He faced questions from reporters outside Rideau Hall on Wednesday, shortly after a mini-reshuffle of his cabinet and nearly a week after an incident in Alberta last Friday that saw a man hurling profanities at Deputy Premier Chrystia Freeland while she was entering an elevator. It marked the latest in a growing trend of abuse and harassment targeting women and racist public figures, including politicians and journalists, and has prompted questions about what can be done to prevent dangerous behavior turning into physical violence. But Trudeau said the question, while not new, remains a challenge. Story continues below ad
Read more: Growing harassment of Canadian public figures a ‘threat to democracy’: Minister
read more
Growing harassment of Canadian public figures a ‘threat to democracy’: Minister
“The concept of security for ministers has been hotly debated for many years. We are looking for the best solution, but we are exploring several. But yes of course there is a difference of opinion,” he said. “We’re very proud of the fact that we don’t need the level of security that is required in the United States or elsewhere in the world … it adds a certain character of strength to our democracy.” He said Canadians have long appreciated that their elected officials can do everyday tasks like grocery shopping at home without the need for a security detail. 2:29 ‘Reprehensible, but not surprising’: Politicians of all stripes condemn harassment of Freeland What’s more, the expense attached to these security details is an expense he said he believes Canadians would rather avoid or have spent on other urgent matters. Story continues below ad “However, we recognize that the political debate is becoming increasingly bitter in this country, more aggressive. “Citizens, unfortunately, some of them feel free to make threats, particularly against women in power, whether they’re journalists or women in government,” Trudeau continued. “This is very worrying in our democracy. We must ensure the safety and security of all those who wish to serve their country or these bullies will directly affect the ability of politicians to do their jobs and represent Canadians. They will discourage good candidates from getting involved in politics and it’s everyone’s business.” He added that there was a “direct link” between the tone of the debate happening in Parliament and the increase in harassment and abuse of public figures in recent years. Trending Stories
Cops warn of dangers in your child’s back-to-school photos Woman, 93, dies after being served dishwasher soap instead of juice at care home
Read more: Freeland attends events in Calgary, Olds as RCMP investigates harassment
Freeland pointed to the threats facing journalists and racialized Canadians in public roles when asked for her reaction during her first news conference since the incident Wednesday afternoon. “What happened was wrong and we have to make it clear. From my perspective, I think we need to be particularly clear that people who are members of a visible minority and women are perhaps particularly vulnerable,” she said, without answering whether her own security measures have changed. Story continues below ad “I know there are a lot of journalists and politicians around the country who have a lot less support than I do … it’s important for us to support them.” Canadian women and racist journalists have long faced a barrage of online hate and abuse, but these attacks have escalated over the past year, including during and after the so-called “freedom convoy.” These attacks have reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, resulting in multiple police reports and statements from officials across the political spectrum condemning the targeting of the press. For politicians, the risks seem to be rising as well. 0:35Federal Election 2019: No leader should face security threats, Singh says after Justin Trudeau’s security threat Federal Election 2019: No leader should face security threats, Singh says after his security threat Justin Trudeau – October 13, 2019 NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was arrested steps from Parliament Hill in September 2020, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had gravel thrown at him during a campaign stop last fall. Story continues below ad Former Liberal environment minister Catherine McKenna received repeated threats and abuse during her time in the portfolio, prompting the decision to give her an RCMP security detail. Former Ontario Progressive Conservative minister Lisa MacLeod was also given police protection for a threat against her after she spoke out to condemn the abuse against McKenna.
