CSIS expects gender-based violence to continue, mentions UW stabbing as factor
Posted Feb 15, 2024 11:47:00 AM.
Last Updated Feb 15, 2024 11:47:04 AM.
Canada’s intelligence agency pointed to last summer’s University of Waterloo attack as part of it’s expectation that gender-based violence will continue in the country.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) provided a statement to CityNews 570 saying that violent threats from the anti-gender movement are “almost certain to continue” over the coming year after examining a document from the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC).
ITAC monitors terrorism threats to Canadians, and assesses intelligence, information, and events on a daily basis to determine impact on Canada’s National Terrorism and Threat Level.
The comments come as other provinces weigh in on the Alberta government’s intention to implement limits to gender-affirming care.
CSIS stated violent rhetoric within the anti-gender movement doesn’t necessarily lead to violence on it’s own. However, when paired with extreme worldviews, “serious violence” can occur.
CSIS added that incidents like the attack on a gender studies class at the University of Waterloo could inspire other violent actors to carry out new attacks against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Last summer’s attack at the university sent a professor and two students to the hospital. The student accused is facing 11 terrorism charges.
You can read the full statement from CSIS below:
The Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) is constantly monitoring and assessing terrorism threats to Canadians, Canada and Canadian interest worldwide. This includes terrorism threats to Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community. ITAC assesses threats by monitoring threat actor intent, capability and opportunity to forecast the likelihood of an act of terrorism – defined as serious violence to achieve political, ideological or religious objectives.
ITAC assesses intelligence, information, and events on a daily basis to determine any impacts on Canada’s National Terrorism and Threat Level (NTTL). Canada’s NTTL is a tool that government officials, including law enforcement agencies, may use to identify risks and vulnerabilities from threats, and in turn, determine what responses may be needed to prevent or mitigate a violent act of terrorism in Canada.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is mandated to investigate threats to the security of our country, advise the Government of Canada, and take measures to reduce these threats. CSIS coordinates its investigative activities and shares information where legally appropriate with all relevant partners.
CSIS assesses that the violent threat posed by the anti-gender movement is almost certain to continue over the coming year and that violent actors may be inspired by the University of Waterloo attack to carry out their own extreme violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community or against other targets they view as representing the gender ideology “agenda.”
While violent rhetoric itself does not equate or often lead to violence, the ecosystem of violent rhetoric within the anti-gender movement, compounded with other extreme worldviews, can lead to serious violence. CSIS assesses that exposure to groups and individuals espousing anti-gender extremist rhetoric could inspire and encourage serious violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community, or against those who are viewed as supporters of pro-gender ideology policies and events.
