Security Services Licensing in Quebec

Security guards in Quebec must hold a valid agent licence issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP) du Québec under the Private Security Act. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or hold a valid work permit), have no criminal record related to private security activities (unless pardoned), be of good moral character, and complete a training program recognized by the Minister of Public Security. Agent licences are valid for two years. Security agencies must also hold a valid agency licence from the BSP. The BSP verifies all applications and may require a medical certificate confirming physical and mental fitness.

Ask to see their BSP agent licence. Verify that the licence is current and issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée du Québec.

(1) Guards cannot produce a valid Ontario Security Guard Licence when asked (2) The company does not hold a valid agency licence under PSISA (3) No liability insurance or refuses to provide proof of coverage (4) Guards arrive without uniforms, identification, or communication equipment (5) Company cannot provide references from similar security assignments

(1) Is your company licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act? (2) Are all guards licensed and trained beyond the minimum 40-hour requirement? (3) What liability insurance coverage do you carry? (4) How do you handle incident reporting and communication with clients? (5) What is the guard-to-supervisor ratio, and who is on call for emergencies?

Yes, security services in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for security services in Quebec range from $28-$60/hour (standard guard). Type of security service (static guard, mobile patrol, event, executive protection), number of guards required, shift length and time of day (overnight and weekend shifts carry premiums), duration of contract (long-term contracts get lower rates), level of training and clearance required, location, and whether armed or unarmed service is needed. The bill rate covers the guard's wages, training, provincial licensing fees, insurance, CPP, EI, WSIB, and management overhead.