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Intelligence Report Warns of “Salad Bar Extremism” Emerging in Canada
A recent intelligence report has highlighted the rise of a new form of extremism in Canada, referred to as “salad bar extremism,” a term used to describe violent acts motivated by a mix of beliefs rather than a singular ideology. The report, obtained by Global News, draws attention to the January 2024 shooting at Edmonton City Hall as a prominent example.
According to the Strategic Threat Assessment released on June 4, 2024, by the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC), this form of extremism—also known as composite extremism—blends multiple and often unrelated ideologies. The term underscores the lack of a unified motivation among perpetrators, making it a growing concern for law enforcement agencies across Canada.
The Edmonton City Hall Attack
The report specifically discusses the case of Bezhani Sarvar, a 28-year-old Edmonton resident involved in the January 23 attack at Edmonton City Hall. Sarvar, armed with an SKS-style rifle, entered the building, firing shots and throwing incendiary devices. Prior to the attack, he had reportedly uploaded a manifesto online, covering various grievances ranging from water quality concerns to the situation in Gaza. The RCMP charged Sarvar with two counts of terrorism among other offences.
Blurred Motivations of Extremism
“While some extremists are assessed to have a primary motivation, others are influenced by a combination of beliefs,” the report explained. ITAC’s assessment further described this phenomenon as being driven by a blend of mainstream social discourse and extremist propaganda, a combination that fuels acts of violence.
Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin of the RCMP told Global News that the rise of “mixed extremist motivations” is a concerning trend, with individuals increasingly drawing from diverse ideologies that don’t fit into traditional categories of political, ideological, or religious violence.
Growing Threat
The Edmonton incident is not an isolated case. Similar attacks in Canada, such as the 2020 Rideau Hall incident involving Corey Hurren, reflect the complexities of “salad bar extremism.” In both cases, perpetrators acted on a variety of grievances, from political dissatisfaction to personal and conspiracy-driven ideologies.
The Canadian government continues to adapt its understanding of extremism as violent acts no longer adhere to clear ideological lines. This evolving threat is increasingly difficult to predict and prevent, raising concerns about the future of national security.
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Source: Modern Diplomacy/Global News
