"Ideologically motivated violent extremism threats such as anti-abortion groups"

Dear Mr. Marco Mendicino,

I was greatly disturbed by reading this article, in today's National Post. In particular regarding this paragraph:

CSIS breaks down IMVE into four categories of violence: xenophobic (like white supremacy, neonazis), anti-authority (anti-government, such as Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol), gender-driven (like Incels or violent misogyny) and “other grievance-driven” threats (such as violent environmental or anti-abortion groups).

Having been closely involved in the pro-life movement in Canada for over 14 years, and knowing many many many pro-life persons, I can assure you that pro-life people in Canada are one of the most peaceful prayerful and joyful groups of people you will ever meet. To single us out as a "threat" is not only totally untrue, it is extremely disrespectful to millions of Canadians. 

To label pro-life people as "Ideologically motivated violent extremism" and a "threat" is an insidious lie perpetuated by those who despise us for our beliefs that human life is precious from the moment of conception until natural death. This lie is subsequently repeated over and over again by politicians and the media.

Have you ever attended the annual March for Life where thousands and thousands of us peacefully March in Ottawa, and other Canadian cities? Or the annual 40 days for life vigils where we pray outside abortion clinics? Or the annual Life Chain where we quietly pray on street corners? If you have ever done so, I challenge you to tell all Canadians about what you witness there. There is never violent extremism and we are never a threat to anyone.

I can tell you though, that there are pro-choice people who are violent towards us. As Canada's top security agency have you investigated these people? If you haven't then I suggest you start. I guarantee you that if you reach out to the pro-life people whom you vilify and call violent extremists and a threat, you will uncover years of abuse, violence and extreme behaviour towards us.

The lies about pro-life people are so rampant that even our Prime Minister believes them. He has threatened to revoke charitable status to crisis pregnancy centres and other pro-life groups who he said in his 2019 election platform:

"In 2021, women’s rights should not be up for debate. Yet the Conservatives want to roll back abortion access.
Meanwhile, anti-choice organizations are actively working to spread misinformation about abortion, putting the health and safety of young people and vulnerable women at risk.

 

Provide up to $10 million to Health Canada to develop an easily accessible portal that provides accurate, judgement-free, and evidence-based information on sexual and reproductive health and rights, which will include a section that counters misinformation about abortion.

 

No longer provide charity status to anti-abortion organizations (for example, Crisis Pregnancy Centres) that provide dishonest counseling to women about their rights and about the options available to them at all stages of the pregnancy." (emphasis added)

The Prime Minister has yet to produce any evidence regarding his smears about this "misinformation about abortion" and "dishonest counseling to women". That is because he has no evidence. This is just one more example of the lies perpetuated by people who do not believe what we believe.

So please Mr. Mendicino, either remove pro-life people from your definition of threats of violent extremism, or tell us where we have been violently extreme. You, the media, politicians, and the government--may not like what we stand for. That is your prerogative. But please don't lump us in with white supremacist and neonazis because you don't like us.

Sincerely,

Patricia Maloney