Woolwich man arrested for alleged death threats to local MP
Woolwich man arrested for alleged death threats to local MP
Waterloo regional police allege a man threatened death against a local member of parliament.
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) General Investigations Unit have charged a 44-year-old Woolwich man with uttering threats to cause death.
Regional police were contacted by the office of a local MP Thursday reporting online threats against them. As a result of the investigation, police located, arrested and charged a man from Woolwich Township Friday.
At this point, CTV News cannot confirm which MP the threats are believed to have targeted.
Former Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and CTV Public Safety Analyst Chris Lewis says threats like these aren’t uncommon, adding that online harassment, hate and threats toward politicians has been going on for decades.
"Back when I was commissioner, we started a unit then because of an increase of threats against provincial members of parliament," said Lewis."We put a unit together actually providing security in certain instances and to investigate threats and keep intelligence database on that so all that will be occurring as we speak."
He adds that, while the particular incident was handled appropriately by local police, it poses a concern, as there has been a noticeable uptick of threats and intimidating incidents in Ontario
"It's always been an issue, it's just until the last several years [there’s been] a lot of it because of some of the right wing and left wing extremists out there on the other side of border,” said Lewis. “A lot of that has bled into Canada and in fact, it has increased."
CTV News reached out to local MP’s in the area, but received no responses except for Kitchener Centre MP Mike Morrice.
While he was not involved in the incident, in a statement he says in part, “I’m really concerned by this, and my thoughts are with the MP and their family. As these incidents increase, I think it underscores the importance of all political parties turning down divisive rhetoric that whips up anger, focusing instead on respectful dialogue and a search for common ground.”
Police say it’s important for local MP’s to continue to have a long-established protocol when meeting with constituents or setting up gatherings in public spaces.
Regional police are advising members of parliament to assess their offices and encourage them to install alarms, camera and other security measures as necessary.
As Joe Biden makes his first trip to Canada as president of the United States, CTVNews.ca is offering live coverage of the leader's visit. Follow our live blog on CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app for the latest updates.
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
Notable people will be in attendance at Friday’s gala dinner with U.S. President Joe Biden, hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, including former prime ministers and celebrities.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
The United States' first lady was given a sweeping introduction to Canadian sports culture in Ottawa today as Sophie Gregoire Trudeau took Jill Biden to the curling rink.
W5 investigates aging asbestos pipes across Canada and the potential health hazards if it ends up in your tap water. Watch W5's 'Something in the Water' Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
Short-term rental company Airbnb says it will pull listings that don't have a proper permit from the Quebec government. The San Francisco-based company made the announcement eight days after a fatal fire destroyed an Old Montreal building that housed illegal rentals.
An Ontario couple has filed a request with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) to appoint a new police force to investigate the death of their 17-year-old son Benjamin, who died during a hockey team-bonding event in September 2019.
A London man was arrested early Friday morning after being spotted throwing a cinder block through the front door of a restaurant, according to police.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
An astrophotographer from southern Ontario captured Thursday night’s display of the Aurora Borealis and has offered some tips and tricks for catching a glimpse of them yourself tonight.
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
Security footage from a Hamilton beauty salon shows the moment in which an esthetician was allegedly attacked by a client after a disagreement over services.
Short-term rental company Airbnb says it will pull listings that don't have a proper permit from the Quebec government. The San Francisco-based company made the announcement eight days after a fatal fire destroyed an Old Montreal building that housed illegal rentals.
Canada and the United States are negotiating a deal that could see asylum seekers turned back at irregular border crossings across the border, including Roxham Road in Quebec.
For the first time, the owner of a building in Old Montreal has responded to questions about the fire — through his lawyer — addressing allegations that the building was unsafe.
Housing advocates in Nova Scotia say the provincial budget neglects people struggling with affordability and those on the edge of experiencing homelessness.
A Manitoba First Nation is enacting measures to combat an ongoing drug and addiction crisis while also calling on the federal and provincial governments to do more to address drug-related deaths within northern remote Indigenous communities.
Manitoba’s labour force is growing at a rate to supply enough workers for available positions into 2026, according to the province’s labour market outlook.
Calgary police have released photos of a man and vehicle believed to be involved in a case of road rage last month that left the victim with substantial injuries.
The Calgary Police Service confirms charges have been laid against a driver in connection with Thursday's crash of a semi-truck into the 32nd Avenue N.E. overpass along Deerfoot Trail.
A tuition increase of 5.5 per cent for domestic students and international students who were admitted before the start of the 2020 academic year was approved by the University of Alberta Friday morning.
The City of Vancouver has asked a group of volunteers keeping vigil over a temporary residential school memorial at the Vancouver Art Gallery to remove the tribute.
