Dollarama violence, online video spark Indigenous group’s call for probe into security firms’ training, policies

An Indigenous advocacy group — including former NDP deputy premier Eric Robinson — is calling for a thorough investigation after a video surfaced online appearing to show a store security guard using brass knuckles to beat an Indigenous man suspected of shoplifting.

The 23-year-old security guard is facing several charges, including assault with a weapon and unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.

The Indigenous Peoples Alliance of Manitoba is seeking a broad examination of private security practices affecting Indigenous people in Winnipeg.

“The incident has brought long-standing concerns to a head,” Robinson said.

The IPAM board member is also the chair of an Indigenous urban committee, which has pushed for mandated cultural awareness security guard training in Manitoba over the past year.

IPAM says Indigenous people are regularly targeted by security personnel. Representatives have met with provincial bureaucrats and security firms to discuss the problem, Robinson said.

The video of last weekend’s incident at a downtown Dollarama outlet sparked the organization’s call for a probe. IPAM says it wants a “full, transparent” investigation into the case and a review of the security guard firm’s licensing, training and use-of-force policies.

In the video, the guard wears an Impact Security uniform. The company didn’t respond to questions Thursday.

“Businesses and security companies must take responsibility for ensuring their staff are properly trained, properly supervised and held accountable,” IPAM president Freda Lepine said.

The organization is planning a public forum to spotlight security companies and their relationships with Indigenous people. Industry and provincial government officials will be invited to the March 14 event at Polo Park Canad Inns, Robinson said.

The Winnipeg Police Service is conducting an investigation and the province is working alongside them, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said.

The government is re-examining security guard training legislation — something that hasn’t been touched in more than a decade — and is working with Indigenous groups, Wiebe said.

“This is a lot of work that’s gone in behind the scenes for months and months,” he said.

Wiebe didn’t provide a timeline for training changes. There’s a need to update training with teachings on de-escalation, cultural sensitivity, the responsibility of private security and to have “more robust” training on use of force, he said.

Robinson said Indigenous people’s voices are needed to “deal with these matters in a healthy way.”

Peter de Beer, who runs an approved security guard training program, said that when a guard “goes overboard and beats somebody,” they’re likely afraid and untrained or they’ve been “waiting for an opportunity to harm someone.”

“Our jobs are not to harm people,” he said, adding the screening process for prospective security personnel should be stricter. ”Our jobs are to make sure that the peace is kept.”

In a statement, Dollarama says it is fully co-operating with authorities investigating the incident, adding it has put its security company on notice:

“The third-party security firm is… required to conduct its own investigation and provide a satisfactory corrective action plan to ensure established protocols are followed going forward.”

Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan called the incident at Dollarama “terrible.” “That should never happen to anyone,” he said.

A “robust” conversation with stakeholders, including non-Indigenous marginalized groups, is needed, he added.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com