has the authority to suspend or revoke the licence. Once a licence is revoked, the individual is no longer legally allowed to work in the security industry in Ontario. Fines or Legal Liability for Misconduct Improper conduct, such as unlawful detention, invasion of privacy, or discrimination, can expose both the guard and their employer to civil lawsuits and regulatory fines. Employers may also be held vicariously liable for the actions of their staff if proper training and oversight were lacking. Reputational Damage for Security Firms Security companies found to be employing unlicensed guards, cutting corners on training, or failing to enforce legal standards risk serious reputational harm. Clients and property managers often require proof of compliance, and even a single publicized incident can damage trust, hurt contracts, and lead to loss of business. Possible Criminal Charges for Serious Breaches In extreme cases—such as assault, unlawful confinement, or impersonating a police officer—guards may face criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada . These charges carry significant consequences, including a criminal record, jail time, and permanent disqualification from working in the industry. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hamilton Spectator
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario ombudsman says ‘growing crisis' in overcrowded jails undermines justice system
Ontario's ombudsman is urging Premier Doug Ford to address a 'growing crisis' in overcrowded jails with complaints skyrocketing 55 per cent and judges dropping or reducing charges against some inmates because of poor treatment and living conditions. The problems — including frequent lockdowns, three inmates in cells for two or bunking in broom closets, mould and getting the wrong medications — undermine the justice system, Paul Dubé said in releasing his annual report Wednesday, warning of the potential for bigger problems. 'If you keep raising the populations in a fixed amount of space and then you have staff shortages and there aren't enough people to adequately, safely run the prison, then you have lockdowns ... which leads to frustrations,' he told a news conference at the legislature. 'The cauldron starts heating up and the pressures build.' The latest investigation followed the Ministry of Solicitor General's two internal investigative Dubé's call for improvements follows an investigation he launched this month into a December 2023 incident at the Maplehurst Correctional Centre in Milton, where inmates were subject to a mass strip search by the institution's internal riot squad that has resulted in a host of lawsuits against the province. 'The conditions that we are seeing and hearing about in the correctional system not only fail to meet the basic expectations of fairness and dignity, but in some cases actively undermine the very principles of justice and human rights,' Dubé said. Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General is now investigating the December 2023 incident, 'This is a challenge that requires urgent attention and a long-term commitment to meaningful reform,' added the ombudsman, whose teams visited 12 jails, including Maplehurst, to see conditions first-hand. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner's office said it would 'review' the 103-page report. It has overseen internal investigations into the Maplehurst incident, but the results of those probes have not been made public. In Mississauga for a hospital expansion announcement, Ford told Citytv 'there's a process. They'll be held accountable, as simple as that.' New Democrat MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) blamed a lack of resources for an overloaded court system, which leaves people accused of crimes stacking up in jails as they await hearings and trials. 'Over 80 per cent of the inmates are actually just waiting for trial,' she said. 'Making sure that we fund the court so it runs smoothly and efficiently, making sure we fund corrections so that we can reduce the overcrowding, all of that is going to make a huge difference in actually reducing the tension, the violence and the horrible conditions.' Complaints by inmates, their families and others to the ombudsman about jails soared 55 per cent to 6,870 last year — the highest number for any provincial service again last year. Dubé said his office has noticed the state of jails slipping for years. 'I will never, ever forget my visit to the Thunder Bay jail where the inmates were lined up on one side of the hallway and the correctional officers and staff on the other side. And they're both pleading with us to do what we could to bring change.'
