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Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Quebec terror suspects did not get weapons from Canadian Forces: DND
The Department of National Defence said Monday that the four military-linked individuals accused in an alleged terror plot did not get their weapons from the Canadian military. In a statement emailed to National post, the DND said: ' Of note, the weapons, ammunition, and explosives that were seized as part of the RCMP-led investigation that resulted in the arrests on July 8, 2025, did not originate from the Canadian Armed Forces.' It also confirmed that two of the four suspects, Marc-Aurèle Chabot and Matthew Forbes, are currently serving in the Canadian army at CFB Valcartier, just outside Quebec City. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Corporal Chabot enrolled in the Canadian Army as a Reservist in June 2019,' the statement said. 'He transferred to the Regular Force from the Voltigeurs de Québec to the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment in July 2023. He was not deployed.' It added: 'Bombardier Forbes enrolled in the Canadian Army in October 2016 and joined the 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada in November 2017. He was deployed to Operation CADENCE in 2018 and Operation REASSURANCE 2019.' Operation Cadence was the military's contribution to the RCMP's security operation for the G7 Summit in Quebec's Charlevoix region. Operation Reassurance involves Canada's participation in NATO land, maritime and air activities in Central and Eastern Europe, with deployments in Latvia, Romania and the Mediterranean. The other named individuals are Simon Angers-Audet and Raphaël Lagacé. The DND said Angers-Audet enrolled as a reservist with the Voltigeurs de Québec in June 2019 and was released in May 2022 as a Private. Lagacé has not served in the CAF, but was a civilian instructor with the 630 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Beauport, Québec, between January 2021 and September 2024, the DND said. Of the two active CAF members, the DND said: ' We can confirm that these individuals have not been performing military duties and do not have unescorted access to the military base.' It added: 'At any time, should the integrity of a CAF member be called into question, various actions include restricting access to the base, weapons, and individuals' security clearances in addition to other administrative measures. The CAF continues to take this matter very seriously, and all options will be pursued and acted upon as appropriate.' The RCMP announced the arrest of the four men last week. They were scheduled to appear at a bail hearing in Quebec City on Monday. Three of the men are accused of taking actions to 'facilitate terrorist activity' and planning to form an 'anti-government militia.' Forbes also faces multiple charges, including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items. The alleged target was not specified, but it was not a government facility or a political landmark, the RCMP told National Post. It was described as land that could be used to build their group or used as a base to start a 'new society.' 'They took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival, and navigation exercises. They also conducted a scouting operation. A variety of firearms, some prohibited, as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment were allegedly used in these activities,' the RCMP said in a news release last week. The group was active as far back as 2021. The RCMP investigation began in March 2023, a spokesperson said. In January 2024, 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, about 11,000 rounds of ammunition, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and other military equipment were seized, the RCMP said. Among the weapons seized were military-style assault rifles. The DND said no further details on the investigation could be released at this time, and that any other questions should be referred to the RCMP. — With files from The Montreal Gazette Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
5 days ago
- National Post
Quebec terror suspects did not get weapons from Canadian Forces: DND
Article content In a statement emailed to National post, the DND said: 'Of note, the weapons, ammunition, and explosives that were seized as part of the RCMP-led investigation that resulted in the arrests on July 8, 2025, did not originate from the Canadian Armed Forces.' Article content Article content It also confirmed that two of the four suspects, Marc-Aurèle Chabot and Matthew Forbes, are currently serving in the Canadian army at CFB Valcartier, just outside Quebec City. Article content 'Corporal Chabot enrolled in the Canadian Army as a Reservist in June 2019,' the statement said. 'He transferred to the Regular Force from the Voltigeurs de Québec to the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment in July 2023. He was not deployed.' Article content It added: 'Bombardier Forbes enrolled in the Canadian Army in October 2016 and joined the 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada in November 2017. He was deployed to Operation CADENCE in 2018 and Operation REASSURANCE 2019.' Article content Article content Operation Cadence was the military's contribution to the RCMP's security operation for the G7 Summit in Quebec's Charlevoix region. Operation Reassurance involves Canada's participation in NATO land, maritime and air activities in Central and Eastern Europe, with deployments in Latvia, Romania and the Mediterranean. Article content Article content The other named individuals are Simon Angers-Audet and Raphaël Lagacé. The DND said Angers-Audet enrolled as a reservist with the Voltigeurs de Québec in June 2019 and was released in May 2022 as a Private. Lagacé has not served in the CAF, but was a civilian instructor with the 630 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Beauport, Québec, between January 2021 and September 2024, the DND said. Article content Of the two active CAF members, the DND said: 'We can confirm that these individuals have not been performing military duties and do not have unescorted access to the military base.' Article content It added: 'At any time, should the integrity of a CAF member be called into question, various actions include restricting access to the base, weapons, and individuals' security clearances in addition to other administrative measures. The CAF continues to take this matter very seriously, and all options will be pursued and acted upon as appropriate.'
