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I enjoy meeting the public,” he says. “It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, so it’s always amazing to work here, take care of the building and the people. It’s also very interesting to see how the legislative process works every day.

Local 54 - Trades, Civil Service

Those who work in Protective Services here in Manitoba can be found throughout the province, providing security services for all government buildings and associated properties.

For the past two years, Harsimran Singh has worked as a Protective Services Officer at the Manitoba Legislative Building, keeping the grounds secure and MLAs, staff, and visitors safe.

“I enjoy meeting the public,” he says. “It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, so it’s always amazing to work here, take care of the building and the people. It’s also very interesting to see how the legislative process works every day.”

Harsimran, who immigrated to Canada in 2016, says he appreciates the opportunities and responsibilities the job provides.

“I’ve learned so much here, there is good training. I appreciate that the government of Manitoba gave me the opportunity to work here as a Protective Services Officer and I take pride working in this job.”

Though it can be challenging at times, he enjoys working at the iconic Manitoba building, which attracts visitors from all over the world (at least, that is, when we aren’t in the midst of a global pandemic).

“We deal with challenges and hazards every day: managing demonstrations, dealing with attempted break-ins. We protect the people, we protect the building and we respond to medical emergencies. So that makes my day very interesting, because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

To manage it all takes planning, teamwork, and good communication. That means Harsimran and his fellow officers are watching the entrances; patrolling inside and outside the building; scanning packages that arrive; and monitoring various alarms on the grounds.

Beyond the Legislative Building

Outside the legislative building grounds, there are dozens of other Protective Services Officers working around the clock throughout the province – in places like Employment and Income Assistance offices, provincial buildings, and government offices – to keep provincial employees and members of the public safe.

“Nowadays, we also have COVID testing sites [to keep secure],” he adds.

It’s an important job because it helps provide safety and security for thousands of Manitobans and other provincial employees.

“If people don’t feel safe, they can’t do their jobs properly.”

And we’re glad to know that Harsimran and his fellow officers are there, ready to help, when they’re needed.