The Backbench

Politics and Violent Threats: It’s Getting Worse


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Harassment of MPs has risen around 800% in the past five years. One-off threats can so easily turn to real violence. Many leaders are calling it quits — saying it’s just too much.


What does that feel like for those in office? And for the team responsible for keeping these politicians safe? 


We get into it with MP Marco Mendicino, MP Pam Damoff and Senator Bernadette Clement. We also speak with Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis. 


We want to hear from YOU! Fill out our quick survey to tell us what you think of the show, what you’re enjoying, and what you want more of. Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/t5n1dQxHjCs7uEMU6


Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Production Manager (Max Collins), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: MP Mendicino, MP Damoff, Senator Clement, Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis


Background reading:

  • Harassment of MPs spiked almost 800% in 5 years, says House sergeant-at-arms - CBC News
  • Former safety minister wants 'protective zones' for MPs' offices as threats increase - CBC News
  • Why Canadian Politics Is Still Unsafe For Female Politicians - Chatelaine


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