The man being hailed as a hero for reportedly shooting a gunman at Canada’s parliament is Kevin Vickers, who, as the holder of the post of sergeant-at-arms, is officially responsible for safety and security within the grounds of the building.
Previously the 54-year-old’s public profile had been limited to his ceremonial functions – in black robes, he carries a gold mace into Canada’s House of Commons before every sitting – but he also has real powers in relation to controlling access to the building.
Vickers, a former officer in the royal Canadian mounted police, where he led high-profile investigations relating to murder and drug importations, has held his current role since 2006 and is from Newcastle in the province of New Brunswick.
On his Linkedin webpage, he lists the role’s responsibilities, including overseeing security, food services, transport, printing and mail with a team of 1,000 employees.
He spoke publicly last year of how he sees his role and his country after he was honoured by Sikhs for moving to ensure their sacred kirpan dagger was allowed in Canada’s legislature in the face of a motion by Quebec nationalists calling for its prohibition.
“I see your wearing of the kirpan, especially in our parliamentary buildings, as exactly that, respecting your dignity,” he told members of the World Sikh Organization of Canada.
“But just as the kirpan issue came before us last winter, we are reminded how vigilant we must be to not only defend but promote the practices, cultures and religions of all peoples.”
He said he disliked the idea of merely “tolerating” other cultures: “Am I going to tolerate you wearing the kirpan within the parliamentary precinct? No. As head of security, I am going to accept and embrace your symbol of faith within the parliamentary precinct.”
He also recalled what he said during his job interview when asked what he wanted from the post, saying: “I told them that if they made me their sergeant-at-arms, there would be no walls built around Canada’s parliamentary buildings.”
