Security Guard Liability in Alberta: Why Knowing Your Legal Authority Matters

A customer refuses to leave a Calgary shopping centre. An individual becomes aggressive outside an Edmonton business. A security guard suspects someone of shoplifting but isn’t certain whether a crime has occurred.

What happens next depends on the decisions the security guard makes.

In Alberta, security guards are often responsible for responding to challenging situations involving people, property, and public safety. But having a responsibility to protect a location doesn’t mean having unlimited authority to intervene.

An unlawful arrest, inappropriate use of force, or discriminatory interaction can lead to serious legal consequences, including lawsuits, human rights complaints, and damage to professional reputations.

Two cases from British Columbia demonstrate how quickly security decisions can become costly legal problems.

Although these incidents occurred outside Alberta, the lessons are directly relevant to anyone working in the province’s security industry.

When Security Decisions Lead to Legal Consequences

Security guards regularly make decisions under pressure. In many cases, they have only moments to assess a situation and determine the appropriate response.

However, even when a guard believes they’re acting in the best interests of their employer or client, their actions must remain within the law.

The following cases demonstrate what can happen when those boundaries are crossed.

Metrotown Mall: An Unlawful Arrest Results in $1.8 Million in Damages

In 2019, security guards at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, British Columbia, confronted a young person they believed had previously been banned from the property.

The encounter escalated into an unlawful arrest, assault and detention.

According to the court proceedings, the guards pushed the individual down a set of stairs, detained them in a locked room and denied access to a telephone.

The defendants admitted liability for assault, false arrest and false imprisonment.

The individual suffered physical injuries and psychological harm.

In April 2026, a British Columbia court awarded approximately $1.8 million in damages, including $1 million in punitive damages against Paladin Security.

The court also criticized the security company’s handling of the incident, particularly its investigation and response to the misconduct.

The case highlights two important lessons for Alberta security professionals:

1. Security guards must understand the legal grounds for arrest and detention before taking action.
2. Security companies must respond appropriately when incidents or allegations of misconduct arise.

Canadian Tire: A Human Rights Complaint Leads to Organizational Changes

A separate incident at a Canadian Tire store in Coquitlam, British Columbia, raised concerns about racial profiling and discriminatory treatment.

In January 2020, Richard and Dawn Wilson, a father and daughter from the Heiltsuk Nation, were shopping while waiting for vehicle service.

During checkout, a security guard employed by Blackbird Security singled out Richard Wilson for a backpack search.

When Dawn Wilson questioned the treatment, a store employee responded with racist remarks.

The Wilsons subsequently filed a human rights complaint.

In May 2026, the matter was resolved through a settlement.

As part of the agreement, Blackbird Security acknowledged that its former employee had violated British Columbia’s Human Rights Code through racial profiling and discrimination.

The store acknowledged derogatory comments made by a former employee, while Canadian Tire Corporation acknowledged shortcomings in how the complaint was forwarded.

The settlement included confidential financial compensation, additional training, improvements to complaint-handling procedures, and commitments to objective, race-neutral loss-prevention practices.

Although the settlement was not a tribunal ruling following a full hearing, it demonstrated how discriminatory security practices can result in serious consequences for multiple organizations.

For Alberta security guards, the lesson is clear: security decisions must be based on objective facts and lawful authority, not assumptions about a person’s identity or background.

Understanding Security Guard Authority in Alberta

One of the most important responsibilities of a security guard is knowing what they are legally permitted to do.

Alberta security professionals operate within a framework of federal and provincial laws.

These include the Criminal Code of Canada, Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act, the Trespass to Premises Act, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Each serves a different purpose.

The Security Services and Investigators Act

Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act establishes the provincial framework for licensing and regulating security services and investigators.

Individuals working in regulated security roles must meet applicable licensing requirements.

However, holding a security licence does not give someone the same powers as a police officer.

Security guards remain responsible for understanding the legal limits of their role.

The Criminal Code of Canada

The Criminal Code contains provisions relating to arrest, self-defence, defence of property and circumstances in which force may be legally justified.

These provisions apply across Canada, including Alberta.

However, security guards must understand that their authority is limited and depends on the specific circumstances.

A security guard cannot lawfully arrest someone simply because they appear suspicious or refuse to cooperate.

Alberta’s Trespass to Premises Act

Trespassing concerns are common in security assignments.

