Guarding Government: Behind the federal government’s shift to for-profit security

Montreal-based GardaWorld has lobbied the federal government for a decade to scrap a right of first refusal policy for the non-profit Commissionaires. Now, GardaWorld is getting contracts in the millions.

Stephen Chamberlain, Katrina Clarke

8 Sep 2026 • 9 min read

GardaWorld trucks are pictured in a parking lot. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

GardaWorld is winning federal security contracts that the non-profit Commissionaires say should be theirs as part of a longstanding right of first refusal policy. The policy is soon to end. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Stephen Chamberlain

Stephen Chamberlain, a Toronto-based journalist, has an interest in civic engagement, federal procurement and public accountability. He is currently a reporter intern with the IJF.

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