extremism

Tuesday May 28, 2024

The escalation of protests into prolonged occupations, exemplified by the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Toronto and the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, underscores the challenges and limitations of such movements, highlighting the need to balance the right to protest with maintaining public order and preventing the proliferation of extremism.

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday May 28, 2024

The Limits of Protests – Lessons from Pro-Palestinian and Freedom Convoy Occupancies

The recent incident in Vancouver, where Pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded Prime Minister Trudeau at a restaurant, along with previous instances of incivility, underscores a concerning trend of disrespect and aggression in Canadian politics that threatens the principles of civil discourse and democratic engagement.

November 17, 2023

In recent years, the landscape of protests has shifted dramatically, with demonstrations increasingly turning into prolonged occupations that disrupt communities and breed extremism. Two prominent examples, the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Toronto and the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, highlight the challenges and limitations of such movements.

The pro-Palestinian encampment began as a demonstration against Israeli actions in Gaza, calling for divestment from companies associated with the conflict. While the initial grievances were valid, the occupation of university grounds quickly escalated, disrupting academic activities and fostering an environment of intolerance. Some protesters resorted to hostile rhetoric and actions, alienating potential allies and overshadowing the legitimate concerns at the heart of the protest.

News: U of T files for injunction to evict pro-Palestinian encampment

In the blossoming of spring, the humble tent becomes a poignant symbol of both escape and despair, embodying the struggles of homelessness and the fervent calls for change amidst the tranquility of nature.

May 9, 2024

Similarly, the Freedom Convoy started as a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, attracting citizens frustrated with government policies. However, the movement swiftly evolved into an occupation that paralyzed the capital city, attracting extremist elements and causing widespread disruption. The government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act underscored the limits of tolerance for such occupations and the need to balance the right to protest with public safety and order.

These examples illustrate the dangers of protests that transform into occupations. While the right to protest is fundamental to democracy, it must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries. Occupations disrupt daily life, attract extremism, and erode the legitimacy of the protest, ultimately detracting from its original purpose.

Editorial: The ‘Freedom Convoy’ was hauling a load of bad ideas – but the people on board are not the enemy  

February 19, 2022

Moving forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of protests as a means of expressing dissent and effecting change. However, it is equally crucial to ensure that protests remain peaceful, respectful, and within the bounds of the law. Authorities must enforce these boundaries firmly and consistently, protecting the rights of all individuals while upholding public order.

While protests play a vital role in democratic societies, there are clear limitations when they escalate into occupations. By maintaining a balance between the right to protest and the need for public safety, we can ensure that demonstrations remain a force for positive change rather than a source of division and disruption. (AI)

Friday April 26, 2024

The chummy relationship between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and extremists at an anti-carbon tax protest raises serious concerns about his judgment and the implications of normalizing extremist affiliations in Canadian politics.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 26, 2024

Pierre Poilievre’s Chummy Relationship with Extremists Raises Concerns

September 9, 2023

In the world of politics, the company you keep can speak volumes about your values and priorities. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre recently found himself under scrutiny after videos surfaced of him cozying up to protesters at an anti-carbon tax camp near the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border. What’s most troubling is not just his presence at the protest but the enthusiastic encouragement he provided to individuals brandishing extremist symbols and messages.

During his visit, Poilievre was captured on video expressing support for the protesters, referring to their actions as a “good, old-fashioned Canadian tax revolt.” This, in itself, is not unusual for a political leader seeking to connect with disgruntled constituents. However, the context surrounding this protest raises serious questions.

News: ‘He will do anything to win’: Justin Trudeau slams Pierre Poilievre for not denouncing endorsement by infamous American conspiracy theorist

August 26, 2022

The group behind this protest, as highlighted by RCMP documents, is associated with an ideology described as “accelerationist,” believing in the inevitability of civil unrest or the collapse of governments. This is a far cry from the concerns of everyday Canadians struggling with the cost of living or the impacts of government policies.

Even more concerning is the presence of symbols associated with the Diagolon network, which RCMP views as a militia-like organization. Poilievre’s team attempted to distance themselves, claiming ignorance of these symbols, but the optics of a political leader aligning himself with individuals displaying such affiliations are deeply troubling.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rightly pointed out the risks of Poilievre’s actions, accusing him of welcoming “the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists.” This is not just a political jab; it’s a valid concern about the kind of leadership Poilievre represents and the implications of normalizing extremist associations in Canadian politics.

