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Decades after a PM got pied, the threat landscape in Canadian politics has changed

On August 16, 2000, while attending a farming event in Charlottetown, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was struck in the face by a cream-covered pie.
The 2000 pie incident illustrated Chrétien's tendency to 'not stay in the box,' meaning he often strayed from his security perimeter, exposing him to risks.
Since then, threats against Canadian politicians, especially Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have increased sharply, with documented threats rising from 40 in 2021 to 311 by 2024.
Experts like Chris Mathers note society has become more aggressive, and RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Catherine McKenna call for stronger laws and independent protective services to address these threats.
The surge in threats has led to heightened security measures, but officials emphasize that maintaining public access to politicians remains vital for democracy despite persistent risks.

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La Presse

Lean Left

Jean Chrétien's Training Has Changed the Canadian Political Scene

Twenty-five years ago, federal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien received a pie in his face while campaigning in Prince Edward Island.

1 day ago·Montreal, Canada

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Global News

Lean Left

Decades after a PM got pied, the threat landscape in Canadian politics has changed - National

Threats against Canadian politicians have surged, with 311 cases in 2024 alone, prompting urgent calls for stronger security amid rising political hostility and online abuse.

1 day ago·Toronto, Canada

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