Status of Women Committee on Feb. 10th, 2026

[Luc M.]

Very quickly, in terms of indicators, there are definitely some indicators we look for. These are not specific to anti-feminist ideology. They are much broader and extend to violent extremism writ large. They are really indicators of mobilization to violence.

It could be increasing rhetoric verging on violence on social media or amongst discussions with their friends and their groups. It could be the posting of certain types of documents that seem to indicate they're going towards violence. It could be the selling off of assets, etc. There are numerous indicators we could definitely go into, but I know you are pressed for time.

[Shaun Chen, Liberal, Scarborough North, ON]

I have one quick question.

When CSIS assesses a threat and it is deemed not to meet the threshold of national security, how do you work with partners across the country to make sure those threats are addressed accordingly?

[Witness-Témoin 1]

We have a framework to guide our interactions and our exchange of information with the police of jurisdiction. The framework [Technical difficulty—Editor] on a daily basis to ensure that there are no gaps.

[Shaun Chen, Liberal, Scarborough North, ON]

Okay.

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Ms. Larouche, you have the floor for six minutes.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

It's interesting to hear the perspective of Luc and Jean‑Pierre, who confirm that anti-feminist ideology is not a trivial matter and is taken seriously nonetheless.

I'd like to talk about possible solutions. The committee is seeking recommendations as to what we can do to better combat these movements. We heard from researchers from Université de Sherbrooke, David Morin and Marie‑Ève Carignan, who are very interested in violent extremism and radicalization. They came to talk to us about the lack of data on the anti-feminist movement.

Are you also concerned about the lack of data on this phenomenon? Would it be good to try to get more?

[Luc M.]

Thank you for the question.

As far as we're concerned, our mandate is focused on violent extremism, meaning violent attacks that result in death or significant bodily harm. Ultimately, we do look at the available data, but as a government representative, I don't have an answer for you regarding data on anti-feminism.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Do you have anything to add, Jean‑Pierre? Otherwise, I'll move on to my next question.

[Witness‑Témoin 1]

No, I have nothing to add.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

The two researchers, particularly Mr. Morin, discussed the intersectionality of these movements. We're talking about xenophobia, homophobia, racist ideas, colonialism and transphobia, among others.

Why is it concerning to see all these extremist movements interconnecting, and how do they add to the threat?

[Luc M.]

Thank you for the question.

We need to be careful when we say that the movements are all interconnected. It's true that intersectionality exists, but I don't think the movements are actively doing that. It's instead the individuals, their own desires, their own fears and their own beliefs that motivate them. They're the ones who will subscribe to different ideologies to support their own beliefs and grievances. That's what is important when we examine this issue, and that's what we're looking for.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

What legislative tools would help you intervene against these threats?

[Luc M.]

As for legislative tools, we use the current legislation. ITAC produces threat assessments that inform politicians and the government, so they can make informed decisions. As for decisions on new laws or new regulatory frameworks, I don't think ITAC or CSIS can give you an answer.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Okay.

New legislative measures could help you be more effective, but you can't provide an answer on that right now.

You talked about social networks. How is the research on the dark web going? We know that, on the dark web, groups are radicalizing and young men are making threatening statements while seeking the support of peers. Do you have all the legislative tools you need to intervene in that space?

[Witness‑Témoin 1]

I believe that Parliament is currently looking into proposals on the matter. The Department of Public Safety is probably in the best position to tell you the status of those proposals. Otherwise, we have all the necessary tools.

That said, given the increase in the threat and the number of individuals in Canada seeking to commit a terrorist attack, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to having more resources to counter these activities.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Can you provide us with more information on the additional resources that might be helpful to you?

[Witness‑Témoin 1]

We could have more staff.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

That means investments in public safety are needed, so there are more financial resources and therefore more human resources. Is that what you're implying?

[Witness‑Témoin 1]

Yes.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Thank you.

We're going to Ms. Cody for five minutes.

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you for coming here today and helping us by answering our questions.

For the record, does CSIS have a formal definition of anti-feminism or do you only assess the issues we're discussing under your IMVE category for gender-driven violence?

[Luc M.]

In terms of how we look at things and what we look at in particular at ITAC, it is really focused on if it's anti-feminist ideology, it has to be framed within the violent extremism context. It has to have an application of serious violence. It has to have an application towards...and by “serious violence” here, I mean lethal violence or violence intended to cause bodily harm.

It also has to have a desire for social change. When an individual is looking to conduct an attack, whether it's based on anti-feminist ideology or other ideologies, they are always looking to do a much broader thing. This is an attack which is the national security nexus that CSIS and ITAC look at.

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Okay.

We often speak of the online male commentators. If an online female commentator made similar antagonistic and hostile statements about men, would CSIS view that as falling within your gender-based extremist rhetoric?

[Witness-Témoin 1]

Irrelevant of the sex of the individual, we would investigate.

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Okay.

A CSIS report states that there is a link between general fatigue and frustration with COVID-19 social isolation and an increase in ideologically motivated violent extremism. Many teachers have expressed concerns that childhood has changed from this isolation.

Based on your assessment, does CSIS believe that the younger generation being forced online during those formative years contributed to increased vulnerability to online radicalization? Has that trend continued or worsened?