The Rise of Far-Right Racism in Canada: A Call for Accountability and Vigilance

The Canadian public has long held onto an image of their country as a beacon of tolerance, multiculturalism, and inclusion. Yet, beneath the surface of this idyllic narrative, far-right racist groups have been growing in influence, emboldened by shifting political winds, technological advancements, and societal upheavals. From historical controversies over monuments to Nazi collaborators to the modern resurgence of hate-fueled ideologies, Canada finds itself at a crossroads. It must address not only its historical blind spots but also the creeping normalization of far-right extremism within its borders.

the monument in question honors veterans of the SS 1st Galician Division, a Nazi-linked monument, which Duncan Kinney allegedly defaced. 

The Nazi Monument Controversy: A Reflection of Canada’s Troubled History

The recent criminal charges against journalist Duncan Kinney for allegedly defacing Nazi-linked monuments in Edmonton highlight the complexity of addressing historical injustice in Canada. One of the monuments in question honors veterans of the SS 1st Galician Division, a Ukrainian military unit that served under Nazi command during World War II. Another commemorates Roman Shukhevych, a nationalist implicated in atrocities against Jews and Poles. While these memorials were erected decades ago by immigrant communities, they now serve as flashpoints for broader debates about Canada’s handling of historical memory.

The decision by Edmonton police and Crown prosecutors to treat these monuments as “war memorials” protected under Canadian law has drawn sharp criticism. Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier, has pointed out that such legal interpretations fail to account for the war crimes committed by the individuals being memorialized. The case has also reignited scrutiny of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s familial connection to one of the SS monument’s fundraisers, Michael Chomiak, her grandfather and a former Nazi propagandist.

This legal and political mishandling underscores a troubling pattern: Canada’s reluctance to fully confront its complicity in harboring Nazi collaborators after World War II. While the government has made significant strides in acknowledging its role, such as issuing public apologies, recent incidents—like the standing ovation for a 99-year-old Nazi veteran in Parliament—reveal that the past continues to haunt the present.

Far-Right Extremism in the Modern Era: A Growing Threat

The far-right’s resurgence in Canada is not limited to historical debates. Over the past decade, these groups have moved from the fringes to the public arena, leveraging social media, political polarization, and global trends to amplify their message. The COVID-19 pandemic provided fertile ground for these movements, as frustrations over public health measures were co-opted by extremists to recruit members, spread disinformation, and organize mass protests.

The 2022 Freedom Convoy protests epitomized this convergence of grievances. What began as opposition to vaccine mandates quickly devolved into a platform for far-right ideologies, with Confederate flags, swastikas, and racist rhetoric prominently displayed. The occupation of Ottawa and blockades at border crossings highlighted not only the disruptive potential of these groups but also the Canadian government’s lack of preparedness to address them.

The Role of Technology and Media

One of the most significant factors in the far-right’s growth has been the strategic use of technology. Social media platforms have provided extremists with tools to disseminate propaganda, recruit followers, and coordinate activities. Movements like Pegida Canada, Soldiers of Odin, and La Meute have used these platforms to mainstream their messages, often cloaking racist ideologies in the guise of “free speech” or “patriotism.”

At the same time, mainstream media has played a role in normalizing far-right narratives by providing platforms to figures who espouse xenophobic views. The far-right’s skillful manipulation of public discourse has blurred the lines between legitimate political dissent and hate speech, making it increasingly difficult to hold these groups accountable.

A Government Slow to Respond

Despite the growing threat, Canada’s political and law enforcement institutions have been slow to respond. Until recently, the far-right was dismissed as a marginal phenomenon, with little attention paid to its organizational capacity or the harm it poses. The addition of groups like the Proud Boys and Atomwaffen Division to Canada’s list of terrorist entities in 2021 marked a turning point, but significant gaps remain in the government’s approach to combating domestic extremism.

The Freedom Convoy protests revealed the consequences of this inaction. The lack of preparedness, coupled with a failure to anticipate the far-right’s ability to mobilize, allowed the protests to escalate unchecked. This pattern of underestimation, evident in both the convoy protests and the legal treatment of Nazi-linked monuments, points to a broader issue: a reluctance to fully acknowledge and confront the far-right’s presence in Canada.

Holding the Far Right Accountable

To address the rise of far-right racism, Canada must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes education, legislation, and enforcement. Historical reckoning is a crucial first step. This means not only revisiting controversial monuments but also integrating the stories of those harmed by Nazi collaborators into the public narrative. Legal protections for hate speech and symbols must also be strengthened to prevent the glorification of individuals and groups responsible for atrocities.

Equally important is the need to invest in counter-extremism programs that address the root causes of radicalization. Economic inequality, social isolation, and disinformation are fertile ground for far-right ideologies to take hold. By addressing these issues, Canada can disrupt the far-right’s recruitment pipeline and build resilience against extremist narratives.

Finally, the government must recognize the importance of protecting journalists and activists who challenge hate. The prosecution of Duncan Kinney raises serious questions about the fairness of the legal system and its priorities. While vandalism is a crime, the context of his actions—calling attention to monuments that glorify Nazi collaborators—deserves consideration. A robust democracy must ensure that dissenting voices are not silenced, especially when they seek to expose historical and contemporary injustices.

Conclusion

The rise of far-right racist groups in Canada is not an isolated phenomenon. It is the result of historical complacency, political neglect, and the transformative power of technology. Addressing this issue requires more than condemnation; it demands a coordinated effort to confront the far-right’s roots, disrupt its networks, and hold its enablers accountable. Canada’s identity as a tolerant, inclusive society is at stake. Failing to act now risks allowing the forces of hate to shape the nation’s future.