The Canadian military’s
struggle with hate and extremism is not new. For over 30 years, the
military has grappled with right-wing ideologies infiltrating its ranks.
By Fareed Khan
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have
long been a symbol of national pride, tasked with defending the nation and
upholding its values. Yet, recent events have exposed a deeply troubling
undercurrent within the ranks—the persistence of hate, racism, and extremism.
From soldiers charged with terrorism to others filmed giving Nazi salutes, these incidents reveal a systemic problem that demands urgent and more
aggressive action. The Department of National Defence (DND) must intensify its
efforts to eradicate these toxic elements, not only to restore public trust but
also to ensure the CAF reflects the diverse, inclusive Canada it serves.
In July 2025, the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP) arrested four men, including two active CAF members, Cpl. Marc-Aurèle Chabot and Cpl. Matthew Forbes, for allegedly plotting to form
an anti-government militia and seize land near Quebec City. The group had amassed an arsenal of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories,
approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly
130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment—the
largest weapons cache ever recovered in a Canadian terrorism case. The RCMP
labelled this plot as “ideologically motivated violent extremism,” highlighting the group’s military-style
training in shooting, ambush, and survival tactics.
This incident marks a chilling escalation, as it is reportedly the first time active CAF members have faced terrorism-related charges. Just weeks later, another scandal rocked the CAF when a video surfaced showing five Quebec-based soldiers allegedly performing Nazi salutes at a 2023 party. The Canadian Army suspended the soldiers and launched an investigation, with Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright condemning the behaviour as “completely unacceptable”. These incidents are not isolated. They follow a disturbing pattern of hateful conduct within the CAF, with 54 incidents reported in 2024—nearly double the 31 reported in 2023—according to the Hateful Conduct Incident Tracking System (HCITS).
The CAF’s struggle with hate and extremism is not new. For over 30 years, the military has grappled with right-wing ideologies infiltrating its ranks. In 1993, members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment tortured and killed 16-year-old Shidane Arone during a peacekeeping mission in what has come to be known as the “Somalia Affair”. An inquiry revealed neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan symbols displayed at CFB Petawawa, exposing a culture tolerant of white supremacy. More recently, former reservist Patrik Mathews was sentenced to nine years in a US prison in 2021 for his role in a neo-Nazi plot to incite a race war. These cases underscore a recurring issue—the CAF has been a fertile ground for white supremacy, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other hateful ideologies.
The dangers posed by extremism within the military are uniquely severe. Unlike civilians, CAF members receive extensive training in handling high-powered weapons and explosives, as evidenced by the Quebec militia plot. This expertise, combined with access to military resources, amplifies the threat to public safety. The Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel On Systemic Racism And Discrimination warned that extremist groups actively recruit military personnel to exploit their tactical skills, with groups like The Base encouraging members to enlist for training.
The CAF’s “brotherhood” culture, where loyalty to comrades often trumps accountability, further complicates efforts to root out these elements. Soldiers are reluctant to report peers, fostering a “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude that allows hateful conduct to fester.
The CAF’s diversity crisis exacerbates the problem. Canada’s population is increasingly diverse, yet the military struggles to attract and retain visible minorities, religious minorities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. A 2022 report by the advisory panel on systemic racism found that the CAF’s toxic environment, marked by rampant discrimination, is “repulsing” potential recruits. Political scientist Andy Knight’s 2024 study for the DND revealed a culture favouring white, male, Christian values, marginalizing women, people of colour, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This misalignment with Canada’s demographic reality hinders recruitment, with the CAF facing a shortfall of nearly 10,000 personnel.
The recent $900-million settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the CAF for systemic racism underscores the depth of the problem. Filed in 2016, the lawsuit alleged a culture where derogatory slurs, racial harassment, and violent threats were tolerated, causing psychological harm and lost career opportunities. The settlement, finalized in 2025, acknowledges the CAF’s failure to address discrimination effectively. Yet, despite this acknowledgement, the resurgence of hateful conduct in 2024 suggests that current measures are insufficient.
The DND has taken steps to address extremism, but they fall short. In 2020, the CAF introduced a hateful conduct policy, defining such behaviour and requiring soldiers to report it. The Hateful Conduct Incident Tracking System (HCITS) was established to track incidents, and since 2020, 364 cases have been recorded, with 21 members released for hateful conduct.
