Bold statement: A security guard accused of assaulting a shoplifter at a Downtown Dollarama is now facing criminal charges, sparking a national conversation about security and Indigenous treatment. But here’s where it gets controversial: the incident and the ensuing debate are forcing a closer look at how private security is trained and overseen, and what responsibilities guards carry in public spaces.
A video published online shows a security guard in an Impact Security uniform repeatedly slamming a man to the floor inside the Dollarama on Portage Avenue. The footage also appears to show the guard slapping, punching, and kicking the restrained individual, who wears his head protected with his arms. Police confirm the guard used what investigators call excessive force, and the man who was detained allegedly threatened to kill the guard during the confrontation.
The initial police report noted that a 46-year-old man tried to depart the store with about $95 worth of merchandise without paying. A 23-year-old guard intervened, leading to the shoplifter allegedly assaulting him before the guard tackled and struck him while he was on the ground.
Criminal charges evolved: the shoplifter was first charged with robbery and uttering threats. After reviewing the video, major crimes detectives continued the investigation and charged the guard with assault with a weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and uttering threats. Investigators recovered a pair of brass knuckles, classified as a prohibited weapon.
The guard was released on an undertaking while awaiting further court proceedings, and his name has not been released pending formal charges. Police emphasized that while security guards may use reasonable and necessary force to defend themselves or make an arrest, such force must not be excessive.
The incident prompted public outcry and a Monday evening protest outside the store. Indigenous leaders and community advocates called for suspensions and a review of private security contracts, arguing that encounters like this reflect broader issues in how Indigenous people are treated in public spaces.
Reaction from officials and organizations has varied. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed concern about use-of-force practices and treatment of First Nations people, and said it filed a complaint with provincial authorities that regulate security guards. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe acknowledged the video and signaled ongoing efforts to strengthen training for security personnel, including cultural sensitivity and de-escalation techniques. He indicated that the government is exploring legislative changes while prioritizing improved training.
Former Deputy Premier Eric Robinson and other Indigenous advocates have long pushed for mandatory cultural awareness training for guards. Robinson described the footage as troubling and urged actions to improve relations between security firms and Indigenous communities.
Impact Security has not provided comments publicly since the controversy began. Dollarama representatives stated that the company does not authorize the use of force and said the involved guard would not be assigned to Dollarama stores in the future. Dollarama also noted its cooperation with police and placed the security firm on notice as investigations continued.
Key takeaways for readers:
- Private security personnel operate under the same general principle as civilians: force must be reasonable and proportionate, with escalation steps to de-escalate when possible.
- The incident has intensified calls for standardized training, including cultural awareness, de-escalation, and review of security contracts with Indigenous communities.
- Legal accountability remains central: both the shoplifter and the guard are subject to charges, with ongoing investigations shaping how security regulations may evolve.
What do you think about the balance between security duties and individual rights in such confrontations? Should there be stricter nationwide standards for private security firms, especially for protecting vulnerable communities? Share your thoughts in the comments.
-erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca
Erik Pindera is a Winnipeg-based crime and justice journalist with the Free Press. This piece reflects ongoing reporting as events unfold and policy discussions develop around security practices and Indigenous relations.
