RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme is advocating for the government to consider drafting a new law that would make it easier for police to pursue charges against individuals who threaten elected officials. Duheme has observed an increase in threats directed at politicians, with some individuals making repeated threatening comments that do not meet the criminal code threshold for charges of uttering threats. The RCMP hopes to collaborate with Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice to explore the possibility of introducing a new provision to address this issue. Duheme emphasizes the importance of elected officials feeling secure in carrying out their duties and believes that people should be able to express their thoughts in a civil manner.
Concerns about the safety of politicians have been growing as threats and harassment increase. MPs have faced death threats and have been followed on the street, prompting efforts to enhance protection and security measures for elected officials. Some politicians, such as Ontario Liberal MP Pam Damoff, have expressed fear for their safety and have made the decision not to run in the next election due to threats and misogyny they have experienced. The RCMP is actively engaging with other police forces regarding threats to politicians and works closely with federal ministerial offices and the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms to address security needs and protect MPs.
The RCMP employs various strategies to address threatening behaviour, including conducting disruption measures where officers speak to individuals who have made concerning comments. The force also utilizes behavioural science specialists to examine incoming cases, noting that disturbing comments sometimes come from individuals with previous interactions with law enforcement. An intelligence report released in March highlighted the normalization of threats against politicians, attributing the rise to extremist narratives fueled by personal grievances, misinformation, and deliberate falsehoods. The report emphasizes the need for legislation addressing threats towards politicians, particularly high-profile women.
Countries like Bolivia, Brazil, and Tunisia have introduced legislation targeting violence against women in politics, aiming to safeguard politicians from threats and harassment. Chris Tenove, assistant director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia, stresses the importance of ensuring that social media platforms enforce terms of service to minimize violence. The recently introduced federal online harms bill aims to establish standards for platforms to address harassment, threats, and hate speech. Tenove highlights the interconnected nature of online abuse and physical threats, underscoring the need for party leaders and staff to condemn threats and harassment, fostering cross-party unity in establishing appropriate behavior online.
The report also notes that violent rhetoric often targets elected officials, particularly high-profile women, and stresses the importance of social media platforms enforcing terms of service to minimize violence. Tenove underscores the need for party leaders and staff to condemn threats and harassment, fostering cross-party unity in establishing appropriate behavior online. The online harms bill introduced by the federal government seeks to set standards for social media platforms to address harassment, threats, and hate speech. While much of the abuse occurs online, it can spill into the physical realm, showcasing the need for comprehensive measures to protect politicians and maintain a safe environment for political discourse.
