Newly-elected Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is bringing attention to rape threats made about his wife by far-right extremist Jeremy McKenzie, referring the matter to the RCMP.
Poilievre on Monday posted a written statement on his Twitter account about lewd comments made by McKenzie, the founder of far-right group Diagolon about sexually assaulting his wife, Anaida Poilievre. “People can attack my politics, they can call me names, they can protest my ideas and what I stand for. But threatening my wife and family is appalling and I will not tolerate it,” the Conservative leader said, adding that RCMP will be looking into the matter to determine if criminal charges should be laid.
In a livestream video circulating on social media, McKenzie, along with Morgan May— presumably a Diagolon member— jokingly mused about raping Poilievre’s wife. “These men are dirtbags.” said Poilievre. This kind of garbage has no place in Canada. No one should face this abuse.” Last month, McKenzie attended one of Poilievre’s Conservative rallies, even taking a photograph of a handshake with the official opposition leader.
The photograph ended up attracting criticism on social media, prompting Poilievre to issue a statement at the time saying he didn’t recognize the Diagolon leader and that it was “impossible” to conduct background checks on all event attendees. According to a Press Progress report published in August, Canada’s Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre classified Mckenzie as a “key anti-government IMVE ((ideologically motivated violent extremism) adherents” that took part in the Freedom Convoy protests earlier this year. McKenzie also faces charges of assault, pointing a firearm, use of a restricted weapon, and mischief in Saskatchewan related to a November incident in the town of Viscount.
“There is currently a Saskatchewan-wide warrant for Mackenzie’s arrest,” RCMP said in a press release on July 18, when he was charged. “At this time there is no evidence he is in Saskatchewan. Provincial Crown Prosecution is currently reviewing to determine if the warrant will be extended beyond provincial borders.” McKenzie is a resident of Nova Scotia, where he also faces weapons charges after RCMP searched his residence and found restricted firearms, ammunition, prohibited magazines, and body armour. In addition, Diagolon was also connected to conspiracy to commit murder charges laid against four individuals during the Coutts, Alberta border blockades.
Information for this briefing was found via Twitter and the Canadian Press. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
