B.C. legislature security to receive guns, bulletproof vests following Ottawa shooting

The British Columbia legislature in Victoria is about to receive a major security overhaul in response to last month’s Ottawa shootings.

The Canadian Press reports that the B,C, Legislative Assembly Management Committee approved a series of security improvements on Wednesday evening.

This includes implementing airport-style security screening procedures with metal detectors at the front entrance of the building to screen tourists and all members of the public.

In addition, a group of 45 security guards will receive guns and firearms training. The legislature’s security force consists of provincial constables who are primarily former police officers.

These recommendations have been approved following a security review for the legislature, which was conducted shortly after the Ottawa shooting incident occurred. Security reviews are also being conducted for legislatures in other provinces as well as Parliament Hill.

Ottawa shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was stopped in his tracks not by the armed Parliament security or police but by House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers.

In July 2013, RCMP foiled an alleged Canada Day terrorist plot that would have taken place on the grounds of the B.C. legislature. Police say two B.C. residents were planning to use improvised homemade explosive devices, similar to the devices used in the Boston Marathon bombing and by Al Qaeda.

Feature Image: BC Legislature Victoria via Shutterstock