A new report that finds a disproportionate number of extremist movements in Alberta should raise alarm bells, including with the new Jason Kenney United Conservative Party government.
Prepared by the Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV), the Extremism and Hate Motivated Violence in Alberta report was prepared following interviews with law enforcement members from the RCMP and other police services in the province, as well as other stakeholders.
“What our research (shows) is that there is a diversity of threats out there related to violent extremism, and there are many different ideologies that can create this problem,” OVP executive director John McCoy, a University of Alberta professor, reportedly said.
The study found that there are about 600 to 700 Albertans who consider themselves to be part of patriot and militia groups.
“Those groups are motivated primarily by xenophobia and anti-government views. Some engage in survivalist activities like prepping and firearms training. Some take part in ostensible charity activities, as well as street patrols that primarily target visible minority, newcomer and refugee communities – Muslims in particular.”
The study also identified activities by white supremacist, anti-authority, and left-wing extremist groups in the province.
The report says increased awareness, training and resources are required to combat the activities of those extremist groups.
While the activities of hate groups are thankfully far less common in Alberta than in some other jurisdictions, such as in some U.S. areas, the findings of this report should prompt action.
Specifically, the new UCP government should take a lead in combatting hate groups – and that can be done by providing the necessary resources to those fighting hate and also by having government ministers and other MLAs speaking out loudly against those groups.
The newly-elected United Conservative Party government headed by Jason Kenney no doubt has a lot on its plate moving forward. Nonetheless, one of its top priorities will hopefully be ensuring that those who promote hate and intolerance know full well that they are not welcome in Alberta.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
