Former Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino called for the establishment of "safe zones" around political constituency offices to protect Members of Parliament and their staff from the rising tide of threatening behavior.

Mendicino, the Liberal MP for Toronto, stated that under the plan, anyone who intimidates or harasses individuals within the buffer zone, which could range from 50 to 100 meters, would face harsher criminal penalties, including jail time.

During an interview, Mendicino suggested clarifying such zones in the regulations that will stem from the recently passed foreign interference bill, which contains new measures to protect critical infrastructure.

The former minister's remarks come in the wake of the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which raised concern and renewed discussion about the safety of Canadian politicians.

Mendicino said, "We need to take parliamentary security more seriously." "We as Canadians need to open our eyes and realize that political violence is not something that happens elsewhere; it is happening here in our communities."

He added that people have constitutional rights to express their views and disagree with their fellow Canadians, including parliamentarians.

"But it is also true that we are seeing more threats, more intimidation, and more harassment, which can lead to harm both online and in the community."

In recent years, the offices of many MPs from various parties have been targeted, including spray-painting on exterior walls and throwing stones through windows.

Mendicino said he has received "a barrage of death threats" and that his family has also been targeted. A man recently spat on an MP in Ottawa while he was walking to his office.

He and his staff have become more cautious about scheduling appointments with members of the public, putting more effort into screening and vetting.

Housing Minister Sean Fraser has also reported receiving death threats.

He explained in an interview, "My home has been equipped with a level of security that I feel is beyond what is normal or what I am personally comfortable with." "But when security officials tell you they need to make certain decisions that are in your best interest, when it comes to personal safety and security, you listen to them."

Police have provided increased protection for federal politicians from various parties in recent years.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated this week that he is concerned about his family's safety and has requested protection in response to dangerous behavior.

Mendicino, who was the minister responsible for the national police force from October 2021 until July of last year, said he has "always found that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are ready to escalate."

He added, "But I see that they still need more resources, that local law enforcement needs more resources, and that we should keep all options on the table when it comes to creating new authorities for them" to help prevent harassment.

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme recently stated that he wants the government to consider drafting a new law to make it easier for police to pursue charges against individuals who threaten elected officials.

However, Justice Minister Arif Virani later indicated that current criminal code provisions are sufficient.

Mendicino stated that the government needs to pressure social media companies to make a greater effort to ensure that online spaces are free from defamation and harassment.

He also acknowledges that "politicians need to look in the mirror at themselves."

He said, "I don't think it is particularly helpful to point fingers and say that one side is more guilty of engaging in extreme rhetoric than the other. I think we have a collective responsibility to elevate the political discourse."

Overall, he feels concerned "that the trends are all moving in the wrong direction."

Mendicino added that unless the problem is taken seriously, it will lead to more political violence and make it harder to attract and retain good people in politics. "I will continue to speak out publicly on this issue to prevent that from happening."