OTTAWA – A year after a rampaging gunman stormed the Centre Block, the RCMP and federal officials are still studying ways to make Parliament Hill more secure, says a senior Mountie.
While it’s still early, the process could lead to new, highly visible security measures on the Hill, said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud.
“We want to make sure that we address all potential threats,” Michaud said in an interview.
One year ago today, Michael Zehaf Bibeau fatally shot honour guard Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial before rushing into Parliament Hill’s Hall of Honour, where he was killed in a hail of bullets.
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The RCMP was responsible for the grounds of the parliamentary precinct, while House of Commons and Senate security forces had jurisdiction inside the Parliament Buildings.
A now-merged parliamentary protective service manages day-to-day security on Parliament Hill, a direct consequence of Oct. 22 intended to eliminate possible confusion.
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But Defence Research and Development Canada is quietly working away at two studies that could further transform security on the Hill and for about three dozen other buildings in the parliamentary precinct.
One report, to be done by the end of the year, is looking at officer training, exercises and co-ordinating procedures of the newly merged security forces. The other, to be completed by April, is examining possible investments in new security facilities and equipment or other kinds of measures.
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“I’m sure that they’re looking at some aspect of how we can better screen people before they come on to the Hill,” Michaud said. “Because we’re doing screening of vehicles, but what about people? Is there a way that that can be done without limiting their access?”
He cautioned that wouldn’t necessarily mean setting up guard booths just inside the Hill gates, noting screening could be accomplished through other tools, such as security cameras – which are already being used to some extent.
“There are different ways of doing it,” Michaud said.
Ultimately, options will be presented to the speakers of the House of Commons and Senate, who retain overall responsibility for Hill security, to see “what they’re willing to live with,” he added.
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The goal is to balance security needs with access to a place Canadians and tourists love to visit.
“And we need to respect that,” Michaud said. “Are there ways that we can still respect that fundamental privilege that exists, while ensuring that those that do visit feel safe, and are safe?
“That’s a bit of a juggling act there, and that’s what we’re trying to make sure that we get right.”
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