Photo ID to be required for visitors to Ontario legislature

Sergeant-at-arms Dennis Clark says in a statement that it’s one of a “number of security enhancements” the Speaker has approved following a recent review.

Legislatures across the country took a look at security protocols following October’s attack on Parliament Hill, and in British Columbia changes implemented include arming guards and an airport-like security screening for visitors.

After the shooting in Ottawa, Speaker Dave Levac said there was no talk about arming Ontario’s legislative security officers at the last review, and admitted he was disappointed there was no agreement to make those entering the building go through a metal detector.

Currently, only people without security passes who wish to enter the legislative chamber have to go through a metal detector before entering the public galleries.

Clark says if a visitor doesn’t have appropriate photo identification, officers will try to verify the person’s identity by other means.