Vancouver: Locksmith under supervision license needed. Help!

[scriptguru]

Hi guys,

I am going to move to Canada/BC and lockpicking is my latest hobby.

I was surprised to know that in BC people must have license to own lockpicks legally (even though federal criminal code states opposite)
Even taking into account that owning lockpicks is not a crime according to criminal code, I don't want to have any problems with law (especially taking account my status - newcomer).

As I understand, the only option for me is to ask licensed lockpick to be my supervisor and get an "Lockpick under supervision" license. Of course I am not going to work as a locksmith, lockpicking is just a hobby which I love.

I am a programmer (web and mobile applications), so for this favour I could help somehow to my supervisor.

[MacGyver101]

Honestly don't want to rain on your parade, but I just didn't see anyone else jumping on this with some advice, so I wanted to offer a few tips/suggestions.

As I understand, the only option for me is to ask licensed lockpick to be my supervisor and get an "Lockpick under supervision" license. Of course I am not going to work as a locksmith [...]

Just so you're using the correct term when you're investigating your options, the licence you're looking for is for a "Locksmith Under Supervision", which requires you to be working under the direct supervision of a Provincially-licenced locksmith. (Not trying to be pedantic... it's just that you're not likely to get much traction from a local locksmith if you want in and ask them to help you become a licenced lockpick.)

To be honest, though, you're going to have a hard time finding someone to sponsor you for this. It's a very big "ask" to see if someone is willing to certify you as an employee of their business, working under their direct supervision, when you don't actually intend to perform any work for them. (There have been five locksmith businesses closed in BC in the last few years for not properly adhering to the Security Services Act.)

Even taking into account that owning lockpicks is not a crime according to criminal code [...]

Check out Section 353: it's part of the basis for the Provincial licencing programs.

Anyhow, as I say... not trying to rain on your parade: wishing you all the best!

[scriptguru]

MacGyver101, thanks a lot for answering!

Yes, I meant "Locksmith under supervision" (as it is written in topic name), "Lockpick under supervision" was a typo

It's really frustrating to be unable to play with your favourite puzzle just because these tools can be used for committing crime. I'm wondering how they approved selling knives without some special license!

I didn't know that my offer is potentially illegal. Of course if it may lead to any problems for certified locksmith then I cannot agree on this even if he agrees.

If posession of lockpicks is illegal maybe I could rent them or something... I should think about it.

Even worse thing is that I am working on mobile application which is connected with lockpicking in a way, therefore I must be able to pick locks to continue development. Don't want to change my choice of province only because this stupid restriction

[scriptguru]

About the laws and criminal code:

Section 351 is about tools for breaking into dwellings, and it literally says
"under circumstances that give
rise to a reasonable inference that the instru-
ment has been used or is or was intended to be
used for such a purpose"

Section 353 is about automobile picks which I don't have (I pick pin tumblers only).

Generally speaking I don't understand why the provincial restriction is legal because provinces cannot modify criminal code in any way.

[Varjeal]

You've chosen the most restrictive province in Canada for residence when it comes to tools of that nature.

B.C. has the toughest laws when it comes to both locksmith companies and lock pick tools in particular.

Your best, (and likely only), option is to make friends with a locksmith company and get them to "hire" you. How you arrange to do that is up to you.

Renting tools is not an option. The very fact that tools are in your possession make them "yours", not whether they are purchased outright or borrowed temporarily.

Sorry, but other than that you're out of luck.

[scriptguru]

Your best, (and likely only), option is to make friends with a locksmith company and get them to "hire" you. How you arrange to do that is up to you.

Thanks, Varjeal
That's what I am going to do. In fact, the goal of this post was to find the company for this purpose, but as I can see now locksmiths from Vancouver don't visit this site (or this thread) often

[Varjeal]

Likely not, but if you decide to hang your hat in central Alberta look me up.

[urbanwriter]

there's at least one of us locksmiths here in Vancouver... honest, and I think two or three, but we're all being subtle about our presence here

[scriptguru]

Thanks for support, guys!

[Pandawdy]

What if you are enrolled in a locksmithing course such as the one offered by Foley Belsaw?

Would that make it legal for you to carry picks?

[MacGyver101]

What if you are enrolled in a locksmithing course such as the one offered by Foley Belsaw?

Would that make it legal for you to carry picks?

No. Nothing against Foley Belsaw... but enrolling in a correspondence-school course is not the same as receiving a license from the Province.

[ckc123]

DISCLAIMER:

I'm not a lawyer nor pretend to be one on the internet..

scriptguru, there are several discrepancies with regards to what I have seen with claims that it's illegal to have them in BC

Eg. The legislation that people quote that says it's illegal is Security Services Act, S.B.C. 2007, c. 30 which applies to situation that deal with security..


If you read the first line, there is an exemption for your OWN PROPERTY.

(4) A person, other than an authorized person or an owner of a locking device, must not possess any instrument designed or adapted to open or bypass a locking device without using the key or combination unique to that locking device, including any of the following:

(a) a key;
(b) a pick;
(c) a rocker key;
(d) a vibrating pick tool.

(They way I read this..) you can own a set of picks if you are using them to open your own locks (as per locksport) but not for anyone Else's. Eg. A locksmith(now you need a license etc) or a criminal..

Just carry a practice lock with your picks and you are fine.. there is no proof that you are trying to open any other lock then your own.

[scriptguru]

ckc123, thanks for important note!

Besides this, I found that it is not necessary to be locksmith under supervision for two years to obtain locksmith license.

Here is the quote frome the official guide http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/securityindustry/shareddocs/guide-securityworker.pdf:

10. LOCKSMITH
(see Regulation section 3(5) and 15(4) item 2)
To apply for a security worker licence to provide locksmith
services, you must have:
• Proof you hold a B.C. Certificate of Qualification (recognition
credentials) granted by the Industry Training
Authority; or
• Proof of at least two years of full-time work experience
as a locksmith or a locksmith under supervision within
the last five years. A letter of recommendation from your
employer indicating that you are qualified to
perform the services of a fully-licensed (unsupervised)
locksmith is accepted as proof; or
• If you have worked as a locksmith in another
province(s), submit a letter(s) of reference explaining
you have a minimum of two years experience; or
• If you are unable to prove the training or experience
above, you may apply to the Industry Training Authority
to write a "Challenge Exam." A Challenge Exam allows
individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of locksmithing
and obtain their Certificate of Qualification
(recognition credentials) to apply for a full locksmith
licence without having to work under supervision in B.C.

Therefore, one may pass the exam instead of working 2 years full time under supervision!

[scriptguru]

UPDATE: However, it requires 5400 hours of work experience to be allowed to get a challenge of qualification

[Squelchtone]

UPDATE: However, it requires 5400 hours of work experience to be allowed to get a challenge of qualification

yeah, I ran into this when getting a low voltage installer license to install CCTV cameras. they needed 4500 hours under a licensed electrician. No wonder so many cowboys run businesses out of their vans and trunks and are not properly licensed or insured, its just too expensive and time consuming to get a small business started.

Squelchtone