Parliament Hill security tightened after Singh's confrontation — one MP says it's not enough
Pam Damoff says she fears someone will be 'seriously injured'
The service responsible for maintaining security on Parliament Hill has significantly increased its efforts following a confrontation between NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and protesters. However, Liberal MP Pam Damoff believes the measures are still insufficient.
In a letter to Sergeant-at-Arms Patrick McDonnell, Damoff, who serves as parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs for consular affairs, requested further security enhancements.
"I feel unsafe, and I am worried that someone is going to be seriously injured," Damoff wrote in the letter, which was obtained by CBC News.
She pointed out that harassment toward parliamentarians and staff is on the rise and current security measures are not adequate. Damoff referred to the House of Commons' workplace harassment and violence policy, which mandates a work environment free from harassment and violence for all members, employees, and administration.
Damoff suggested that officers from the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) should physically protect parliamentarians by forming a barrier between them and hostile individuals.
Since the House of Commons resumed on Monday, anti-government protesters have been gathering daily in the Parliamentary precinct, particularly on Wellington Street, where MPs enter West Block. On Tuesday, two protesters confronted Singh, with one calling him a "corrupted bastard." The altercation occurred just outside West Block while PPS officers observed.
The PPS stated it is aware of the situation and is actively monitoring threats and incidents. It confirmed it has "significantly adjusted its security posture on Parliament Hill and within the Parliamentary Precinct" and is prepared to intervene as needed.
On Wednesday, PPS officers were seen escorting MPs across Wellington Street and conducting thorough checks of Hill passes before allowing access to West Block. Just before question period, an officer chased an individual who had bypassed security while wearing headphones.
In her letter, Damoff acknowledged the increased presence of PPS officers but argued that MPs should not be exposed to high-risk situations where they must navigate through aggressive protesters to reach their workplace. She also rejected the suggestion that parliamentarians use alternate access routes to Parliament Hill, calling it unacceptable.
Damoff expressed concerns about the vulnerability of MPs on the street, pointing out that while visitors to Parliament must go through rigorous security screenings, MPs face significant risks outside.
The PPS, an independent law enforcement agency, is responsible for security on Parliament Hill. However, Wellington Street falls outside its jurisdiction, where the RCMP oversees the protection of Canadian dignitaries. The RCMP has reported that requests for security from MPs have doubled over the past five years.
Damoff cited increasing harassment, threats, and misogyny as her reasons for not seeking re-election and leaving politics.
NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice called for increased security for federal party leaders and ministers, emphasizing the need to balance protest rights with ensuring safety.
"I want Parliament to be the people's place as well," Boulerice said. "We are in a democracy. We want openness."
Conservative MP John Williamson defended the right of demonstrators to remain on Wellington Street, stating, "It's their right to be there."