Canadian political leaders have faced a troubling surge in violent and aggressive confrontations. Pictured: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Photo Credit: Jagmeet Singh/X.
In recent months, Canadian political leaders have faced a troubling surge in violent and aggressive confrontations. This rise in threats and attacks, both physical and verbal, echoes a concerning trend already visible in the United States. The assassination attempts on former U.S. President Donald Trump and the verbal assaults on public figures like NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh have brought the issue of political safety to the foreground.
Last week, Jagmeet Singh was subjected to a verbal assault on Parliament Hill. In a video that circulated online, Singh confronted a protester who called him a “corrupted bastard” during as he was walking toward Parliament. This was not an isolated incident—Singh has faced similar harassment in the past, including a drive-by heckling incident in Newfoundland and a barrage of insults in Peterborough.
The rise in hostility is not limited to Singh. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre’s family has also been targeted, with his wife being subjected to appalling online threats. These encounters reflect a growing hostility towards political leaders, and their families, in Canada, paralleling the escalation of political violence south of the border.
Liberal MP Pam Damoff, who recently announced she would not seek re-election, cited the level of toxicity in politics as a reason for her departure. Damoff expressed concern about the safety of MPs, noting that she no longer felt comfortable crossing the street near Parliament Hill due to the proximity of protesters. She also referenced previous assassination attempts on U.S. President Trump, suggesting that the political climate in Canada is becoming more volatile and dangerous.
As the fall sitting of Parliament began, more protesters have been gathering near Parliament Hill, many of them expressing anti-government sentiments with signs and flags similar to those seen during the Freedom Convoy protests. While peaceful protests are a hallmark of democracy, the escalation of verbal and physical assaults raises concerns about the safety of Canada’s elected officials. The RCMP has reported a dramatic increase in MPs requesting security protection, with the number of threats doubling in the past five years.
This rising tide of violence and harassment in politics cannot be ignored. As public figures continue to face threats, both online and in person, it is clear that Canada is grappling with a troubling shift in its political culture. Politicians of all stripes are calling for stronger security measures, but many argue that the root cause—the toxic and polarized nature of modern political discourse—must also be addressed.
Ultimately, Canadians must reflect on the type of political environment they wish to foster. Disagreement and debate are essential components of democracy, but when these spill into violence and personal attacks, the very foundation of the political system is at risk. Canadians must do better, ensuring that respect and civility remain cornerstones of the nation’s political dialogue.
Daniel Perry is a Senior Consultant with Hill & Knowlton, Canada’s leading public relations and public affairs firm. He is an experienced campaigner and has provided political advice at all levels of government. Daniel has received a number of awards during his career including being voted Ottawa’s top consultant by his peers.
