Canada's federal laws also restrict the ability of security officers to be

armed. For example, section 17 of the Firearms Act makes it an

offense for any person, including a security officer, to possess
prohibited or restricted firearms (i.e. handguns) anywhere outside of
his or her home. There are two exceptions to this prohibition found in
sections 18 and 19 of the Act. Section 18 deals with transportation of
firearms while Section 19 deals with allowing persons to carry such
firearms on their persons to protect their lives or the lives of other
persons, or for the performance of their occupation (Armour Car
Guards, Licensed Trappers), provided an Authorization to Carry (ATC)
is first obtained.[22]
British Columbia[edit]
Private security in the province of British Columbia is governed by two
pieces of legislation: the Security Services Act[23] and the Security
Services Regulation.[24] These laws are administered and enforced by
the Security Programs and Police Technology Division [25] of the
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The legislation requires
that guards must be at least 19 years old, undergo a criminal
background check, and successfully complete a training course. [26] As
far as weapons, British Columbia law severely restricts their use by
security officers. Section 11(1)(c) of the Security Services Regulation
prohibits security personnel from carrying or using any "item designed
for debilitating or controlling a person or animal", which the
government interprets to include all weapons. As well, section 11
forbids private security from using or carrying restraints, such as
handcuffs, unless authorized by the government. However, as in other
parts of Canada, armoured car officers are permitted to carry firearms.
In the past, only personnel that worked for contract security, that is,
security companies, were regulated in British Columbia. However, as
of September 1, 2009, in-house security officers and private
investigators came under the jurisdiction of the Security Services Act
and Security Services Regulation. Bodyguards and bouncers,
effective November 1, 2009, are also subject to these regulations.