What’s the difference between armed and unarmed security?

Armed security guards carry weapons and are trained to handle high-threat situations, while unarmed guards provide basic security without the use of firearms.

How much does it cost to hire armed private security?

Costs vary based on location, experience level, and security needs. Discussing budget and requirements with a security firm will provide a better cost estimate.

Are armed security guards licensed and insured?

Yes, reputable security firms ensure their guards are fully licensed, trained, and insured to meet local and federal regulations.

Is armed security suitable for small businesses?

Yes, armed security can benefit small businesses facing security challenges or operating in high-crime areas.

How can I ensure the armed guard I hire is reliable?

Verify the guard’s licensing, training, and background. A trustworthy security firm will provide information on their guards’ qualifications and past experience.

Can armed security guards assist with cybersecurity?

Generally, armed security guards focus on physical security, but many firms offer comprehensive packages that include cybersecurity services.

Armed Security Guards in Canada: What's Legal & What Works

When a business faces a serious threat, or a high-profile individual feels unsafe, the first instinct is often to hire armed security guards. In Canada, though, armed private security works very differently than in the United States. Firearms are tightly regulated, and most professional security in Canada is provided by licensed, unarmed guards trained in observation, de-escalation and emergency response.

This guide explains when armed private security is legal in Canada, what licensed guards can carry instead, and how to choose the right level of protection for your business or personal safety.

Quick answer: Private security guards in Canada can only carry firearms in narrow, authorized situations. They need a federal firearms licence plus an Authorization to Carry (ATC). Armed roles are mostly limited to cash-in-transit, armoured vehicles and certain high-value sites. For most businesses, events and individuals, trained unarmed guards, executive protection specialists and mobile patrols are the lawful and effective choice.

Can Private Security Guards Carry Firearms in Canada?

Federal rules: firearms licence and Authorization to Carry

Firearms are regulated federally in Canada. A security guard who carries a firearm on duty needs a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and a separate Authorization to Carry issued for that employment. Guards must also complete firearms proficiency and use-of-force training. Authorizations for protecting people are granted only in exceptional circumstances, which is why armed bodyguards are rare in Canada.

Provincial licensing: Ontario and Alberta

Security work is also licensed provincially. In Ontario, guards are licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). In Alberta, licensing falls under the Security Services and Investigators Act. A provincial security licence on its own does not allow a guard to carry a firearm.

Where armed security is typically used

Armed private security in Canada is mainly found in cash-in-transit and armoured vehicle services, and at some sites that store high-value goods. If someone offers armed guards for a standard office, condo or event, ask exactly what authorization they hold before going further.

What Licensed Security Guards Can Carry Instead

Depending on the province and employer policy, licensed guards may carry approved equipment such as handcuffs or batons. They can do so only if the equipment is issued by their employer and they’re trained to use it. Their most effective tools are visibility, communication and fast response. A uniformed guard who knows the site, controls access and reports incidents in real time stops most problems before force is ever needed. That’s why de-escalation training matters more than equipment.

Armed vs Unarmed Security: Which Do You Actually Need?

For most risks, the right answer is a trained unarmed team matched to the threat. Our guide to armed vs unarmed security guards covers the comparison in detail. Here’s how common scenarios usually map:

Situation	Recommended protection
Retail theft or shoplifting	Uniformed guards and loss prevention officers
Office or condo access control	Concierge security and front-desk guards
Construction site after hours	Static guards, mobile patrols and cameras
Concerts, festivals, corporate events	Event security team with crowd management
Executive or high-profile individual	Executive protection specialists
Cash or valuables in transit	A licensed armoured transport provider

Benefits of Professional Security for Personal and Business Safety

For businesses

A visible security presence deters theft, vandalism and trespassing. Guards also control who enters the building, respond quickly to incidents, and keep detailed reports that support insurance claims and police investigations. Staff and customers feel safer, which matters for retention and reputation.

For individuals and executives

High-profile individuals face risks such as harassment, stalking, targeted theft and unwanted public attention. Executive protection specialists plan routes, assess venues in advance and provide close personal protection without drawing attention. As our guide on why VIPs choose discreet security over bodyguards explains, discreet protection is often more effective than a visibly armed bodyguard.

For events

Large gatherings bring crowd control, access and alcohol-related risks. Event security teams manage entry screening, crowd flow and incident response, and coordinate with local police where needed. For most events, a well-staffed, trained unarmed team is the standard approach.

How to Hire Private Security: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assess your risk

Identify what you’re protecting (people, property, information or all three), when the risk is highest, and any past incidents. A clear risk picture decides whether you need static guards, patrols, executive protection or a combination.

2. Verify licensing and authorizations

Confirm the company and every assigned guard hold valid provincial licences. If a provider claims armed capability, ask to see the relevant federal authorizations.

3. Check training and experience

Ask about use-of-force, de-escalation, first aid and site-specific training, and whether the company has protected similar properties or clients. Knowing the different types of security guards helps you ask the right questions.

4. Request a customized security plan

A professional provider should propose coverage based on your risk assessment, not a one-size-fits-all package.

5. Review the contract carefully

Confirm scope, reporting, liability, insurance and termination terms in writing. Use our guide to the questions to ask before signing a security guard contract.

How Falcon Security Protects People and Businesses

Falcon Security Services provides licensed, professionally trained security across Ontario and Alberta. We assess each client’s risks and recommend the right level of protection, from security guards and mobile patrols to executive protection and event security. Every plan is built around your site, your schedule and your risk profile, with clear reporting and fast response.

Not sure what level of protection you need? Contact our team for a free security assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can security guards carry guns in Canada?
Ans. Only in narrow circumstances. A guard needs a federal firearms licence and an Authorization to Carry for that job, and armed roles are mostly limited to cash-in-transit and armoured vehicle work.

Q2. Is it legal to hire an armed bodyguard in Canada?
Ans. Armed personal protection is very rare because authorizations to carry a firearm for protecting people are granted only in exceptional cases. Most clients are protected by trained, unarmed executive protection specialists.

Q3. What is an Authorization to Carry?
Ans. An Authorization to Carry is a federal permit that allows a licensed individual to carry a restricted firearm for a specific approved purpose, such as certain security work. It’s separate from a firearms licence and a provincial security licence.

Q4. Do security guards in Ontario carry handcuffs or batons?
Ans. They can, but only if the equipment is issued by their employer and they’re trained in its use. Many guards carry neither and rely on observation, communication and de-escalation.

Q5. Are unarmed security guards effective?
Ans. Yes. A visible, trained guard deters most crime, controls access and responds quickly to incidents. Unarmed security also lowers the risk of escalation and liability for property owners.

Q6. What’s the difference between a bodyguard and an executive protection specialist?
Ans. A bodyguard focuses on close physical protection, while an executive protection specialist also handles threat assessment, route planning and advance work. Learn more in our comparison of bodyguards and executive protection specialists.

Q7. How do I choose the right level of security for my business?
Ans. Start with a risk assessment covering your property, hours, past incidents and the people you need to protect. A professional security company can then recommend guards, patrols, technology or a combination.

Q8. Does Falcon Security provide armed guards?
Ans. Falcon Security assesses each client’s risks and recommends lawful, appropriate protection. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Hiring Armed Security Guards in Canada: What’s Legal and What Works