Speaker of the Senate
Speaker’s Statement – 100 years since the creation of protective services on Parliament Hill
Honourable senators, this month marks the one hundredth anniversary of dedicated security services on Parliament Hill. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the Parliamentary Protective Service and its founding organizations, and to thank those who have contributed to keeping our Parliament safe.
In 1868, a small protective force made up of 12 men was created by the federal government. Known as the Dominion Police Force, the new detachment was assigned to protect life and property in the Parliament Buildings. The Dominion Police was eventually absorbed into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920, leading to the formation of the first unit of the parliamentary security service. Three officers were assigned to the Senate and three to the House of Commons, marking the genesis for the Senate Protective Service and the House of Commons Protective Service.
Five years ago, following the tragic events of October 22, 2014, the security forces of the two Houses amalgamated into what is now known as the Parliamentary Protective Service. In June 2015, the Parliamentary Protective Service has created. As a new parliamentary entity, it built on the traditions and legacies of the institutions that came before it, and the important partnership it continues to nurture with the RCMP.
The RCMP continues to provide leadership to the Service, and to help advance the priorities by dedicating their expertise and resources to ensure its success. In whatever form parliamentary security takes its shape, the mission remains fundamentally the same: to keep us all safe so that parliamentarians and employees can carry out their legislative duties in a secure and open environment.
This month, we acknowledge the security forces who have played a vital role in our parliamentary history. We honour the courage, dedication and diligence of our security personnel, while acknowledging the risks they face daily in the course of their duties. They are ordinary Canadians who may be called upon, in a moment’s notice, to do extraordinary deeds. In doing so, they uphold the values of the Parliamentary Protective Service, which are professionalism, respect, objectivity, unity and democracy.
Each day, the men and women of our service accept their duty and put themselves at risk to make this place safe. Safe for parliamentarians, staff members, members of the media, dignitaries, and visitors from near and far. To each and every one of our service members, past and present: thank you – for your adaptability, your devotion to the work of Parliament and the unwavering professionalism you demonstrate on every occasion.
On behalf of all senators, we are grateful for your service.
Thank you very much.