Front Burner

‘Queen of Canada’ cult leader arrested

Sep 5, 2025
Rachel Browne, an investigative journalist and documentary maker, dives into the recent arrests of Romana Didulo, the 'Queen of Canada,' and her followers in Richmound, Saskatchewan. She discusses the profound impact of the cult on the small town, sparking protests and community divisions. Browne also explores the allure of charismatic figures during times of uncertainty and how conspiracy theories complicate trust among locals. The chilling effects of cult influence on civic values and the lives of residents are laid bare.
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INSIGHT

Dawn Raid And Seized Items

  • RCMP executed a dawn raid on the decommissioned Richemount school and arrested 16 people, including Romana Didulo, under a search warrant related to firearms.
  • Authorities later reported 13 imitation semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, and seized many electronic devices.
INSIGHT

Leader Fills A QAnon Vacuum

  • Romana Didulo styled herself as the 'Queen of Canada' by filling a QAnon-shaped leadership vacuum during the pandemic.
  • Her movement mixes QAnon, anti-vaccine, and sovereign-citizen ideas into a unique ideology.
INSIGHT

Decrees Led To Real Harm

  • Didulo issued royal decrees telling followers not to pay taxes or bills, prompting real financial harm.
  • Followers lost utilities, cars, and homes yet often remained devoted to her.
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