Are Security Guards Allowed to Carry Guns in Canada?
Are Security Guards Allowed to Carry Guns in Canada?
Many people assume security guards carry guns.
This is common in movies—but in Canada, the reality is very different.
If you’re a property manager, business owner, or just curious about private security laws, here’s what you need to know.
Are Security Guards Allowed to Carry Guns in Canada?
Short answer: No, most security guards in Canada are not allowed to carry firearms.
In Ontario and across Canada:
The vast majority of security guards are unarmed
Carrying a firearm is highly restricted
Special licensing and federal approval are required
Security guards are regulated under provincial laws, while firearms are governed by federal law.
👉 External reference: Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)
Why Most Security Guards Are Unarmed
Canada has strict firearm laws.
Unlike some other countries, private security is focused on:
Prevention
Observation
Reporting
Not force.
Most security roles involve:
Monitoring properties
Conducting patrols
Managing access control
Responding to incidents without escalation
Using firearms would introduce:
Increased liability
Higher risk to the public
More complex legal requirements
When Can Security Guards Carry Firearms in Canada?
There are very limited exceptions.
Some specialized roles may allow firearms, such as:
Armored Transport (Cash-in-Transit)
Guards transporting money or valuables
Must be federally licensed
Work under strict company protocols
Certain Government or High-Risk Contracts
Rare and highly controlled
Require additional certifications and approvals
Even in these cases:
Firearms are not standard
Extensive training and background checks are required
Authorization is tightly controlled
What Laws Apply to Armed Security in Canada?
Firearms in Canada are controlled by federal law.
To legally carry a firearm, an individual must:
Hold a valid firearms licence (PAL)
Have authorization to carry (ATC), which is extremely rare
Follow strict storage, transport, and use rules
Security guards must also follow:
Provincial regulations (Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act)
Company policies and insurance requirements
What Security Guards Can Legally Do Instead
Even without firearms, security guards still play a critical role.
They are trained to:
Observe and report incidents
Enforce property rules under the Trespass to Property Act (Ontario)
Detain individuals in specific situations (citizen’s arrest under the Criminal Code)
De-escalate conflicts
In most cases, presence alone is enough to deter crime.
Common Misconception: Armed = Better Security
This is one of the biggest mistakes property owners make.
More force does not always mean more safety.
In fact:
Armed security can increase risk if not properly justified
Most environments (retail, residential, office) do not require firearms
Professional, visible security often solves problems before they escalate
Real-World Example
A retail plaza dealing with theft and loitering may think they need armed guards.
In reality, the issues are often resolved with:
Regular mobile patrols
Consistent guard presence
Proper reporting and escalation procedures
No firearms required.
Final Answer: Are Security Guards Armed in Canada?
No—security guards in Canada are almost always unarmed.
Only highly specialized roles, like armored transport, may involve firearms—and even then, under strict regulation.
For most businesses in Ontario:
Unarmed, trained security is the standard
Prevention and visibility are the priority
Legal compliance is critical
Learn More About Professional Security Services
If you’re evaluating your current security setup or unsure what level of protection you need, it’s important to understand what actually works.
Explore our services here:
SecuredByPSI Services
The right security solution isn’t about force—it’s about control, visibility, and prevention.