#208 - Are Security Guards First Responders? - Paul Carson
About this episode
The episode discusses whether security guards should be recognized as first responders amidst increasing violence in Canada.
Are Security Guards First Responders? It's a question that's gaining momentum as frontline violence continues to increase across Canada — and today on The Sentinel Mindset, we dive deep into it. We're joined by Steve Summerville, VP of Sentinel Security, and Paul Carson, President of the Security Guard Association of Ontario (SGAO), to break down Bill S-233 — federal legislation introduced in September 2025 to increase penalties for assaulting first responders and health-care workers. Bill S-233 has: ✔ Passed the Senate ✔ Completed first reading in the House of Commons ❗ Not yet law — now moving through debate and committee review But here's the issue… Despite responding to overdoses, violent incidents, weapons calls, medical emergencies, and being first on scene in malls, shelters, transit systems, residential buildings, and hospitals — Licensed security professionals are still NOT recognized as first responders under this legislation. As violence grows and responsibilities increase, the question becomes: 🔥 Should security finally be recognized as first responders? 🔥 What will it take to amend this bill? 🔥 And why is this recognition long overdue? This week's episode breaks…
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