Poilievre’s response, dismissing these criticisms and asserting that he simply opposes the carbon tax, is inadequate. Aspiring leaders have a responsibility not only to oppose policies but also to denounce extremism in all its forms. By failing to do so, Poilievre sends a dangerous message that pandering to extremist sentiments is acceptable in the pursuit of political gain.

Opinion: Pierre Poilievre is courting support from groups that spew hate. Is this really the alternative to Justin Trudeau we want?

February 8, 2022

The Conservative Party, under Poilievre’s leadership, should reflect deeply on the kind of political culture they want to foster. In a diverse and inclusive society like Canada, there is no room for flirtations with extremism or pandering to fringe groups. Political leaders must uphold principles of unity and tolerance, demonstrating through their actions that they represent all Canadians, not just a select few.

The risk of normalizing extremist rhetoric and affiliations is not just a matter of political strategy; it’s a threat to the fabric of our democracy. Poilievre’s eagerness to embrace these protesters without acknowledging the broader context of their affiliations raises serious doubts about his judgment and priorities.

As Canadians, we must demand better from our political leaders. It’s not enough to oppose policies; we must also reject the dangerous narratives that seek to divide us and undermine the values that define our nation. Pierre Poilievre’s actions should serve as a wake-up call for all Canadians who cherish unity, tolerance, and the fundamental principles of democracy. (AI)

 

Friday May 20, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 20, 2022

Don’t look now, but conservatives are developing a culture of cancelling their own

Jason Kenney Cartoon Gallery

Jason Kenney was ousted by the Alberta United Conservative Party he created. Ed Fast was pushed out of his post as federal Conservative finance critic for suggesting it might hurt Canada’s financial credibility if political leaders such as Pierre Poilievre attack the independence of the Bank of Canada by promising to fire the Governor. That came a few months after Erin O’Toole was dumped as leader.

It sure seems like conservatives in Canada are turning their parties into meat grinders that are churning their own into pieces.

Oh, there are always reasons, from Mr. Kenney’s haughty disconnect to Mr. Fast’s daring to criticize a leadership contender to Mr. O’Toole’s identity flip-flops.

But while there have always been squabbles inside the conservative tent, more people are being cast out of it now – and more quickly. Say, what do you call a political culture where people keep getting cancelled?

Thursday February 21, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 21, 2019

Pro-pipeline protestors arrive in Ottawa from Alberta, as political attention remains focused on Quebec

December 13, 2018

A convoy of oil workers arrived in Ottawa on Tuesday to deliver a message to the Liberal government about the province’s desperate need for more pipelines. Perhaps fittingly, however, the government’s focus was instead trained on Alberta’s deepest political foe: Quebec.

The long line of semi-trucks sat idling on Wellington Street in Ottawa, blocking off the street that passes in front of Parliament as part of a protest by United We Roll, a pro-industry group.

The Ottawa rally marked the final destination for the convoy, which started its journey in Alberta four days ago. Semi trucks were hitched to trailers emblazoned with calls to “build the pipeline” and “kill” Bill C-69, the Liberals’ environmental assessment reforms. Bearded men in fluorescent vests exhaled thick clouds into the cold air and yelled for Ottawa to “open your eyes” to industry struggles.

December 20, 2018

But, as if drawing directly from Alberta’s deepest political suspicions, MPs were instead focused on Quebec for much of the day, and the ongoing furor over allegations that the Prime Minister’s Office pressured the attorney general to help Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin avoid prosecution on corruption charges. The minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, has quit cabinet and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s principal secretary has resigned.

Haley Wile, a co-founder of United We Roll, brushed off suggestions that the SNC-Lavalin affair was sucking up political oxygen in Ottawa and distracting media from the rally.

Rally organizers said they plan to ask several cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister’s Office, for meetings to discuss energy policy and Alberta’s pipeline woes. No Liberal MPs attended the rally, though Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier both delivered remarks.

Howdy Doodie Andy Scheer

“I didn’t think Justin Trudeau was going to come down and say ‘Let’s get this pipeline built,’” Wile said.