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Quebec terror suspects didn't get weapons stockpile from military: Canadian Forces
The Defence Department provided more details about the four military-linked men arrested last week. Published Jul 14, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read Canada's military says the four military-linked men accused in an alleged terror plot did not get their weapons, ammunition and explosives from the Canadian Forces. In a statement Monday morning, the Department of National Defence said the stockpile 'did not originate from the Canadian Armed Forces.' The RCMP announced the arrest of the four men last week. They were scheduled to appear at a bail hearing in Quebec City on Monday. Three of the men are accused of taking actions to 'facilitate terrorist activity' and planning to form an 'anti-government militia.' The fourth man also faces multiple charges, including weapons-related offences. A large cache of weapons, explosives and other military gear was seized. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The military on Monday provided more details about the four men. Two of them — Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Matthew Forbes, 33 — are serving members of the Forces. They are based at CFB Valcartier, near Quebec City. The Forces said Corporal Chabot enrolled in the Canadian Army as a reservist in June 2019, transferring to the regular force from the Voltigeurs de Québec to the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment in July 2023. He was not deployed. Forbes, who is a bombardier, enrolled in the Canadian Army in October 2016 and joined the 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada in November 2017. He was deployed to Operation CADENCE in 2018 and Operation REASSURANCE 2019. 'We can confirm that these individuals have not been performing military duties and do not have unescorted access to the military base,' the Forces said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'At any time, should the integrity of a CAF member be called into question, various actions include restricting access to the base, weapons, and individuals' security clearances in addition to other administrative measures. The CAF continues to take this matter very seriously, and all options will be pursued and acted upon as appropriate.' The two other men arrested were Simon Angers-Audet, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25. Angers-Audet, 24, enrolled in the Canadian Army as a reservist with the Voltigeurs de Québec in June 2019 and was released in May 2022 as a Private, the Defence Department said. He was not deployed. Lagacé has not served as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, but he was a civilian instructor with the 630 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Beauport, Québec, between January 2021 and September 2024. Investigators allege that Chabot, Angers-Audet and Lagacé facilitated terrorist activity and were planning to create a militia. Forbes faces charges including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items. In the statement, the Defence Department said the military police and the Canadian Army 'continue to support the ongoing investigation led by the RCMP.' Editorial Cartoons Golf World Uncategorized Toronto & GTA
Globe and Mail
10-07-2025
- Globe and Mail
Soldiers accused in extremist plot allegedly had night-vision gear prohibited for civilians
Some of the kinds of tactical gear that the RCMP alleges was in the hands of the soldiers arrested in Quebec is highly restricted and is generally inaccessible to individuals, experts say. On Tuesday, the Mounties arrested and charged four men in connection with an alleged terrorist plot. Two are active non-commissioned army officers, one is a former soldier and the fourth a former cadet instructor. According to court documents, the charges against one of the suspects, 33-year-old army Corporal Matthew Forbes, include accusations that he procured for others two American-made night-vision devices and a laser aiming pointer. All three items were manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, a Florida-based defence company. One item was identified in Cpl. Forbes's charge sheet as a third-generation BNVD-Fused night-vision device. Third-generation refers to newer, better-performing models, said Ziming Wan, an Ontario retailer of night-vision devices. 'It would be very difficult to obtain a BNVD-Fused legally in Canada, even as a current or former service member. They can only be obtained by Canadian government agencies, not individuals,' said Mr. Wan, owner of Opfor Night Solutions. Night-vision goggles and laser targeting devices are routinely bought and sold by gun enthusiasts. However, Mr. Wan said, military-grade gear is tightly controlled. He said that when he sells that type of equipment, the buyer must be a police force or government agency, not individuals, and that it involves special licensing and approvals from American authorities. National Defence to set up civilian-military panels to discipline members accused of inappropriate conduct According to corporate records, Cpl. Forbes is the president of Défense Tactique du Nord Inc., a firm registered in 2023 and using the English name Northern Tactical Defense. The company sells night-vision equipment online and ships 'across Canada and internationally,' according to its website. In a statement e-mailed to The Globe and Mail, the company's vice-president, Julien Thibault, said that it operates in conformity with criminal law, the Defence Production Act and the Controlled Goods Program, which oversees the exportation of strategic and military goods. 