Ottawa open to further action on ‘incels’ after Montreal shooting: minister

Canada's federal government is prepared to consider additional measures to combat "incel" ideology if the ongoing investigation into a deadly shooting in Montreal reveals ways to improve existing laws. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the government will review and act on specific measures related to "incels" and other forms of hate that appear to have motivated the attack.

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As the investigation unfolds, information will come to light and based on that, of course, we will review and look at specific things that we need to do around ‘incels’ as well as the other aspects of hate that appears to be the motivation.

The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Seth Scott Hatfield, allegedly left behind a 104-page manifesto. Experts analyzing the document say it expresses intense hatred for women and society, blaming them for his lack of sexual and romantic intimacy, ideologies associated with the "incel," or involuntarily celibate, movement. The manifesto also reportedly called for violent revolution against powerful figures and companies.

Anandasangaree highlighted that the Liberal government has recently enacted several pieces of legislation aimed at combating crime. These include measures focused on anti-hate initiatives, stricter bail conditions, enhanced victims' rights, and expanded lawful access for law enforcement. Specifically, bills were passed to introduce tougher penalties for intimate partner violence and online harassment, such as the non-consensual sharing of sexualized deepfakes.

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We’ve done a fair bit of work. Of course, there’s more work to do.

The shooting occurred amid rising concerns from law enforcement, national security officials, and lawmakers about the increasing prevalence of anti-feminist ideologies and their potential to cause real-world harm. This incident is the latest tragedy linked to "incel" or anti-women ideologies, echoing past events like the 1989 Polytechnique massacre and the 2018 Toronto van attack, which claimed numerous female victims.

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The sense of safety and security needs to be restored, and we will continue to be with Montrealers as well as all Canadians in this very difficult moment.