Timeline of significant events in the history of the LPS

legislative building exterior

1970s

October 1973

The Ontario Government Protective Service is established after an increase in public protests at Queen’s Park in the early 1970s.

1974

The Speaker is given control over the Chamber and other designated parts of the Legislative Building.

1978

The standing orders give Sergeant-at-Arms authority to direct security.

demonstration on the front lawn of the Legislature with three officers facing the crowd

1980s

1984

After a shooting at Quebec’s National Assembly, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment is stationed at Queen’s Park.

1988

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is signed between the Speaker and Ministry of Government Services for OPP services.

officers wearing protective gear standing next to each other in front of the Legislative Building

1990s

1990

An order-in-council gives the Speaker control of the Legislative Precinct.

1992

An MOU expands the size of the Legislative Precinct under Speaker’s control.

1995

Identification checks are instituted at Queen’s Park after bombings at an Oklahoma City federal building and the Charlottetown Legislature.

Following a throne speech protest that prevents MPPs from entering Legislature, the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly (SCLA) begins a study of the Legislature’s security protocols.

March 1996

The SCLA reports to the Legislature with findings and recommendations.

March 18, 1996

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) strike action leads to violent clashes with police, and MPPs are prevented from entering the Legislature.

April 1996

The Legislature adopts the SCLA report and strikes a commission (led by Williard Z. Estey) to look into the March 18 events.

October 1996

The Estey commission reports to the Legislature its findings, recommending a standalone security service.

1997

The Sergeant-at-Arms establishes a restructured Legislative Security Service, and the OPP detachment is removed. 

four officers with their backs to the camera facing out from the main entrance of the Legislative Building towards the front lawn

2000s

October 2001

Screening equipment installed in Visitors’ Gallery.

four uniformed officers standing in front of the main Legislative Building

2010s

2016

As a result of a fatal shooting at Parliament Hill in October 2014, an armed response unit is added to the Legislative Security Service along with other security measures.

July 2018

The Legislative Security Service is renamed the Legislative Protective Service.

exterior view of a ramp leading down to entrance of visitors' screening centre

2020s

Spring 2020

New visitors’ screening centre completed.