Keeping ‘people’s building’ safe

When he was premier of Manitoba in 2021, Kelvin Goertzen didn’t have a security detail.

“As interim premier, I was the last premier without full-time security around them,” Goertzen said Monday about his short time in the top job, from September to November of that year. At some point after Heather Stefanson became premier, security was added.

“I was the attorney general when the full-time protection unit was new. It’s really non-political. When Premier Kinew was in opposition, nobody made an issue of it. And now he has it. It was in response to where we are and recommendations by justice officials,” Goertzen said.

Years before a sniper tried to take down former U.S. president Donald Trump on the weekend, security measures at the Manitoba Legislative Building were ramped up.

Exterior doors that used to be open for politicians, staff and visitors are either locked or have a security desk check-in. A security guard and concrete barriers are stationed at the entrance on Broadway, and the premier is driven around by a security detail.

“It’s different now than it was 21 years ago when I was first elected MLA, but we are in a different time, too,” said Goertzen.

A spokesman said the province “constantly evaluates security concerns and puts in place measures to ensure the safety of the public, elected officials, public servants at the legislative building and the surrounding precinct.

“As a general rule, we do not comment on specific security procedures. However, a number of visible security measures are in place, including controlled entry, security screening and restricted vehicle access.”

The spokesman said visitors can still park on the legislative grounds while Manitobans can still book times for wedding, graduation or other milestone photos to be taken inside the building, and building tours are still conducted regularly.

“The annual holiday open house returned this year and was a success with strong attendance,” he said. “The province will continue to balance the importance of openness at the legislature, which is the people’s building, with safety and security needs.”

Goertzen said he believes Manitoba has been able to balance the need for security while allowing Manitobans access to the building and the grounds.

When asked whether protests would ever be banned from the legislative grounds, Goertzen would only say, “I hope it never gets to that, but I can say those discussions have been held.”

The Steinbach MLA said he still wishes extra security wasn’t needed.

“It’s sad,” he said. “It’s the people’s building, but it was a needed response to the threat assessment. It really has become a target of what it represents.

“And, we’re politicians. We do this because we want to connect to people. It is a difficult trade-off.”

Similar to the comments in the wake of the assassination attempt south of the border, Goertzen said politicians in Canada need to turn down the rhetoric.

“When we used terms like ‘enemy,’ it gives licence to our supports to do the same,” he said.

“We are not enemies. I generally wish Wab Kinew well because his success is the success of Manitoba as a whole. But if there are mistakes, the opposition will point that out.”

Over at city hall, Jeff Browaty, the longest-serving councillor with almost 18 years of service, said his constituents recognize him when he shops for groceries or eats at a restaurant and many talk to him.

But Browaty said not everyone wants to have a friendly conversation.

“I’m cognizant when I’m out in public,” he said. “But it comes with the turf. For the most part, people are great. For the most part, people are polite and give you space.”

Browaty said the public used to be able to just walk into either the council or administration buildings, but now visitors must report to a security desk.

“The back door of the administration building to James Avenue used to be open, but now it is locked,” he said.

“You used to be able to walk in from the tunnel below from the Centennial Concert Hall — now there is card access from the tunnel. Even (the city council chambers) the public no longer can bring food and drink in.”

Kalen Qually, a city spokesman, said the most recent change was the creation of a new security position.

“The city also implemented the role of corporate security manager in 2024, whose role is to oversee security operations, review our security measures and procedures, and make adjustments as needed,” Qually said.

“Security is a foremost priority for the City of Winnipeg.”

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Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

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