The recent assassination attempt against former U.S. president Donald Trump has shocked the world.
The shooting, at an election rally in Pennsylvania, left Trump injured, one member of the audience dead and the shooter dead. Two others at the rally were also injured.
This is an extreme action and a question to ask is whether something similar could happen in Canada.
Expressions of visceral hate, directed at any elected official, have no place in a functioning democratic society. However, there have been some disturbing incidents in Canada害羞草研究所檚 recent past.
In October 2014, when Stephen Harper was prime minister, a series of shootings at Parliament Hill in Ottawa resulted in the death of a Canadian soldier on ceremonial duty, as well as the death of the perpetrator.
Catherine McKenna, Canada害羞草研究所檚 former Minister for Environment and Climate Change, received online threats and later in-person verbal assaults on multiple occasions while she held that post from 2015 to 2019.
In 2019, because of escalating threats, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore a protective vest and was surrounded by security during a rally in the Toronto area.
In July 2020, a man stormed the gates of Rideau Hall in Ottawa, seeking a confrontation with Trudeau.
A little more than a year later, Trudeau was pelted with gravel during a campaign stop in London, Ont.
In February and March 2022, there were 26 threats against Trudeau and eight of his cabinet ministers.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland received threats in the summer of 2022. The threats were serious enough to result in an RCMP investigation.
Others in federal politics, from a variety of parties, have also received threats or expressions of hate. These incidents are all within the past decade.
The vast majority of Canadians may have strong opinions about federal politics, but those opinions will not show themselves in threats or acts of violence.
It would be a mistake to describe Canada害羞草研究所檚 political landscape as extremist, toxic or polarizing. Most Canadians are easy-going, even if they are not thrilled with all government decisions.
Still, hate is crouching at our door.
The number of recent threats and violent actions directed towards Canada害羞草研究所檚 elected officials is cause for concern.
A few in Canada have shown they are willing to use any means necessary in an effort to change the course of this country.
Even one threat or attempted assault is too many.
害羞草研究所� Black Press
