Security Measures In Riding Offices: Responsibilities And Challenges
In response to an increase in the number and seriousness of threats directed against elected officials, Quebec’s Assemblée nationale mandated its security directorate to enhance protective measures both in the parliamentary precinct and in the province’s 161 main and satellite riding offices. In this article, the author outlines how the directorate’s advice, security screening, and the introduction of new physical infrastructure have assisted the Assemblée nationale’s goal of strengthening its security culture.
Nathalie Roy
Nathalie Roy is President of the Assemblée nationale.
Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in the number and seriousness of threats directed against elected officials. In response to this situation, the Assemblée nationale has taken decisive action to increase the security level of the premises occupied by parliamentarians and their personnel, including riding offices.
Under the Act respecting the National Assembly, it is my responsibility as President to ensure the security of the buildings or premises occupied by the parliamentarians and the members of the personnel of the Assemblée nationale. This responsibility applies as much to the buildings within the parliamentary precincts as to the 161 main and satellite riding offices used by the Members in the exercise of their functions.
On a daily basis, this responsibility is assumed by the Assemblée nationale’s security directorate, which develops and implements measures relating to the physical safety of persons and the prevention of accidents and fire. It plans emergency operations and plays an advisory role with respect to the security measures prioritized by the authorities of the Assemblée nationale.
The security directorate is in close contact with the riding offices and their personnel. In 2023‒2024, more than 400 files were opened at the parliamentarians’ security assistance centre, a phone service managed by the security directorate to answer Members’ calls concerning physical environment security, the protection of premises and verification regarding potential threats.
The security assistance centre also offers support to parliamentarians in matters of security clearance. From giving advice on the choice of premises to conducting a security investigation with regard to personnel, the owner of the premises or the contractors who are to carry out work on the premises, the security assistance centre collaborates closely in the implementation of prevention measures. It is also in contact with State intelligence and protection services as well as with municipal police forces.
A higher level of security
Various initiatives were implemented in 2023‒2024 to upgrade security in the riding offices. A communication campaign was launched for parliamentarians and administrative and political personnel. Its goal was to provide reminders about best practices to adopt both in the parliamentary precincts and in the ridings, and to promote the role of the security directorate and the support it offers.
Over the last two years, 116 riding offices have been upgraded under the security modernization plan. In particular, equipment that meets National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) standards was installed. Since April 1, 2022, more than $550,000 have been invested in the security upgrade in the riding offices. The modernization efforts will continue during the coming year.
Strengthening our security culture
Increasing security requires the active collaboration of all involved. With the support of the security directorate, the riding offices have been asked to implement an emergency plan in order to intervene efficiently should a problem occur.
We encourage the personnel to exercise vigilance and to notify the security assistance centre promptly of any unusual situation. As a particular situation in a riding can have consequences all the way to the parliamentary precincts, the personnel of the riding offices play a crucial role in the prevention of threats against our institution. In this respect, the interventions carried out in the riding offices fall within a global strategy that aims to strengthen the security culture at the Assemblée nationale.