RCMP says internet posts can push people toward harmful extreme ideas. CTV
Authorities arrested four people in Quebec after they allegedly tried to form an anti-government militia and take over land near Quebec City. Police say two of those arrested serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Officials believe the group was planning violence based on extreme political beliefs.
Extremism Growing Online
The RCMP warns that online radicalization plays a big role in cases like this. “Most recruiting and radicalization happens online,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Camille Habel. “The internet has no boundaries.” She said people can fall into dangerous ideologies without warning.
Weapons and Explosives Found
In January, police searched homes in the Quebec City area. They found 83 guns, 16 explosive devices, thousands of bullets, night vision goggles, and military gear. The RCMP said the arrests happened because the accused were close to carrying out their plans.
Terrorism Expert Speaks Out
Jessica Davis, a former intelligence analyst, explained that most terrorist attacks in Canada over the past 20 years were not religious in nature. “We’re talking about anti-government and other hateful ideologies,” she said. However, only 20% of arrests involved this type of extremism. She said more needs to be done to stop these threats early.
Military Under Scrutiny
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed that two of the arrested people are active-duty members. In a statement, the military said they forbid any involvement in hate groups or criminal activity. They also said military police helped with the RCMP investigation and would continue to support it.
Jessica Davis said there is concern that extremist ideas may be quietly spreading in the military. She pointed to a recent case where a private military Facebook group was found sharing racist and hateful content. “I don’t think the military fully understands the size of the problem,” she said. Davis called for more research and transparency to help tackle extremism from within.
RCMP Calls Investigation a Big Success
Staff Sgt. Habel called the arrests “a big win” after more than two years of investigation. She said it’s not easy to investigate violent ideologies, but this case shows that the system can work. “It’s something we’re very proud and happy about,” she added.
Davis agreed that it’s a positive outcome. “There hasn’t been a completed attack in recent years, and that’s good news,” she said. She added that arrests mean police and intelligence services are doing their jobs well. But she warned that some level of extremist activity will always exist in open societies like Canada.
