September 17, 2026
Liberal MLA Becky Druhan is disappointed that the Security and Investigative Services Act will not remain available for consideration as part of the province’s ongoing policing review, after a notice of motion to prevent its automatic repeal did not receive unanimous consent in the House today.
The Act received Royal Assent in 2010 but was never proclaimed. It would establish rules and oversight for security personnel, including requirements around licensing, training, and screening. Under the government’s automatic repeal provisions, the Act is now at risk of being repealed simply because it has remained unproclaimed for more than 10 years.
The Liberals have been in contact with the families of Ryan Sawyer and Stephen Giffin, who died following encounters with bar security staff in Halifax, more than two decades apart. Their families have repeatedly advocated for stronger regulation and oversight of bar security, including calling for the Act to be proclaimed.
“These families have spent years asking governments to address gaps in the regulation and oversight of bar security. We should not repeal a law intended to address those concerns while the province is in the middle of reconsidering how public safety services should work together,” said Druhan. “Today was an opportunity for all MLAs to preserve that option by keeping the Act on the books while we determine what more needs to be done. It is disappointing that government members chose not to.”
Druhan says the legislation should remain available and be considered as part of the province’s ongoing policing review, given its connection to public and community safety and the review’s consideration of a broader, more integrated approach to policing and public safety.
“The role of security personnel sits squarely within the broader public-safety system. Questions about their training, screening, standards and accountability belong in a review that is examining how policing and other public-safety roles can work better together,” said Druhan. “Repealing this legislation before that review is complete takes an option off the table for no good reason. We should keep it available, consider it alongside the other reforms underway, and then make an informed decision about the best path forward.”