However, a 2022 report criticized the CAF’s detection efforts as “siloed and inefficient,” noting that leaders often lack training to recognize extremist symbols or behaviours. The counter-intelligence unit, tasked with identifying extremists, is under-resourced and operates in isolation, hampering proactive measures. Experts like Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, argue that the CAF’s culture inadvertently nurtures extremism. The emphasis on loyalty and patriotism aligns with narratives exploited by far-right groups, who see military training as a means to advance their agendas. The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 has emboldened far-right sentiments in Canada, with some CAF members expressing anti-immigrant views tied to a “white ethnostate”. This external political climate underscores the urgency of internal reform.
To root out hate and extremism, the DND must adopt a multi-faceted approach. First, it should enhance screening processes to identify extremist affiliations before enlistment. Current measures are inadequate, as evidenced by cases like Erik Myggland, a reservist who supported far-right groups but continued serving until 2021. Second, the CAF must improve training for leaders to recognize and address hateful conduct, including symbols like tattoos or patches associated with extremist groups. Third, the counter-intelligence unit needs more resources and better integration with civilian law enforcement to share intelligence on extremist threats.
Cultural reform is equally critical. The CAF must dismantle the “brotherhood” mentality that discourages reporting. Policies should incentivize whistle blowing, with clear protections for those who report hateful conduct. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of Defence Staff, has emphasized that there is “no room” for extremism, but those words must translate into action.
The CAF should also prioritize diversity in recruitment and leadership, ensuring that visible minorities and marginalized groups are not only welcomed but protected from hateful elements. Knight’s 2024 study recommends reshaping the military’s culture to align with Canada’s inclusive values, a step that could boost morale and address the personnel shortage.
Public trust in the CAF is at stake. The presence of extremists undermines the military’s role as a defender of Canadian values, particularly when those values include diversity and inclusion. The defence minister has called for “relentless action” against discrimination, but incremental changes are not enough. The CAF must act decisively, with transparent accountability measures to demonstrate progress. This includes public reporting on HCITS data and disciplinary outcomes to rebuild confidence.
The recent arrests and the Nazi salute video are stark reminders that hate and extremism remain entrenched in the CAF. These incidents are not just internal failures. They pose a direct threat to public safety given the military’s access to lethal training and resources. The DND must move beyond reactive measures and commit to systemic change. By strengthening screening, enhancing training, bolstering intelligence, and fostering an inclusive culture, the CAF can reclaim its role as a force for good. Canada’s diverse population deserves a military that reflects its values, not one tainted by the shadow of hate.
© 2025 The View From Here. © 2025 Fareed Khan. All Rights Reserved.
This incident marks a chilling escalation, as it is reportedly the first time active CAF members have faced terrorism-related charges. Just weeks later, another scandal rocked the CAF when a video surfaced showing five Quebec-based soldiers allegedly performing Nazi salutes at a 2023 party. The Canadian Army suspended the soldiers and launched an investigation, with Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright condemning the behaviour as “completely unacceptable”. These incidents are not isolated. They follow a disturbing pattern of hateful conduct within the CAF, with 54 incidents reported in 2024—nearly double the 31 reported in 2023—according to the Hateful Conduct Incident Tracking System (HCITS).
The CAF’s struggle with hate and extremism is not new. For over 30 years, the military has grappled with right-wing ideologies infiltrating its ranks. In 1993, members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment tortured and killed 16-year-old Shidane Arone during a peacekeeping mission in what has come to be known as the “Somalia Affair”. An inquiry revealed neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan symbols displayed at CFB Petawawa, exposing a culture tolerant of white supremacy. More recently, former reservist Patrik Mathews was sentenced to nine years in a US prison in 2021 for his role in a neo-Nazi plot to incite a race war. These cases underscore a recurring issue—the CAF has been a fertile ground for white supremacy, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other hateful ideologies.
The dangers posed by extremism within the military are uniquely severe. Unlike civilians, CAF members receive extensive training in handling high-powered weapons and explosives, as evidenced by the Quebec militia plot. This expertise, combined with access to military resources, amplifies the threat to public safety. The Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel On Systemic Racism And Discrimination warned that extremist groups actively recruit military personnel to exploit their tactical skills, with groups like The Base encouraging members to enlist for training.
