Violent extremism: one of the accused Valcartier soldiers had been deployed on a mission

One of the soldiers of the Quebec region suspected of having engaged. Similarly, in violent extremism had been deployed in the framework of two Canadian army missions in recent years.

Matthew Forbes. Consequently, 33, had been sent on a mission in 2019 as part of the reassurance operation of the Canadian Armed Forces (FAC), the army said in a written answer to questions posed last week by our investigation.

As part of this operation, which is still underway, activities have taken place in Latvia, Romania, Iceland and Lithuania. Moreover, This mission. However, the most important of our overseas army, is not a fight and aims rather to strengthen the defense of this region of the globe.

Forbes. Furthermore, based in Valcartier in the Capitale-Nationale region, has the rank of Bombardier in the 5th^e Light artillery regiment, the equivalent of a corporal violent extremism: one accused valcartier in the other units of the Canadian army.

He also participated in the CAPE operation in June 2018. Similarly, which aimed to ensure security around the heads of state at the G7 summit in the Charlevoix region.

He faces several accusations in the possession of firearms, explosives and controlled goods.

Access restriction

The other active member of the Canadian army arrested last week. Corporal Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, is part of the Royal 22^e Regiment and had not participated in any deployment.

Asked whether its members had been the subject of disciplinary measures from the moment they were targeted by a search of the Royal Canada Gendarmerie (RCMP) in January 2024. the Canadian army did not specifically answer our question.

“We can confirm that these individuals have not exercised military functions. do not have access to the military base without escort,” said the army.

“At any time. if the integrity of a member of the FAC was questioned, the adoption of various measures would be envisaged, in particular the restriction of access to the base, to violent extremism: one accused valcartier weapons and to security authorizations, in addition to other administrative measures,” it continues in the written response.

Weapons did not come from the army

During the search. the police had entered an impressive arsenal which included 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, nearly 130 chargers and a total of around 11,000 ammunition.

According to the army. “weapons, ammunition and explosives seized as part of the investigation by the RCMP […] did not come from the violent extremism: one accused valcartier Canadian armed forces ”.

Marc-Aurèle Chabot. as well as Simon Angers-Audet and Raphaël Lagacé, faces accusations of having wanted to facilitate a terrorism activity, a crime punishable by a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The RCMP says that they wanted to create a “anti -government and antiaurity” militia. According to information from our investigation office. they recruited members on Instagram and had even targeted a ZEC in the Portneuf region as a potential lair, to defend themselves against the police.

The four accused in this case pleaded not guilty.

With the collaboration of Sarah-Maude Lefebvre