One bright green placard on Tuesday read: “Hey Trudeau, if SNC was in Alberta would you build us a pipeline?” Another read: “Build pipelines, let Jody speak.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s Office said it would not meet with organizers of United We Roll.

“We will always support the right of Canadians to be heard, but it is essential that their message not be co-opted by those who spew racist and divisive language,” it said.

Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi on Tuesday said it was “very unfortunate” that the message from the convoy has “drifted from pipelines to issues that are not relevant to the discussion on pipelines.” (Source: National Post) 

 

Thursday September 10, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Thursday September 10, 2015 Half of one Toronto schoolÕs students kept home to protest new sex-ed Parents in one Toronto community have made good on their threat to keep their children at home on the first day of school to protest the provinceÕs new sex-ed curriculum, which they say is not age appropriate. At Thorncliffe Park, where nearly all of its Grade 1 to 5 students were pulled from class during a protest staged by parents in the spring, almost half of the schoolÕs population was absent Tuesday, said a spokesman for the Toronto District School Board. Julie Lalonde was stalked by an ex-boyfriend for years. One note he left read: ÒI will always love you, you have no choice.Ó Complaints from parents have ranged from a lack of consultation with them to not wanting their kids to be taught about same-sex relationships and different gender identities. Education Minister Liz Sandals urged parents who are opposed to the curriculum to first talk to teachers and principals because there is Òa lot of misinformationÓ being circulated, but each school board does have a policy on withdrawing students from particular classes. However, she said, the majority of the feedback she has received has been positive. ÒI have never in my life been just stopped on the street by strangers so often (who) said, ÔThank you for doing this. Hang in there. We want this program.ÒÕ Premier Kathleen Wynne said in addition to thousands of school council chairs, 70 health organizations and parent groups were consulted in crafting the new curriculum, which had not been updated since 1998. ÒThis is the most widely consulted upon curriculum in the history of the province,Ó she said Tuesday. ÒWhen we write curriculum...on geography or social studies or mathematics, that kind of consultation does not happen because thatÕs not how curriculum has been historically written in the province. We felt there was a need to have a broader

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 10, 2015

Half of one Toronto school’s students kept home to protest new sex-ed

Parents in one Toronto community have made good on their threat to keep their children at home on the first day of school to protest the province’s new sex-ed curriculum, which they say is not age appropriate.

Thursday, February 26, 2015At Thorncliffe Park, where nearly all of its Grade 1 to 5 students were pulled from class during a protest staged by parents in the spring, almost half of the school’s population was absent Tuesday, said a spokesman for the Toronto District School Board.

Julie Lalonde was stalked by an ex-boyfriend for years. One note he left read: “I will always love you, you have no choice.”

Complaints from parents have ranged from a lack of consultation with them to not wanting their kids to be taught about same-sex relationships and different gender identities.

Education Minister Liz Sandals urged parents who are opposed to the curriculum to first talk to teachers and principals because there is “a lot of misinformation” being circulated, but each school board does have a policy on withdrawing students from particular classes.

However, she said, the majority of the feedback she has received has been positive.

“I have never in my life been just stopped on the street by strangers so often (who) said, ‘Thank you for doing this. Hang in there. We want this program.“’

Premier Kathleen Wynne said in addition to thousands of school council chairs, 70 health organizations and parent groups were consulted in crafting the new curriculum, which had not been updated since 1998.

“This is the most widely consulted upon curriculum in the history of the province,” she said Tuesday.

“When we write curriculum…on geography or social studies or mathematics, that kind of consultation does not happen because that’s not how curriculum has been historically written in the province. We felt there was a need to have a broader consultation with parents on this curriculum.”

Progressive Conservative MPP Monte McNaughton, who has been a staunch opponent of the curriculum, is urging Wynne to shelve the document and start over by consulting parents.

The party’s new leader, Patrick Brown, notably did not broach the issue in his statement marking the first day of school. He said last week he wants to “make sure parents have a say on how much and when.”

In the spring Sandals suggested Conservative groups were behind some of the opposition and now there are Conservative candidates campaigning in the federal election on sex-ed opposition.

“If there’s one group of people we admit we have not consulted with in a thorough sort of way, it would be federal Conservative candidates, I admit,” she said. (Source: Globe & Mail)