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Ombudsman calls for "urgent" reform of Ontario's correctional system and stronger respect for rights Français
Annual Report 2024-2025: Huge increases in complaints about correctional facilities and youth justice centres Paul Dubé:"We have helped more people with more issues than at any time in our 50-year history" TORONTO, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the province to take urgent action to address a "growing crisis" in its overcrowded correctional facilities. Citing a 55% increase in complaints about correctional facilities in the past year (6,870 cases), and deteriorating conditions that he and his staff observed, the Ombudsman said "meaningful, systemic reform" that respects the rights of inmates is a "moral imperative." "While this sector has long been our top source of complaints, the nature and severity of what we are hearing – and witnessing firsthand during our visits – demand urgent attention," he says in his 10 th Annual Report, which coincides with his office's 50 th anniversary. "When we fail to uphold the basic dignity of people in custody, we do more than inflict harm – we erode public trust, degrade working conditions for staff, and weaken the very foundations of our justice system." Earlier this month, Ombudsman Dubé launched an investigation into the Ministry of the Solicitor General's response to a two-day incident at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in which inmates were ordered to strip to their underwear and sit facing a wall with their wrists zip-tied. He reports that he recently visited Maplehurst with staff, who also visited 11 other facilities in 2024-2025. Cases about youth justice centres – which Ombudsman staff visited to meet individually with hundreds of young detainees and hear their concerns – also more than doubled in 2024-2025, to a record 423 from 202 the previous year. In total, the Ombudsman received 30,675 cases – complaints and inquiries – in fiscal 2024-2025, a 30-year high. When changes in technology and the office's mandate are taken into account, this is an all-time record, he notes: "I can confidently report that in this milestone year, we have helped more Ontarians with more issues than in any other time in our history." Ontario established an Ombudsman in 1975 to "ensure the protection of our citizens against arbitrary judgment or practices," he notes. "Over the past five decades, we have remained a steadfast advocate for transparency, fairness, and accountability, working alongside democratic institutions across Canada and around the world." The report highlights significant trends and individual case results (see Facts and Highlights for more), and other key developments in the past year. For example: Cases received by the Children and Youth Unit, established in 2019 to specialize in cases involving children's services and child-centred work, reached a record 2,129. The Ombudsman launched a new investigation into child protection agencies' practice of placing young children and teens – many with complex special needs – in unlicensed settings (e.g., hotels, motels and offices). Ombudsman staff also helped individual families who felt they had no choice but to give up custody of children with special needs to agencies in order to get residential care for them – a persistent issue first investigated by the office in 2005. The Ombudsman's report on cases of adults with developmental disabilities who are inappropriately housed in hospitals will be released later this year; meanwhile, Ombudsman staff helped several individuals find appropriate residential placements. The Ombudsman's office received a record 3,908 cases about municipalities. In many of these, he and staff promoted best practices for fair, transparent and accountable processes and policies. They also published 35 reports and letters regarding complaints about 66 closed municipal meetings. Mr. Dubé established the Ombudsman's Award for Good Governance"to reflect tangible actions by public sector bodies that have resulted in exemplary administration." The first award went to the Ontario Provincial Police in February for improvements in its delivery of French language services. Others in the provincial and municipal sectors will be designated in the coming months. The office is co-developing an Indigenous Services Plan with Indigenous partners that will reflect its "commitment to building trust and advancing reconciliation through our daily work," Mr. Dubé writes. The Ombudsman made five submissions to government in the past year, proposing or commenting on changes to legislation. Several of his proposals were accepted. About Ombudsman Ontario: The Ombudsman, established in 1975 to help protect the rights of all Ontarians, is an independent and impartial officer of the Legislature. In the past 50 years, the Ombudsman's Office has handled more than 1 million cases and made more than 1,300 recommendations to improve public services, benefiting millions of people across the province. Under the Ombudsman Act, the Ombudsman reviews and resolves complaints and inquiries from the public about provincial government organizations, as well as French language services, child protection services, municipalities, universities and school boards.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man facing murder charges for attacks near Kingston encampment dies in custody
