Speaker of Ontario’s legislature says some guards are going to be armed

TORONTO – The Speaker of Ontario’s legislature says arming some guards is one of a number of security changes that will be phased in at Queen’s Park.

A task force reviewed security protocols at the legislature following October’s shooting on Parliament Hill.

Speaker Dave Levac says there will be a “minor arming” of some guards, but he will not be publicly announcing “who’s got what.”

He says security changes are going to be “slowly integrated” so they’re less intrusive and they may or may not be changes that are visible to the public.

When asked if all visitors to the legislature will have to pass through metal detectors, Levac said “the potential for screening is going to be implemented,” but he wouldn’t divulge details.

Currently, only people without security passes who wish to enter the legislative chamber have to go through a metal detector before entering the public galleries.