WINNIPEG -- Manitoba is bringing in new labour rules for private security guards that it says will improve public safety.
The changes include requiring employers to pay guards at least $0.25 over the minimum wage starting this October -- and $2.25 by 2017 -- to help reduce staff turnover.
The government also wants security guard training manuals reviewed every five years to ensure standards are effective.
Labour Minister Erna Braun says being a security guard is a particularly risky profession.
Perry Clarke of the private security company Securitas Canada says he supports the new rules.
Braun says workplace injury statistics show security guards are six times more likely to need time off work as a result of a violence in the workplace.
"Every day, security guards put themselves at risk to help protect public safety and property," Braun said in a release Monday.
"Building experience in the industry will help security guards better protect the public, property and themselves when faced with violent or aggressive situations."