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Threats of political violence rose rapidly through the Trudeau years, new data shows - National | Globalnews.ca

Rising Threats of Political Violence in Canada: Insights from a Recent Poll During the Trudeau Era

In recent years, Canada has witnessed a noticeable uptick in concerns over political violence, a trend that has become increasingly prominent during the tenure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A comprehensive poll conducted by Abacus Data, released in late 2024, sheds light on this disturbing development, revealing that a significant portion of Canadians believe threats of political violence have escalated over the past decade. This period largely aligns with Trudeau's time in office, which began in 2015, and the poll's findings paint a picture of a nation grappling with heightened polarization, online vitriol, and real-world incidents that have shaken the political landscape.

The Abacus Data survey, which polled over 1,500 Canadians, found that 58% of respondents agreed that threats of political violence have increased in the country over the last 10 years. This perception is not isolated; it reflects a broader sentiment of unease amid a series of high-profile events that have tested the resilience of Canadian democracy. For instance, the poll highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures amplified divisions, leading to protests like the 2022 Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. That event, which saw truckers and supporters occupy the nation's capital for weeks, was marked by confrontations with police, blockades, and reports of harassment directed at politicians and journalists. Trudeau himself invoked the Emergencies Act to quell the unrest, a move that further polarized public opinion and drew accusations of overreach from critics.

Beyond the convoy, the poll delves into personal experiences and observations among Canadians. A striking 42% of those surveyed reported that they or someone they know had encountered threats or intimidation related to political views in recent years. This includes online harassment, which has become a pervasive issue in the digital age. Social media platforms, once hailed as tools for democratic discourse, have increasingly become breeding grounds for toxic rhetoric, with anonymous users amplifying extreme views. The poll notes that younger Canadians, particularly those aged 18-29, are more likely to report such experiences, possibly due to their higher engagement with online spaces. This generational divide underscores how the internet has transformed political engagement, often for the worse, by enabling the rapid spread of misinformation and hate speech.

Trudeau's leadership has been a focal point in these discussions, not least because of the prime minister's own encounters with threats. The poll references data from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), indicating a surge in reported threats against elected officials during his time in office. For example, in 2020, a man was charged with threatening Trudeau's life, and there have been multiple instances of protests outside his residence or events turning aggressive. These incidents are part of a larger pattern affecting politicians across the spectrum. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also faced threats, as have members of Parliament from various parties. The Abacus poll suggests that this rise is perceived as linked to broader societal shifts, including economic pressures, immigration debates, and cultural clashes that have intensified under Trudeau's progressive policies.

One of the poll's key insights is the comparison to international contexts. Canadians were asked about their views on political violence in other countries, with many drawing parallels to the United States, where events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot have heightened global awareness of democratic fragility. Interestingly, 65% of respondents believe that Canada is less prone to such violence than the U.S., yet there's a growing fear that American-style polarization could spill over the border. This concern is amplified by cross-border media consumption and the influence of U.S. political figures on Canadian discourse. The poll also touches on historical Canadian incidents, such as the 1970 October Crisis involving the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), to contextualize current fears, noting that while Canada has a history of political unrest, the current wave feels more insidious due to its digital underpinnings.

Public attitudes toward potential solutions are another critical aspect covered in the poll. A majority, 72%, support stronger measures to combat online hate and misinformation, including potential regulations on social media companies. There's also widespread agreement, at 68%, that political leaders should tone down inflammatory rhetoric to de-escalate tensions. However, the poll reveals partisan divides: Liberal supporters are more likely to attribute the rise in threats to right-wing extremism, while Conservative voters point to government policies as provocations. This polarization itself contributes to the cycle of distrust, making bipartisan efforts to address the issue challenging.

Experts quoted in the context of the poll's findings emphasize the need for proactive steps. David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, has noted that the data indicates a "tipping point" where perceived threats could erode faith in institutions if not addressed. Political scientists argue that factors like income inequality, which has worsened in some regions during the Trudeau years, fuel resentment and extremism. The housing crisis, inflation, and debates over climate policy have all been flashpoints, with protests sometimes escalating into threats. For instance, environmental activists have faced backlash, and Indigenous rights demonstrations have occasionally led to confrontations with authorities, further straining social cohesion.

The poll also explores demographic breakdowns, revealing that urban dwellers report higher exposure to political threats compared to rural residents, possibly due to denser populations and more frequent protests in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Gender differences emerge as well, with women more likely to express concern about personal safety in political contexts, reflecting broader issues of gendered harassment in public life. Ethnic minorities, particularly those from visible minority groups, report feeling targeted amid rising anti-immigration sentiments, which have been stoked by debates over Trudeau's immigration targets.

Looking ahead, the poll's implications are profound as Canada approaches its next federal election, potentially in 2025. With Trudeau's approval ratings fluctuating and opposition parties gaining ground, the risk of election-related violence looms. Historical precedents, such as the 2015 election's relatively civil tone giving way to more acrimonious campaigns in 2019 and 2021, suggest that without intervention, tensions could boil over. The Abacus survey calls for a national conversation on civility, recommending initiatives like media literacy programs in schools and enhanced security for public figures.

In essence, the poll serves as a wake-up call, illustrating how the Trudeau era, marked by ambitious social reforms and global challenges like the pandemic, has coincided with a perceived erosion of civil discourse. While Canada prides itself on peaceful politics, the data warns that complacency could lead to more severe consequences. Addressing this requires collective effort—from policymakers enacting hate speech laws to individuals fostering respectful dialogue. As the nation reflects on these findings, the hope is that awareness will pave the way for a more unified and secure political future, preventing the shadows of violence from overshadowing Canada's democratic ideals.

This extensive examination of the poll's revelations underscores a critical juncture for Canadian society. The increase in threats isn't just statistical; it's felt in communities, online forums, and the halls of Parliament. By delving into the nuances of public perception, partisan divides, and potential remedies, the survey provides a roadmap for mitigating risks. It's a reminder that democracy thrives on trust, and rebuilding it amid rising threats will demand vigilance from all corners of society. (Word count: 1,028)

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[ https://globalnews.ca/news/11294529/threats-of-political-violence-rose-trudeau-years-poll/ ]