Guards working at retail properties, office buildings, residential developments and other locations may be asked to address individuals who are not permitted on the premises.

Alberta’s Trespass to Premises Act establishes rules relating to unauthorized entry and remaining on certain premises.

However, the legislation does not provide security guards with unlimited authority to physically remove or detain people.

The appropriate response depends on the circumstances, the guard’s role, and applicable legal requirements.

Understanding the distinction between requesting that someone leave, enforcing property rules, and making a lawful arrest is essential.

The Alberta Human Rights Act

Alberta security guards must also understand their responsibilities relating to fair and non-discriminatory treatment.

The Alberta Human Rights Act protects individuals against discrimination in specified areas, including services customarily available to the public.

Security personnel should apply policies consistently and avoid making decisions based on protected personal characteristics.

These responsibilities are particularly important in public-facing assignments such as retail security, event security, and access control.

Four Situations Where Alberta Security Guards Need Sound Judgement

Legal responsibilities become much easier to understand when applied to situations guards may encounter on the job.

1. A Customer Refuses to Leave a Calgary Shopping Centre

Imagine you’re working security at a shopping centre in Calgary.

A customer has been asked to leave following a disagreement with store employees. The customer refuses and begins arguing with security personnel.

Your responsibility is to address the situation professionally and within the law.

A poor response would be to immediately grab the individual or threaten physical force simply because they refuse to cooperate.

A better approach involves:

• Clearly identifying yourself and explaining the request.
• Communicating calmly and respectfully.
• Understanding the property’s policies and applicable trespass legislation.
• Maintaining a safe distance.
• Requesting assistance when appropriate.
• Avoiding physical intervention without lawful justification.

The objective is to resolve the situation safely, not to create an unnecessary confrontation.

2. Suspected Shoplifting at an Edmonton Retail Store

You’re working loss prevention at an Edmonton retail location.

You notice a customer behaving suspiciously near a merchandise display.

You believe they may be stealing, but you haven’t clearly observed an offence.

Can you detain them?

Suspicion alone does not automatically provide lawful grounds for an arrest.

Security guards must understand the applicable Criminal Code provisions and follow appropriate loss-prevention procedures.

Common practices may include maintaining observation, documenting behaviour, and establishing evidence of an offence.

However, these practices are not a substitute for understanding the legal requirements for an arrest.

An unlawful detention can expose both the guard and their employer to serious consequences.

3. An Aggressive Attendee at an Alberta Event

Security guards frequently work at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other public gatherings.

Imagine an attendee becomes verbally aggressive after being refused entry.

The individual raises their voice and challenges the guard’s instructions.

Although the situation may be uncomfortable, verbal aggression alone does not automatically justify physical force.

A professional response may include:

• Maintaining a calm tone.
• Explaining the reason for the decision.
• Avoiding personal arguments.
• Creating appropriate distance.
• Calling for assistance if the situation escalates.
• Following established emergency procedures when necessary.

Security guards should understand the legal requirements governing any physical intervention and prioritize de-escalation whenever appropriate.

4. A Complaint About Discriminatory Treatment

Imagine a visitor to a commercial property reports that they were singled out for additional screening because of their race or ethnicity.

How the guard and their employer respond matters.

The complaint should be treated seriously, documented appropriately, and referred through the organization’s established procedures.

Dismissing the concern or responding defensively can make an already difficult situation worse.

The Canadian Tire settlement demonstrates why organizations must have clear policies for fair treatment and meaningful complaint handling.

Why Communication Matters as Much as Legal Knowledge

Knowing the law is essential, but security guards also need the communication skills to apply that knowledge effectively.

A guard may have a legitimate reason to ask someone to leave a property.

However, the way that request is communicated can influence whether the interaction ends peacefully or becomes confrontational.

Professional communication includes:

• Using clear, respectful language.
• Listening before responding.
• Explaining decisions without unnecessary accusations.
• Avoiding threats or intimidation.
• Remaining calm when others are upset.
• Recognizing when to disengage or request support.

These skills are especially important in busy public environments where guards interact with people who may be frustrated, distressed, or unfamiliar with property rules.

De-escalation cannot prevent every incident, but it can help reduce unnecessary conflict and support safer outcomes.

The Risks of Using Force Without Legal Justification

One of the most serious mistakes a security guard can make is assuming that physical force is an acceptable way to gain compliance.