'At no time did the business facilitate, approve or support activities outside of its legal frame of operations,' the e-mail said. Mr. Wan said that the allegations against Cpl. Forbes and his co-accused are 'not representative of the night-vision, firearms or tactical training community at all. Night vision itself is not illegal to own.' Federal laws criminalize the trade of the more sophisticated devices so that civilians won't gain tactical advantages over police, said an expert in military procurement. 'You want to restrict who has access to things that can cause harm to people because they've been specifically designed for military purposes,' said Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. He added that 'we have a legal regime that's been set up to put parameters and safeguards around the handling of technology to ensure that it doesn't fall into the wrong person's hands.' Military police reopen investigation into allegations of racist posts Mr. Perry pointed out that only the most sophisticated police tactical teams in Canada would have access to military-grade scopes or night-vision goggles. That's significant, he said, because the RCMP has alleged that three of the accused arrested this week had been engaging in a terrorist facilitation conspiracy involving some discussion of 'intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area.' In a nighttime standoff, Mr. Perry said, military-grade equipment could confer an invaluable advantage in a rural area with little lighting. In 2015, two Quebec City residents, Roch Guimont and his mother, Constance, were convicted of illegally selling military-grade third-generation night-vision goggles on eBay, in violation of Canadian export rules. 'The technology for these items is very controlled since they provide a strategic edge for the American army during night operations,' a Quebec Superior Court ruling said. Jessica Davis, who runs a research and consulting company called Insight Threat Intelligence, said the number of weapons seized points to a longer-term plan. She said that depending on the origin of these items, the equipment could have been accumulated over the course of weeks, months or years. According to the charges, the offences took place between June, 2021, and January, 2024, when police seized 83 firearms. 'We know that the activity took place from at least 2021, so I would imagine some of that, that weaponry started to be acquired earlier, but it really is one of the things that's going to be so interesting to learn as this goes to trial,' Dr. Davis said. Cpl. Forbes and the three other suspects – Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Raphaël Lagacé and Simon Angers-Audet – remain in custody until their next court date, July 14. The Canadian Forces have confirmed that Cpl. Forbes is serving at CFB Valcartier, north of Quebec City. Near the base, the arrests were the talk on Tuesday for army veterans Serge Tremblay and Al Maillette as they had coffee at McDonald's. 'We are only talking about four [people],' Mr. Tremblay said. 'Are there 10, 15, 100? We don't know. If they wanted to attack something, they can't do that with four.' With reports from Claire McFarlane in Toronto
Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Telegraph
Canadian soldiers charged over plot to seize part of Quebec
Two members of Canada's armed forces have been charged for alleged involvement in a plot to form an 'anti-government militia' and forcibly take land in Quebec. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested four people in total and said that three of the suspects had taken 'concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity'. In a statement, the force said: 'The three accused were planning to create anti-government militia. 'To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises. They also conducted a scouting operation.' The group was allegedly using a variety of guns – some prohibited – as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment such as grenades and night-vision goggles. Court documents said the training reportedly took place between June 2021 and January 2024 in Quebec City and Montreal as well as Rolphton and Petawawa in Ontario. Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both of Quebec City, and Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville, Quebec, were charged with facilitating terrorist activity following their arrests on Tuesday morning. They are also facing additional charges relating to the alleged illegal storage of guns and the possession of explosives and prohibited devices. Police said a fourth suspect – Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Quebec – was charged with possessing guns, prohibited devices and explosives, among other offences. An email from the Department of National Defence confirmed that two of the suspects were active members of Canada's armed forces. 'The Canadian armed forces is taking these allegations very seriously and has fully participated in the investigation led by the RCMP,' the department said. It has not been confirmed which of the four suspects were in the military. Police said investigations into the plot began in March 2023, with the force conducting searches in January 2024 that led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, some 11,000 rounds of ammunition and other weapons in Quebec City. Cpl Erique Gasse described the case as 'ideologically motivated violent extremism'. The suspects wanted to create an anti-government 'community' north of Quebec City and allegedly used a private Instagram account to recruit members, Cpl Gasse said. RCMP distributed a photo from the account that showed seven people in military-style uniforms brandishing firearms, not disclosing who was pictured. 'We know there were followers on that site,' he said. 'They were trying to recruit people who had knowledge about guns and they were telling people where they were training in Quebec or in Ontario.'
