How to Choose a Licensed Security Guard Company in Canada (2026 Guide)
2026-06-18 7 min read
Licensing, insurance, supervision and reporting: the four checks that separate professional security companies from the rest.
Verify Provincial Licensing First
Every legitimate security guard and security company in Canada operates under a provincial licence, from Ontario's Private Security and Investigative Services Act to BC's Security Services Act. Ask for the company's licence number and confirm it with the provincial registrar before signing anything.
A company that hesitates to share licensing details is telling you everything you need to know.
Demand Proof of Insurance and WSIB Coverage
Professional security companies carry commercial general liability insurance and register their guards with the provincial workers' compensation board. If an uninsured guard is injured on your property, the liability can land on you.
Request certificates of insurance directly from the broker, not a photocopy from the sales rep.
Ask How Guards Are Supervised
The difference between a guard who performs and a guard who sleeps in their car is field supervision. Ask how often supervisors inspect posts, how performance issues are handled, and whether you will have a named account manager.
Companies with 24/7 dispatch desks answer this question best because someone is always accountable.
Insist on Transparent Reporting
Modern security companies deliver GPS-verified patrol logs and digital incident reports. If a provider cannot show you a sample report before the contract starts, expect to chase them for information after it does.
Reporting is your only window into what happens on your property at 3 a.m., so treat it as a deal-breaker.
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