This week, active members of the Canadian Armed Forces were hit with terrorism-related charges for planning to create an anti-government militia.
Three men were charged in Quebec after allegedly “intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area” and “planning to create anti-government militia,” according the RCMP press release.
According to a release from the RCMP, “to achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises. They also conducted a scouting operation.”
On top of that, “a variety of firearms, some prohibited, as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment were allegedly used in these activities.”
Meanwhile, as part of the same bulletin, we learned that a fourth individual in his 30s is facing charges largely related to firearms, prohibited devices and explosives.
“Searches conducted in January 2024 in the Québec City area led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment," it added.
What’s even more harrowing about this is that it’s happening in the context of broader anti-government offline organizing, predominately from the far right.
To help us understand this growing and serious issue, we’ve got one of the country’s top extremism researchers on the show today.
is an associate professor at Queen’s university and is a senior research fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. He’s written several books and his study of extremism and radicalization has seen him directly interview members of major international extremist groups, as well as their families and friends.He is truly one of the most important voices on an issue that I’d argue is one of the more pressing crises we face right now.
That’s why I am so excited that he’s this week’s guest!
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