Canada’s Spy Agency Exposes Freedom Movement’s Resistance
A newly released assessment from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reveals that the anti-COVID-19 health measures collective has transformed into a movement challenging what they perceive as government overreach. The CSIS analytical brief traces the evolution of the Freedom movement, which gained momentum after the large-scale protests in early 2022 that disrupted Ottawa and Canada-U.S. border points.
Initially, the protests were sparked by opposition to COVID-19 health restrictions, including lockdowns and vaccine mandates. However, the gathering quickly attracted individuals with various grievances against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government. In response, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act two years ago, granting temporary measures to restrict public assemblies and freeze assets.
The Canadian Press acquired the CSIS brief, Defining the ‘Freedom’ Movement, and related assessments through the Access to Information Act. CSIS states that while a movement may harbor extreme views, only a small portion may be willing to engage in serious violence. The intelligence service emphasizes that it does not investigate lawful protests unless they are associated with threat-related activities.
As public health measures eased in early 2022, CSIS noticed a broadening of grievances among individuals who identified as members of the Freedom movement. This shift was evident in the continued presence of flag-waving protesters around Parliament Buildings and on highway overpasses.
According to the CSIS analysis, the Freedom movement is rooted in narratives against public health measures, globalization, pharmaceutical companies, and alleged government infringement on personal liberties. Additionally, the movement opposes LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, international control over Canada, communism, and the concept of 15-minute cities.
CSIS is examining the potential of these narratives to incite disruption and violence. Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, explains that CSIS believes these grievances could push individuals towards violence.
CSIS defines an ideologically motivated violent extremist movement as a loosely organized collection of individuals connected through virtual and offline networks who share a distinct identity. These movements oppose specific adversaries and aim to carry out, resist, or undo social change. The movement does not have a formal leader but is guided by its participants in a spontaneous fashion, according to CSIS.
In conclusion, the Freedom movement in Canada has evolved beyond its initial opposition to COVID-19 health measures and is now challenging perceived government overreach. CSIS is closely monitoring the movement due to concerns over potential disruption and violence.