The CAF’s “brotherhood” culture, where loyalty to comrades often trumps accountability, further complicates efforts to root out these elements. Soldiers are reluctant to report peers, fostering a “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude that allows hateful conduct to fester.
The CAF’s diversity crisis exacerbates the problem. Canada’s population is increasingly diverse, yet the military struggles to attract and retain visible minorities, religious minorities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. A 2022 report by the advisory panel on systemic racism found that the CAF’s toxic environment, marked by rampant discrimination, is “repulsing” potential recruits. Political scientist Andy Knight’s 2024 study for the DND revealed a culture favouring white, male, Christian values, marginalizing women, people of colour, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This misalignment with Canada’s demographic reality hinders recruitment, with the CAF facing a shortfall of nearly 10,000 personnel.
The recent $900-million settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the CAF for systemic racism underscores the depth of the problem. Filed in 2016, the lawsuit alleged a culture where derogatory slurs, racial harassment, and violent threats were tolerated, causing psychological harm and lost career opportunities. The settlement, finalized in 2025, acknowledges the CAF’s failure to address discrimination effectively. Yet, despite this acknowledgement, the resurgence of hateful conduct in 2024 suggests that current measures are insufficient.
The DND has taken steps to address extremism, but they fall short. In 2020, the CAF introduced a hateful conduct policy, defining such behaviour and requiring soldiers to report it. The Hateful Conduct Incident Tracking System (HCITS) was established to track incidents, and since 2020, 364 cases have been recorded, with 21 members released for hateful conduct.
However, a 2022 report criticized the CAF’s detection efforts as “siloed and inefficient,” noting that leaders often lack training to recognize extremist symbols or behaviours. The counter-intelligence unit, tasked with identifying extremists, is under-resourced and operates in isolation, hampering proactive measures. Experts like Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, argue that the CAF’s culture inadvertently nurtures extremism. The emphasis on loyalty and patriotism aligns with narratives exploited by far-right groups, who see military training as a means to advance their agendas. The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 has emboldened far-right sentiments in Canada, with some CAF members expressing anti-immigrant views tied to a “white ethnostate”. This external political climate underscores the urgency of internal reform.
To root out hate and extremism, the DND must adopt a multi-faceted approach. First, it should enhance screening processes to identify extremist affiliations before enlistment. Current measures are inadequate, as evidenced by cases like Erik Myggland, a reservist who supported far-right groups but continued serving until 2021. Second, the CAF must improve training for leaders to recognize and address hateful conduct, including symbols like tattoos or patches associated with extremist groups. Third, the counter-intelligence unit needs more resources and better integration with civilian law enforcement to share intelligence on extremist threats.
Cultural reform is equally critical. The CAF must dismantle the “brotherhood” mentality that discourages reporting. Policies should incentivize whistle blowing, with clear protections for those who report hateful conduct. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of Defence Staff, has emphasized that there is “no room” for extremism, but those words must translate into action.
The CAF should also prioritize diversity in recruitment and leadership, ensuring that visible minorities and marginalized groups are not only welcomed but protected from hateful elements. Knight’s 2024 study recommends reshaping the military’s culture to align with Canada’s inclusive values, a step that could boost morale and address the personnel shortage.
Public trust in the CAF is at stake. The presence of extremists undermines the military’s role as a defender of Canadian values, particularly when those values include diversity and inclusion. The defence minister has called for “relentless action” against discrimination, but incremental changes are not enough. The CAF must act decisively, with transparent accountability measures to demonstrate progress. This includes public reporting on HCITS data and disciplinary outcomes to rebuild confidence.
The recent arrests and the Nazi salute video are stark reminders that hate and extremism remain entrenched in the CAF. These incidents are not just internal failures. They pose a direct threat to public safety given the military’s access to lethal training and resources. The DND must move beyond reactive measures and commit to systemic change. By strengthening screening, enhancing training, bolstering intelligence, and fostering an inclusive culture, the CAF can reclaim its role as a force for good. Canada’s diverse population deserves a military that reflects its values, not one tainted by the shadow of hate.
© 2025 The View From Here. © 2025 Fareed Khan. All Rights Reserved.
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