Canadian law recognizes limited circumstances in which force may be legally justified, including certain situations involving self-defence, defence of property and lawful arrests.

However, those circumstances are subject to specific legal requirements.

Security guards do not have unrestricted authority to use force because someone is difficult, uncooperative, or verbally aggressive.

Before any physical intervention, guards must understand the applicable legal standards, including whether their actions are necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.

Whenever appropriate, guards should prioritize:

• Verbal de-escalation.
• Maintaining a safe distance.
• Seeking assistance.
• Disengaging from unsafe situations.
• Following established emergency procedures.

The Metrotown Mall case is a reminder of the serious consequences that can follow unlawful arrest and excessive force.

Liability Doesn’t Stop With the Individual Guard

Security incidents can expose several parties to legal consequences.

Individual Security Guards

Guards may face criminal charges, civil claims, disciplinary action, employment consequences or licensing concerns when they act unlawfully.

Security Companies

Employers may face liability relating to employee conduct, inadequate supervision, insufficient training or failures to respond appropriately to misconduct.

In the Metrotown case, the court’s criticism of Paladin Security’s organizational response contributed to substantial punitive damages against the company.

Property Owners and Clients

Businesses that hire security providers may also face legal exposure when their own actions, policies or failures contribute to an incident.

The Canadian Tire settlement demonstrates how multiple organizations can become involved in resolving complaints about security practices and the treatment of customers.

Responsibility depends on the circumstances, but professional security practices require cooperation and accountability at every level.

How Proper Training Helps Alberta Security Guards Reduce Risk

Alberta’s security industry includes a wide range of assignments, from retail and commercial properties to industrial sites, residential communities, and special events.

Each environment presents different challenges.

However, the need for professional judgement remains consistent.

Security guard training helps aspiring professionals develop foundational knowledge in areas such as:

• Legal responsibilities and limitations
• Professional communication
• Conflict management and de-escalation
• Observation and incident reporting
• Emergency response
• Personal safety
• Ethical conduct

For individuals entering the industry, Alberta’s licensing process includes applicable training and examination requirements.

Completing the required training is an important step toward becoming licensed, but professional development shouldn’t end there.

Security guards should continue learning, stay informed about relevant laws, and follow current employer procedures throughout their careers.

Understanding what you’re legally permitted to do can help prevent mistakes that affect your career, your employer, and the people you’re responsible for protecting.

Professional Security Starts With Responsible Decisions

The Metrotown Mall and Canadian Tire incidents demonstrate how security decisions can have consequences that extend far beyond the original interaction.

An unlawful arrest can lead to substantial damages.

Discriminatory treatment can result in human rights complaints and organizational change.

Poor supervision and inadequate responses to misconduct can increase legal and reputational risks.

For Alberta security guards, the lessons are straightforward:

• Know the limits of your legal authority.
• Base decisions on objective facts.
• Apply policies fairly and consistently.
• Use professional communication and de-escalation.
• Avoid unnecessary physical intervention.
• Document incidents accurately.
• Follow appropriate reporting and complaint procedures.

Security work requires confidence, but that confidence must be supported by knowledge, sound judgement and respect for the law.

At Alberta Guard Training, we help individuals take the first steps toward a career in security through accessible online training.

Whether you’re preparing to enter the industry or looking to strengthen your understanding of professional responsibilities, proper training provides an essential foundation.

Protecting people and property also means respecting their rights and knowing the limits of your authority.

Explore your security guard training options at AlbertaGuardTraining.ca.

References

• The Canadian Press. (2026, April 23). B.C. court awards $1.8M in damages for assault, wrongful arrest by Metrotown guards. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/11813664/metrotown-guards-arrests-damages/
• Joannou, A., & Greer, D. (2026, May 19). Washing ceremony marks settlement of Canadian Tire racial profiling complaint. The Canadian Press, via CityNews. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/05/19/washing-ceremony-marks-settlement-of-canadian-tire-racial-profiling-complaint/
• Government of Alberta. Security Services and Investigators Act. https://www.alberta.ca/security-service-worker-licence
• Government of Alberta. Trespass legislation. https://www.alberta.ca/trespass-legislation
• Alberta Human Rights Commission. Alberta Human Rights Act. https://albertahumanrights.ab.ca/
• Government of Canada. Criminal Code. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/