The role of Sergeant-at-Arms dates to medieval times where they acted as the King’s bodyguards. By 1415, there was a Sergeant-at-Arms serving in the British Parliament. He was empowered to exercise royal authority through the instructions of the Speaker – the liaison between the King and Parliament - and may have also served as the Speaker’s protector.
Today, Ontario’s Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for maintaining law and order in the Chamber on behalf of the Speaker, and for overseeing the security services and property management at the Legislative Building. He is also the guardian of the Mace.