NDP Leader Avi Lewis receives RCMP protection

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NDP Leader Avi Lewis has received RCMP protection for weeks, the Star has learned, becoming the latest Canadian political leader grappling with security concerns. Lewis was…

OTTAWA — NDP Leader Avi Lewis has received RCMP protection for weeks, the Star has learned, becoming the latest Canadian political leader grappling with security concerns.

Lewis was observed by the Star on at least three occasions last week being escorted by officers in Ottawa. He was seen with up to three non-uniformed security personnel, both within and outside the Parliament Hill area.

The Parliamentary Protective Service is typically responsible for policing around West Block, while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police provide security to the prime minister, cabinet members needing security and visiting foreign officials anywhere else in Canada.

With the minister of public safety’s approval, other high-profile figures — like opposition leaders — can also receive temporary or precautionary RCMP protection.

According to three sources with knowledge of the situation, protection was provided for Lewis after concerns about his safety reached the minister’s office.

Two of the sources said Lewis’s team specifically cited a column published in the National Post on Sept. 29 with the headline “Jewish law tells us how to deal with Avi Lewis.”

The sources, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss sensitive security matters, would not say if there were any threats to Lewis before or after the column was published.

“Progressive movements have to get over needing to agree on the top 10 list of everything you have to be in agreement with.”

“Progressive movements have to get over needing to agree on the top 10 list of everything you have to be in agreement with.”

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