In Quebec, a licensed Security Guard works as, what is called, an Agent.
Becoming a Security Guard or Agent in Quebec is similar to a lot of other Canadian provinces: you need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Quebec, you need to take a government approved QC Security Guard licensing course that focuses on three topics:
Environment, functions. legislation, and standards of conduct.
Emergency procedures.
First aid.
In QC, the government body that controls a Quebec Security Guard's license is the Bureau de la sécurité privée.
So, it is the BSP that will have a list of approved QC Security Guard licensing courses.
Course info is available on the BSP website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements and completion of the security course to the BSP, you will get your Quebec Security Guard license.
Quebec Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. The Sûreté du Québec records check will be performed on you via the application process.
Reference: You need one personal non-family reference that has known you over one year. They will fill out a reference document and sign your photo.
Canadian Citizen: You need to be a Canadian citizen or be legally allowed to work in Quebec. You will have to submit a copy of Canadian and QC government ID in the BSP application.
English/ French: You must be able to speak and write in English or French.
Quebec Government Approved Security License Course: You will need to complete a QC security license course approved by BSP.
Passport Photo: You will have to provide BSP with two passport photos.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $100 CAD.
Submitting: You can apply online.
What Does a Quebec Security Guard Do?
Quebec Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Quebec Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Quebec Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Quebec Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Quebec Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Quebec document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Quebec security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Quebec Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Quebec Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Quebec Security Guards will respond to alarms and act accordingly as per the Emergency Response plan set in place by supervisors. This may include,
Evacuation of the security site.
Checking alarm system on the way out for information about where the problem is occurring.
Contacting supervisors.
Responding to incidents and completing all reports as necessary.
Quebec Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Quebec Security Guard is working in a team environment, they will usually meet for a pre-shift briefing at a set location. Once the meeting has been completed the Quebec Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Quebec security site locations with customers, Guards will do a lot of patrolling. This can be in a building or outside in places such as parking lots.
Quebec Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Quebec Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Quebec Security Guard’s job. This will be on a continuous basis with follow ups on issues seen.
When it comes to security sites in the service industry, Quebec Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Quebec Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Quebec security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Quebec Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Quebec Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Quebec security site is a residence, responding to noise complaints will be a big part of the job.
Of course, catching shoplifters will be a constant for a Quebec Security Guard in a site with customers.
Quebec Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Quebec Security Guards will patrol parking areas to make sure vehicles are registered at that security site.
Every person entering through the security gate will produce valid photo ID to the Quebec Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Quebec Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Quebec EMS vehicles.
Quebec Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Quebec security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Quebec Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Quebec EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Quebec Security Guards.
The Quebec Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Quebec Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Quebec Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Quebec Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter Sandru is an Instructor & Co-Founder of NDIL with over 15 years working in Canadian security. Peter has spent more than a decade conducting security operations throughout the world, primarily for corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Peter has assisted in the creation of numerous security training programs in various capacities. Peter has personally trained many Canadian Security Guards.