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Guns, bullet-proof vests, metal detectors and an airport-like security screening area will soon be the norm at British Columbia’s legislature in the wake of the recent Ottawa shootings and a security review.

The all-party Legislative Assembly Management Committee approved Wednesday evening a seven-point security package recommended by the legislature’s sergeant-at-arms, Gary Lenz.

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The vote means protective services staff who are designated as special provincial constables will be equipped and trained in the use of firearms.

Lenz said armed guards are needed at the legislature to meet any threat posed by someone with a weapon, and about 45 of 70 guards will receive the training.

“Here we’re not like the House of Commons in Ottawa where we have police cars and police,” said Lenz.

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“We are what we have. If we have to wait five minutes or eight minutes or ten minutes for a response, that’s a lifetime. What’s required is to have an adequate presence here to deal with a threat immediately, as was done in Ottawa.”