From the archives: Parliamentary Protection

This week, we take a look back at the November/December 1993 cover story, “Parliamentary Protection,” which explores how the House of Commons Security Services were organized and why members considered their responsibilities “the best security job in the world.”  

In 1993, the Service was comprised of 244 members, responsible for protecting MPs, employees, visitors and property, and preserving the peace, maintaining order and promoting security and safety measures within the House of Commons building. Collaboration and coordination was critical, as they worked closely with the Senate Protective Service, the RCMP and Ottawa Police.

A key reason for the Service’s success was professional development — a concept that continues to be important in the industry today. The term ‘development’ “embraces the idea of growth and implies that our Services offers a career, not just a job,” Richard Dubé, then manager of policy, planning and development, explained. The Service offered members a six-week training course, followed by two weeks of on-the-job learning, and opportunities for advancement through special assignments.