RCMP Chief Calls for New Legislation to Protect Politicians from Threats

In a news conference, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has urged the Canadian government to consider crafting legislation aimed at facilitating the prosecution of individuals who threaten politicians. This call comes in response to a noticeable rise in hostile actions towards elected officials, which often do not meet the current Criminal Code criteria for uttering threats.
In a recent discussion, Duheme highlighted the complexities law enforcement faces when dealing with threats that fall below the legal threshold for prosecution. “We need additional tools in the Criminal Code to effectively address these situations,” Duheme stated, emphasizing the necessity for laws that match the evolving nature of threats against public figures.
The increasing frequency of such threats has raised alarms about the safety of politicians nationwide. Instances of MPs being followed and receiving death threats have become more common, prompting authorities to enhance protective measures. The situation reached a poignant moment when Ontario Liberal MP Pam Damoff decided not to seek reelection, citing fears for her personal safety due to the threats and misogyny she endured.
The RCMP is actively collaborating with Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice to explore potential legal reforms. These reforms would aim to create a more secure environment for politicians to perform their duties without fear. “It’s crucial that expressions of opinion do not cross into uncivil behavior that threatens our elected officials’ security,” Duheme remarked.
Efforts to protect politicians are not limited to legislative changes. The RCMP employs various “disruption measures,” including direct interventions by officers visiting individuals who have issued concerning statements. The force also utilizes behavioral science specialists to assess the threat level and identify repeat offenders, enhancing their preventative strategies.
An intelligence report from March highlighted that the normalization of threats against politicians is often fueled by extremist narratives and misinformation, which are increasingly prevalent online. The report also pointed out the particular vulnerability of high-profile female officials to such violent rhetoric.
Chris Tenove, assistant director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia, stressed the importance of social media platforms enforcing terms that prevent violence and harassment. He praised the federal online harms bill as a crucial step towards establishing clear expectations for handling online abuse, which frequently extends into the physical world.
In light of these challenges, Tenove called for party leaders to promote unity and civility, urging them to openly condemn any form of threats or harassment against politicians. “Public acknowledgment of what is acceptable is vital for maintaining the democratic integrity of our political environment,” he added.
As threats become increasingly commonplace, the push for stronger protective measures and legal standards signifies a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of those who serve the public.