Spike in ‘violent rhetoric’ since Oct. 7 attack from ‘extremist actors,’ CSIS warns

OTTAWA — The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in "violent rhetoric" from "extremist actors" that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns. The statement comes as newly released documents illustrate discussions last fall between the spy agency, the federal Public Safety Department and Muslim and Jewish leaders about responding to a reported uptick in hate crimes spurred by the conflict. "While the long-term impacts of the current crisis cannot be easily predicted, it is clear that this conflict has raised tensions within our society," wrote spokesman Eric Balsam. "Violent rhetoric...