Who Protects the Protectors? Security Guards in Thunder Bay Facing Rising Violence with Little Recognition
Thunder Bay, Ontario — September 11, 2025 — In the past two weeks alone, two serious assaults have left security guards in Thunder Bay hospitalized with broken bones, concussions, and lasting trauma. Despite the severity of these attacks, local coverage has been minimal—raising urgent questions about whether violence against guards has become so commonplace that it is no longer considered news.
In one case, a female suspect pointed an imitation firearm at a guard at the Landmark Hotel before being arrested. In another, a guard escorting an individual off private property was violently attacked, suffering multiple injuries, while the accused also assaulted one of the arresting officers.
“These guards did their jobs—protecting the public and private property—yet when they were brutally assaulted, their stories barely registered,” said Jeff Ketelaars, a security industry advocate. “We have reached a crisis point. Guards are being hurt, stalked, and traumatized, all while earning little more than minimum wage.”
A Growing Problem Across Canada
Thunder Bay, recently designated Canada’s “murder capital,” is not alone. Across the country, incidents of violence against security guards are increasing. In 2020, guard Mario Ruffolo was beaten to death while working in Guelph, Ontario—his death barely making headlines and not triggering any public inquiry.
Unlike police or paramedics, security guards have no national oversight body, no standardized protections, and limited access to mental health supports. Fewer than half in Ontario are unionized, leaving many without paid sick leave or injury coverage.
Call for Legislative Reform
Advocates are calling for urgent reforms, including:
- Equal protections: Assaults on security guards should carry the same penalties as assaults on police or paramedics.
- Stronger laws: Updates to Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act to improve wages, benefits, and training.
- Workplace protections: Guaranteed trauma support and compensation for injured guards.
- Professionalization: Fair pay and recognition to attract and retain qualified personnel.
- Joint training: Closer collaboration between police and security to ensure safer responses.
“Security guards protect Canadians every day in airports, malls, hospitals, campuses, and public spaces,” Jeff Ketelaars added. “It’s time governments recognize them as essential frontline workers and extend the protections, respect, and compensation they deserve.”