Senators Issued Panic Buttons Amid Rising Threats and Harassment

Senators have been issued panic buttons due to rising security concerns, including online harassment, death threats, and tense encounters with protesters.

A November incident where Conservative Senator Don Plett's car was surrounded and accosted by pro-Palestinian protesters was a catalyst for providing senators panic buttons.

Senators feel the security environment changed during the 2022 Ottawa convoy protest. Visible minority senators in particular faced more harassment.

Costs for Senate security measures have increased, but details are not disclosed publicly for security reasons.

Senators say more security training and protocols are needed to prepare for handling protests and threats. Some senators now feel less safe than they used to.