Quebec father disputes son's involvement in extremist plot

The father of a 24-year-old Quebec man accused of plotting an anti-government militia claims his son and the others are being framed. Philippe Audet says his son, who is 24, wouldn't hurt anyone and denies any involvement in extremist activities. Audet believes the accusations are baseless and an attempt to discredit his son.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has charged four men, including two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, in connection with an alleged anti-government militia plot in Quebec. The charges, laid on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, follow a sophisticated and deep investigation that began in March 2023 [1].

The RCMP alleges that the four suspects, Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both of Quebec City, and Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville, Quebec, were planning to create an anti-government militia. They are charged with facilitating terrorist activity and participating in military-style training, shooting, ambush, survival, and navigation exercises. A fourth suspect, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Quebec, is charged with possessing firearms, prohibited devices, and explosives [2].

The father of one of the accused, Philippe Audet, has denied the allegations, claiming that his son would not hurt anyone and that the accusations are baseless. Audet believes the charges are an attempt to discredit his son [3].

Defence Minister David McGuinty has called the allegations "disturbing" but has pushed back against accusations that the Canadian Armed Forces is not doing enough to address extremism within its ranks. McGuinty stated that while extremism is not unique to the armed forces, the military is actively working to change its culture and detect extremist elements [2].

The RCMP characterized the plot as ideologically motivated violent extremism and seized a variety of weapons and explosives during searches conducted in January 2024. The suspects are being held in custody and are expected to appear in court again on Monday [1].

The case highlights ongoing concerns about extremism within the Canadian Armed Forces and the need for continued vigilance and investigation. The RCMP's charges and the ongoing court proceedings will provide more insight into the extent and nature of the alleged plot.

References:
[1] https://www.iask.ca/news/98dde017dfcdd51626f8785e84b2ee8c/rcmp-charge-multiple-men-in-anti-government-militia-plot-in-quebec
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mcguinty-rcmp-militia-members-plot-1.7582071
[3] https://apnews.com/article/canada-anti-government-militia-arrests-quebec-04b899f65dfbae3f828582a6ce75ef6e