The Big Story In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, examining the Canadian perspective on political violence
Sep 16, 2025
In this insightful discussion, freelance journalist Justin Ling explores the unsettling rise of political violence in Canada and its parallels with the U.S. He highlights the historical reluctance in Canada to acknowledge such violence, yet warns of growing concerns fueled by social media. Ling critiques 'salad bar extremism' and calls for robust dialogue to navigate polarization. He stresses the need for political leaders to confront intimidation and promote healthier discourse, advocating for a shift back to traditional communication methods to bridge divides.
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Canada's Limited Appetite For Political Violence
- Canada currently shows very little public appetite for political violence compared with the U.S. despite having seen notable attacks and threats in recent years.
- Watching U.S. deterioration gives Canadians clarity and a desire to avoid mirroring that path.
The Rise Of 'Salad Bar' Extremism
- Recent attacks have shifted from ideologically pure motives to 'salad bar extremism', where violent actors mix contradictory beliefs or pursue violence for notoriety.
- This trend complicates prevention because radical motives no longer fit simple left/right labels.
Insulated Online Spaces Drive Radical Views
- Online echo chambers create warped worldviews where violence can seem necessary or desirable to a few isolated actors.
- This radicalization happens mostly in insulated communities rather than from mainstream public rhetoric.