The British Columbia legislature will undergo a full security review in light of the shootings in Ottawa, including installation of a metal-detection scanner at one of the entrances.
The scanning device was purchased over a year ago, following a recommendation by sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz, and is currently sitting in storage, unused, said Craig James, clerk of the legislature.
The scanner will be installed at the Mowat entrance, which is wheelchair accessible.
“We were waiting for a decision by the legislature assembly management committee,” James said. “As of today everyone seems to be in agreement that it should be installed.”
House leader Mike de Jong said he talked to opposition house leader Mike Farnworth and both have agreed the scanner should be installed as soon as possible.
There is a metal detector leading to the public gallery but not at the front doors.
Currently visitors are required to sign in with security staff at the front desk. Staff and others are able to access alternate entrances around the legislature with security passes.
Premier Christy Clark told reporters on the afternoon of October 22 that there will be a security review of the B.C. legislature, but would not comment on whether the special constables who guard the building should carry firearms.
“I trust that the folks who look after our security here know what they’re doing and I trust them to make the best decisions,” Clark said.
The legislature underwent a complete security review following the foiled bomb plot that targeted the building on Canada Day of 2013.
That included trimming back bushes and removing low-hanging branches to clear sightlines for enhanced video surveillance.
The flag outside the B.C. legislature was lowered to half-mast in the morning October 22 after news that the soldier shot by a gunman at the National War Memorial in Ottawa had died.
Security around the legislature was heightened, with Victoria police officers around the building and extra security guards posted at all entrances.
The legislature was under restricted access — the public was unable to enter the building, but scheduled tours still took place.
A note was sent to all legislature staff informing them of the added security precautions.
James said B.C. legislature security staff were informed this week by intelligence and security officials in Ottawa of “a heightened concern.”
He would not elaborate, but said the information was shared with the appropriate people, including some MLAs.
Public Safety Minister Suzanne Anton confirmed she was briefed about those security concerns.
Saanich police spokesman Sergeant Steve Eassie said the department received intelligence about threats made against military and police personnel and was told that all law-enforcement members should be extra vigilant.
