There are a number of forces at play that will make private policing a reality in Canada sooner rather than later.
First of all, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews likes the idea.
Secondly, it's disconcerting for the Harper gang to see how many cops are showing up on various sunshine lists. Almost half the members of the Toronto Police are making six numbers a year. That's got to be awkward for the Harperites who view all public spending as anathema.
While the proposals on the table will only hive off "minor" police duties to the private sector, you can bet it won't take long for the private sector to clamour for more of the policing pie.
Thirdly, there is an overabundance of viable candidates for these jobs. For about twenty years now there has been a steady growth in college courses aimed at preparing candidates for a career in policing. These "police foundations" and similar courses graduate exponentially more wannabe cops than can be hired by police forces.
These folks may have their eye on a gun and a badge, but the vast majority inevitably end up as mall cops or Brinks guards.
This leaves a perfect niche for privatized policing. Here are Paul Guindon's thoughts on the matter almost eight years ago.
Obviously Guindon has not been idle in the intervening years, and now that he has the ear of the media and the Minister for Public Safety, good things will be happening soon.
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