RCMP has accused military members of allegedly plotting to form a militia and seize land
3 Quebec men face terrorism-related charges after 2-year investigation
The RCMP has charged four men, including two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), with being part of an extremist plot that allegedly involved creating an anti-government militia with a massive trove of weapons.
In a news release Tuesday morning, the Mounties said the group was involved in an alleged ideologically motivated violent plot “intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area.”
Three of them — Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, of Quebec City; Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville, Que; and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, also of Quebec City — have been charged with the serious offence of facilitating a terrorist activity. They also face weapon-possession charges.
“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,” the RCMP said.
A fourth individual, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Que., faces charges including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items. He also faces charges related to the Explosives Act and Defence Production Act, which regulates access to military supplies.
The men appeared in court virtually on Tuesday and remain in custody. Their next court date is July 14.
The Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal said in a statement Tuesday evening that Forbes and Chabot are serving members — both corporals based at CFB Valcartier.
Without providing names, it said one of the four accused was also a former armed forces member, and the other a former civilian instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
A colleague of Chabot’s confirmed that he was serving last summer in the Vandoos, also known as the Royal 22nd Regiment. CBC News has agreed to withhold his identity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on Canadian Armed Forces matters.
The colleague expressed concerns about comments Chabot had made about the federal government and then prime minister Justin Trudeau. He described those comments as “almost treasonous.”
A Facebook account belonging to Lagacé is filled with photos of him in military-inspired gear posing with firearms and posting against Bill C-21, the Liberals’ gun control legislation. It also shows he was once a member of the cadet program.
An RCMP spokesperson said the investigation began in the spring of 2023 and determined the alleged activity began in 2021. The national police force also alleges that one of the accused was running an Instagram account aimed at recruiting members.
Guns, explosives seized
The RCMP said searches in the Quebec City area, in January 2024, led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines and four pairs of night-vision goggles.
Police said some of the firearms were prohibited and the stockpile included “seized military equipment.”
“Violent extremism remains a serious concern within Canadian and international society,” the statement from the provost marshal’s office said. “CAF members are prohibited from participating in an activity, or being a member of a group or organization, that relates to hate related criminal activities, and/or promotes hatred, violence, discrimination or harassment.”
The provost marshal’s office said military police, along with the Canadian Armed Forces, assisted.