The man facing murder charges for a series of violent attacks near a Kingston, Ont., encampment that left two people dead and a third critically injured has died in custody, according to the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Andre Wareham was being held at the Central East Correctional Centre while awaiting trial. He died in hospital on April 22, ministry spokesperson Brent Ross confirmed in an email to CBC. Ross did not share any further details, including a suspected cause of death, citing ongoing investigations. The Ontario coroner's office said that because Wareham's death occurred while he was incarcerated, a standard death investigation is taking place. "If the manner of death is non-natural, a mandatory inquest will be held," spokesperson Stephanie Rea added in an email. Wareham's death was first reported by local news outlet Kingstonist. Reached by CBC, his family declined to comment. According to a GoFundMe campaign created in early May and shared by some of his loved ones on social media, Wareham was a father to three children and is also survived by his mother and brother. "Andre passed away under tragic and unresolved circumstances while incarcerated," it reads in part, asking for help covering the cost of a private service and to support his children following his cremation. 2 men killed, 1 woman seriously injured Wareham was facing two first-degree murder charges and one charge of attempted murder in connection with the deadly attacks on Sept. 12, 2024. Witnesses said the attacks involved a hammer. He was arrested following a lengthy standoff with police. It took place near an encampment that had grown around the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) on Montreal Street, which houses the city's only supervised consumption site and offers other services including showers and meals. Police identified Taylor Wilkinson, 38, and John Hood, 41, as the two men killed in the attacks. Friends described them as generous, caring and the kind of people who were always looking out for others. A woman who was not named by officials also suffered life-threatening injuries. In a statement issued while the standoff was still going on, Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson called for the encampment to be cleared and the injection site shut down until a "better way" to support vulnerable residents could be found. Investigators later said Wareham lived near the hub and was familiar to those living in Belle Park, but was not part of the encampment. Court documents from Thunder Bay show his arrest last September wasn't the first time he had been accused in a homicide: Wareham was charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a neighbour in 2009. He was ultimately found not guilty in that case, CBC reported in 2012. In the wake of the violence in Kingston, the ICH and all of its services were temporarily shuttered and the area around it fenced off as tents and other makeshift shelters were hauled down and removed. Just over a month later, the injection site reopened and other services slowly resumed. Today the fencing remains, but tents have sprung up in the wooded parts of Belle Park beyond the barriers and people continue to live rough there.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man facing murder charges for attacks near Kingston encampment dies in custody
The man facing murder charges for a series of violent attacks near a Kingston, Ont., encampment that left two people dead and a third critically injured has died in custody, according to the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Andre Wareham was being held at the Central East Correctional Centre while awaiting trial. He died in hospital on April 22, ministry spokesperson Brent Ross confirmed in an email to CBC. Ross did not share any further details, including a suspected cause of death, citing ongoing investigations. The Ontario coroner's office said that because Wareham's death occurred while he was incarcerated, a standard death investigation is taking place. "If the manner of death is non-natural, a mandatory inquest will be held," spokesperson Stephanie Rea added in an email. Wareham's death was first reported by local news outlet Kingstonist. Reached by CBC, his family declined to comment. According to a GoFundMe campaign created in early May and shared by some of his loved ones on social media, Wareham was a father to three children and is also survived by his mother and brother. "Andre passed away under tragic and unresolved circumstances while incarcerated," it reads in part, asking for help covering the cost of a private service and to support his children following his cremation. 2 men killed, 1 woman seriously injured Wareham was facing two first-degree murder charges and one charge of attempted murder in connection with the deadly attacks on Sept. 12, 2024. Witnesses said the attacks involved a hammer. He was arrested following a lengthy standoff with police. It took place near an encampment that had grown around the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) on Montreal Street, which houses the city's only supervised consumption site and offers other services including showers and meals. Police identified Taylor Wilkinson, 38, and John Hood, 41, as the two men killed in the attacks. Friends described them as generous, caring and the kind of people who were always looking out for others. A woman who was not named by officials also suffered life-threatening injuries. In a statement issued while the standoff was still going on, Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson called for the encampment to be cleared and the injection site shut down until a "better way" to support vulnerable residents could be found. Investigators later said Wareham lived near the hub and was familiar to those living in Belle Park, but was not part of the encampment. Court documents from Thunder Bay show his arrest last September wasn't the first time he had been accused in a homicide: Wareham was charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a neighbour in 2009. He was ultimately found not guilty in that case, CBC reported in 2012. In the wake of the violence in Kingston, the ICH and all of its services were temporarily shuttered and the area around it fenced off as tents and other makeshift shelters were hauled down and removed. Just over a month later, the injection site reopened and other services slowly resumed. Today the fencing remains, but tents have sprung up in the wooded parts of Belle Park beyond the barriers and people continue to live rough there.