Read more: McKenna says more action needed to fight abuse of women, minorities in public life
Conservative MP Michelle Rebel Garner explained in a statement nearly a year ago her recent experiences of being stalked, stalked and stalked by multiple men, as well as receiving a barrage of online hate and death threats. “We have to draw a line,” Rebel Garner wrote at the time. He raised the possibility of legislation “that strengthens the ability to prosecute for criminal harassment, combined with a legal framework that prevents people from controlling vast numbers of anonymous or fake online accounts.” “Or, perhaps it starts with a general admission that nearly two years of social isolation due to lockdown measures, job losses and a national mental health crisis may in some cases have diminished the capacity for humanity and critical thinking,” her statement described. “Whatever happens, we have to deal with it.” Despite promising legislation to tackle online harm and increase penalties for social media companies that fail to tackle hateful content on their platforms, the federal Liberals have long missed a promised timeline for introducing such a bill. Story continues below ad Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez returned to drafting the bill earlier this year, and there is no clear timeline for when it might be introduced or what it would contain. Meanwhile, the escalating threats and abuses show no signs of slowing down. Violent misogyny and violent hate groups are now among the top threats facing the country, according to multiple security officials and reports from Canadian agencies over the past two years. 1:03 Freeland, Trudeau condemns harassment in Alberta Freeland, Trudeau condemns harassment in Alberta © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
title: “Do Ministers Need Bodyguards Trudeau Says Question Is Tough Amid Disturbing Attacks National Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-18” author: “Daniel Macki”
He faced questions from reporters outside Rideau Hall on Wednesday, shortly after a mini-reshuffle of his cabinet and nearly a week after an incident in Alberta last Friday that saw a man hurling profanities at Deputy Premier Chrystia Freeland while she was entering an elevator. It marked the latest in a growing trend of abuse and harassment targeting women and racist public figures, including politicians and journalists, and has prompted questions about what can be done to prevent dangerous behavior turning into physical violence. But Trudeau said the question, while not new, remains a challenge. Story continues below ad
Read more: Growing harassment of Canadian public figures a ‘threat to democracy’: Minister
read more
Growing harassment of Canadian public figures a ‘threat to democracy’: Minister
“The concept of security for ministers has been hotly debated for many years. We are looking for the best solution, but we are exploring several. But yes of course there is a difference of opinion,” he said. “We’re very proud of the fact that we don’t need the level of security that is required in the United States or elsewhere in the world … it adds a certain character of strength to our democracy.” He said Canadians have long appreciated that their elected officials can do everyday tasks like grocery shopping at home without the need for a security detail. 2:29 ‘Reprehensible, but not surprising’: Politicians of all stripes condemn harassment of Freeland What’s more, the expense attached to these security details is an expense he said he believes Canadians would rather avoid or have spent on other urgent matters. Story continues below ad “However, we recognize that the political debate is becoming increasingly bitter in this country, more aggressive. “Citizens, unfortunately, some of them feel free to make threats, particularly against women in power, whether they’re journalists or women in government,” Trudeau continued. “This is very worrying in our democracy. We must ensure the safety and security of all those who wish to serve their country or these bullies will directly affect the ability of politicians to do their jobs and represent Canadians. They will discourage good candidates from getting involved in politics and it’s everyone’s business.” He added that there was a “direct link” between the tone of the debate happening in Parliament and the increase in harassment and abuse of public figures in recent years. Trending Stories
Cops warn of dangers in your child’s back-to-school photos Woman, 93, dies after being served dishwasher soap instead of juice at care home
Read more: Freeland attends events in Calgary, Olds as RCMP investigates harassment
Freeland pointed to the threats facing journalists and racialized Canadians in public roles when asked for her reaction during her first news conference since the incident Wednesday afternoon. “What happened was wrong and we have to make it clear. From my perspective, I think we need to be particularly clear that people who are members of a visible minority and women are perhaps particularly vulnerable,” she said, without answering whether her own security measures have changed. Story continues below ad “I know there are a lot of journalists and politicians around the country who have a lot less support than I do … it’s important for us to support them.” Canadian women and racist journalists have long faced a barrage of online hate and abuse, but these attacks have escalated over the past year, including during and after the so-called “freedom convoy.” These attacks have reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, resulting in multiple police reports and statements from officials across the political spectrum condemning the targeting of the press. For politicians, the risks seem to be rising as well. 0:35Federal Election 2019: No leader should face security threats, Singh says after Justin Trudeau’s security threat Federal Election 2019: No leader should face security threats, Singh says after his security threat Justin Trudeau – October 13, 2019 NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was arrested steps from Parliament Hill in September 2020, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had gravel thrown at him during a campaign stop last fall. Story continues below ad Former Liberal environment minister Catherine McKenna received repeated threats and abuse during her time in the portfolio, prompting the decision to give her an RCMP security detail. Former Ontario Progressive Conservative minister Lisa MacLeod was also given police protection for a threat against her after she spoke out to condemn the abuse against McKenna.
Read more: McKenna says more action needed to fight abuse of women, minorities in public life
Conservative MP Michelle Rebel Garner explained in a statement nearly a year ago her recent experiences of being stalked, stalked and stalked by multiple men, as well as receiving a barrage of online hate and death threats. “We have to draw a line,” Rebel Garner wrote at the time. He raised the possibility of legislation “that strengthens the ability to prosecute for criminal harassment, combined with a legal framework that prevents people from controlling vast numbers of anonymous or fake online accounts.” “Or, perhaps it starts with a general admission that nearly two years of social isolation due to lockdown measures, job losses and a national mental health crisis may in some cases have diminished the capacity for humanity and critical thinking,” her statement described. “Whatever happens, we have to deal with it.” Despite promising legislation to tackle online harm and increase penalties for social media companies that fail to tackle hateful content on their platforms, the federal Liberals have long missed a promised timeline for introducing such a bill. Story continues below ad Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez returned to drafting the bill earlier this year, and there is no clear timeline for when it might be introduced or what it would contain. Meanwhile, the escalating threats and abuses show no signs of slowing down. Violent misogyny and violent hate groups are now among the top threats facing the country, according to multiple security officials and reports from Canadian agencies over the past two years. 1:03 Freeland, Trudeau condemns harassment in Alberta Freeland, Trudeau condemns harassment in Alberta © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
