Security/Private Investigator Fast Facts

This fact sheet outlines the regulations and permits you may need to operate a Security/ Private Investigator Company in Nova Scotia.  Listed, are sources of industry information that will help you understand some of the issues to consider before starting your business.  You are also invited to review some of our other business information guides; they include the  Business Start-Up Info-Guide,  Business Start-Up Info-Guide, and  Financing Info-Guide.  Additional information can be obtained by calling one of our Business Information Officers or visiting our library.

PERMITS
The following is a list of the permits you may need in order to operate a Security/ Private Investigator Company in Nova Scotia.  Please keep in mind that there might be additional permits that you require which are not listed or some of these permits may not be applicable to your business.
 
Business Registration - Most businesses are required to register in Nova Scotia.  When you register your business, you will also receive a business number, which is required for taxation purposes.  Often suppliers will also request a business number before offering you credit.

For further information, please contact:
Registry of Joint Stock Companies
Phone:  (902) 424-7770
Roll Free  1-800-670-4357.
See the document:   Registry of Joint Stock Companies
Web Site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rjsc/forms.stm

Bonding - Bonding refers to a business owner insuring themselves against theft from employees and is used most often when employees are handling a lot of cash.  Bonding is done directly through an insurance or bonding company.

For further information, see the document  Bonding.

(Firearm) Possession & Acquisition Licence  -This permit is required by anyone in Nova Scotia who wants to own or acquire (by purchase, as a gift, inheritance or in trade) any type of firearm.

For further information, please contact:
Firearm Possession & Acquisition Licence
Phone:  (902) 424-6689 
Toll Free:  1-800-731-4000. 
Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/just/Paal230.stm

Municipal Permits - Most municipalities in Nova Scotia have permits and licences, which are required in order to operate a business.  The type of permits and requirements can vary greatly so it is important that you contact your local municipality to determine what you need.  You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/contact.

Private Guard, Private Investigator, Armed Guard: Licence (Individual) - Anyone who wants to be a Security Guard, Private Investigator or Armed Guard in the Province of Nova Scotia needs this permit.

For further information, please contact:
Private Guard, Private Investigator, Armed Guard: Licence
Phone:  424-2124 
Toll Free 1-866-825-0740
Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/just/paal237.stm.

Private Guard, Private Investigator, Armoured Car Licence (Company) - Any person who wants to engage in, carry on, advertise or hold themselves out as carrying on the business or practice of providing private investigators or private guards; or act as a private investigator or private guard in Nova Scotia.

For further information, please contact:
Private Guard, Private Investigator, Armoured Car Licence
Phone: 424-2124 
Toll Free 1-866-825-0740
Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/just/paal236.stm.

Trade Apprenticeship: Registration and Certificate of Qualification - Anyone who wants an outward and visible symbol that they have reached a certain predetermined level of competency in a designated occupation, this includes Alarm and Security Technicians.  

For further information, please contact:
Trade Apprenticeship: Registration and Certificate of Qualification
Phone:   1-800-494-5651
Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/edu/paal159.stm.

Worker's Compensation Board - Most firms, which employ three or more workers, need to register for coverage.  Any employer who fails to register but is required to do so under the Act may be liable for the full cost of any workplace accident, plus additional penalties.

For further information, please contact:
Worker's Compensation Board
Phone: Employer Services: 1-877-211-9267
See the document Workers' Compensation Board 
Web Site:   http://www.wcb.ns.ca

C/NSBSC REFERENCE LIBRARY
The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC) Reference Library is a great resource for potential and established entrepreneurs.  Resources are available for the public's use within the library during regular hours of operation.  The following lists some of the Security/ Private Investigator Company resources available for use in the C/NSBSC Reference Library:

Private Investigator (Start-Up Guide), Entrepreneur Magazine,1995

There are many more excellent resources for a potential Security/ Private Investigator Company at the C/NSBSC Library located at 1575 Brunswick Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  You can also access a selection of our most popular reference books at one of the Community Business Resource Sites located throughout the province.  Call our toll-free number for the site nearest you or see the document