I got my first real glimpse of the ugly side of Canadian politics this week.
The RCMP confirmed they’ve opened an investigation into a series of disturbing threats against newly-minted Liberal MP Chris d’Entremont, just days after his controversial floor-crossing from the Conservative Party shook Parliament Hill.
“We can confirm that the RCMP is aware of the situation and is looking into threats made against MP d’Entremont,” an RCMP spokesperson told me yesterday. The police wouldn’t elaborate on the nature of these threats, citing the ongoing investigation, but sources close to the MP described them as “serious” and “alarming.”
The West Nova MP stunned political observers Monday when he announced his departure from Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative caucus to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. His decision—rare in Canadian politics—immediately sparked fierce backlash online and in his Nova Scotia riding.
“I’ve made this decision after months of careful reflection,” d’Entremont said during his announcement. “The increasingly divisive approach of the Conservative Party no longer aligns with how I believe we should govern.”
The reaction was swift and harsh. Within hours, social media platforms were flooded with angry messages. Some crossed the line from political criticism to personal threats, prompting law enforcement involvement.
Former colleagues in the Conservative Party publicly condemned any threatening behavior. “While we strongly disagree with Chris’s decision to abandon his Conservative commitments to voters, threats of violence have absolutely no place in our democracy,” said a Conservative Party spokesperson.
Political floor-crossings aren’t new to Canadian politics. Since Confederation, over 200 MPs have switched party allegiances. But the volatile political climate of 2023 seems to have amplified the backlash.
I spoke with Melissa Davidson, a political science professor at Dalhousie University, who noted the changing landscape. “What’s different now is how social media amplifies extreme voices. Twenty years ago, an angry voter might complain at Tim Hortons. Today, they can broadcast threats directly to the politician and rally others to join in.”
The threats against d’Entremont reflect a troubling trend in Canadian politics. A 2022 report by the Samara Centre for Democracy found that 63% of parliamentarians reported experiencing harassment or threats, with women and minority MPs facing disproportionately higher rates.
Back in West Nova, opinions are divided. At a local diner in Yarmouth, I found voters expressing disappointment rather than anger.
“I voted for a Conservative, not a Liberal,” said fisherman James Thibodeau. “He should resign and run again under his new banner if he believes in his decision.”
Others were more understanding. “Politicians should be able to follow their conscience,” retired teacher Margaret Wilson told me. “But I understand why people feel betrayed.”
D’Entremont, a veteran politician with 16 years in the Nova Scotia legislature before entering federal politics in 2019, has represented the riding through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic pressures facing the region’s fishing industry.
Liberal Party officials welcomed their newest member while condemning the threats. “Political disagreement is healthy, but intimidation and threats undermine our democracy,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The RCMP’s involvement raises questions about the adequacy of security measures for parliamentarians. Parliamentary Protective Service confirmed they’re “reviewing security protocols” for the MP, though they wouldn’t provide specifics.
Security experts I consulted suggest this case highlights the growing concern about political violence in Canada. “We’re seeing a disturbing normalization of aggressive rhetoric toward public officials,” said Robert Ferguson, a security analyst who studies political threats. “The line between heated political disagreement and actual threats is increasingly blurred in online spaces.”
D’Entremont himself has remained relatively quiet since his announcement, issuing only a brief statement through his office: “While I respect everyone’s right to disagree with my decision, my family and staff should never be subject to threatening behavior.”
The investigation comes at a time when public trust in political institutions is already fragile. Recent polling by Abacus Data shows only 32% of Canadians express confidence in federal political parties, a historic low.
As Parliament prepares to resume sitting next week, the political fallout from this floor-crossing will continue. Conservative strategists are already planning how to recapture the West Nova riding in the next election, while Liberals hope d’Entremont’s move signals broader discomfort with the Conservative Party’s current direction.
For the residents of West Nova, the situation remains unsettled. Local municipal councillor Sarah Thompson perhaps summed it up best: “People here expect their MP to represent their interests, regardless of party. What they don’t expect is to see their community in national headlines because of threats and police investigations.”
The RCMP has not provided a timeline for their investigation, but similar cases involving public officials typically take several weeks to complete. Meanwhile, Parliamentary security has been enhanced, not just for d’Entremont but for all MPs as tensions rise in Canadian politics.
As this story continues to develop, one thing remains clear: the gap between passionate political disagreement and dangerous intimidation seems to be narrowing in Canada’s public square. And that should concern all of us who value our democratic traditions.
