In 2023, the kidnapping of WonderFi’s CEO made national headlines after costing the company $3.6 million, including a ransom payment for his release. Incidents like this show that even in Canada, high-profile individuals face targeted risks. Close protection services have developed not only as a line of defense against threats but as a proactive, concierge-style approach to security that allows executives, celebrities, and families to move freely and confidently.
What Close Protection Really Means
Close protection (part of executive protection) in Canada is different from the movie stereotype of agents with earpieces tackling threats. Firearms aren’t part of the private security toolkit here, and privacy laws limit certain tactics. Instead, effective close protection is about foresight, planning, and discretion. It involves research, secure travel planning, cyber threat awareness, and concierge-level support that keeps clients safe while delivering a seamless experience.
For an entertainer, success might mean arriving in Vancouver, performing, and leaving without disruption. For a CEO, it might be a quiet dinner with family, back-to-back meetings, and a flight out the next morning. For private families, it could be as simple as having their daily routine—dog walks, school pickups, groceries—handled with discreet coverage. In each case, protection isn’t about visible force; it’s about ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Who Benefits from Close Protection?
Anyone in the public eye, or with assets that attract attention, can benefit from close protection. Common clients include:
- Corporate executives under scrutiny or managing sensitive negotiations.
- Entertainers and public figures with large audiences and unpredictable schedules.
- High-net-worth families seeking peace of mind at home or while traveling.
- Production teams requiring support for logistics, compliance, or asset security.
The real service provided isn’t just protection from physical harm—it’s comprehensive coverage from disruptions, embarrassments, and overlooked risks.
What It Is—and What It Isn’t
What it is: A proactive, adaptable service built around advanced planning, discreet presence, and client-centered execution. The right team blends temperament and skill, quietly arranging arrivals, departures, bookings, and safe travel so clients never have to wait or worry.
What it isn’t: Close protection in Canada isn’t about being heavy-handed, authoritarian, or showy. The best agents don’t hand out business cards on the job or dominate the room. Instead, they fit into the environment, build win-win relationships in the community, and keep the client’s definition of success at the center.
Why This Matters
Threats evolve constantly, and so does the way protection must be delivered. The most effective agents understand that close protection is equal parts risk mitigation and concierge service. Whether it’s organizing travel logistics, providing cyber risk awareness, or ensuring a production set runs smoothly, the goal is always the same: to deliver peace of mind through quiet, comprehensive coverage.
Cornerstone’s Approach
At Cornerstone Security & Transport in Vancouver, our teams are trained to prioritize the client’s intent. That means tailoring services to match the experience you expect, whether that’s full discretion for a private family, logistical support for an entertainer, or strategic coverage for a CEO on a tight schedule. By keeping protection professional, proactive, and people-centered, we give clients the confidence to focus on what matters most.
