Summary

• Activists will likely continue staging rallies in major cities across the US and Canada through at least mid-September in reaction to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Gatherings during this period include the following:

  US

  • Hartford, Connecticut: Colt's Manufacturing Factory, 16:00-18:00 Sept. 5

  • Los Angeles, California: City Hall, 11:00 Sept. 6

  • Chicago, Illinois: Illinois State Board of Investment, 12:00 Sept. 19

  • Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico State Capital, 12:00-13:00 Sept. 10

  • Baltimore, Maryland: Intersection of East 33rd Street and Hillen Road, 17:00-18:00 Sept. 5

  • Minneapolis, Minnesota: Lake-Street Marshall Avenue Bridge, 16:00-17:00 Sept. 10

  Canada

  • Ottawa, Ontario: 320 Queen Street, 11:00-13:00 Sept. 2-5

  Demonstrations are highly likely in both countries, particularly at college campuses, near government offices, outside Israeli diplomatic missions, at prominent public squares, and along major city roads. Activists could also assemble near identifiable Jewish or Palestinian business establishments and places of worship. Additionally, protesters have targeted major ports and certain industrial facilities. Counterprotests could occur in some locations.

  Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased security presence near any sizable demonstrations that materialize. While most such gatherings will probably remain peaceful, clashes between activists and police or between groups of rival activists cannot be ruled out. There have also been occasional reports of other forms of confrontational behavior, including harassment, vandalism, and the removal of flags or posters placed by opposing groups. Additionally, some schools and religious centers have been targeted with violence, albeit most often during night hours when the facilities are empty. Localized security-related transport and business disruptions are possible.

Advice

• Exercise caution near any rallies that materialize. Heed instructions from authorities. Plan accordingly for localized road travel delays. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.

Protests over domestic political issues as well as global events are common in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa. Demonstrations related to global conflicts and diaspora-related politics commonly occur in city centers and can be well-attended; clashes and vandalism occasionally occur. Many environmental protests occur in city centers and areas related to the oil and natural gas industry, including production sites, pipelines, and ports. Such unrest is generally peaceful and presents no major issues, apart from potential transit disruptions. Riots and violent protests are seen as extreme exceptions within the Canadian context. Labor-related unrest in the country also occasionally occurs; similarly, labor strikes present no major risks apart from mild disruption.

Canada is known for some of the lowest crime rates in the Americas, and boasts numbers that are generally much lower than those of its US neighbor. The principal crime threat comes from opportunistic crime in the country's major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Vehicle theft has become increasingly common in major Canadian cities; extra precautions are warranted. Other common incidents include pickpocketing or purse-snatching in crowded areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Cybercrime, including email and phone phishing attacks and other scams, does occur. Those in isolated parts of urban areas at night also risk muggings, though this is uncommon. In general, Canada is known for low violent crime rates, which are not considered a notable risk for visitors.

The threat of kidnapping in Canada is minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Canada is the express variant, which involves the short-term abduction of a victim while they are robbed of their possessions and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Criminals sometimes target high net worth individuals such as business executives and celebrities for kidnap-for-ransom. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

The threat of terrorism in Canada is low, but persistent, particularly in the country's major cities. Religiously motivated terrorist acts have been planned and carried out in Canada, such as the 2014 attack against Parliament in Ottawa, enacted by a Canadian citizen with jihadist sympathies. Far-right and "incel"-related terrorist acts are a growing concern. An attack on a mosque by a lone gunman in Quebec City in 2017 killed six, while a vehicle ramming incident directed against Muslims killed 4 in London, Ontario, in 2021. The vast majority of terrorist incidents have been "lone wolf" incidents involving self-radicalized individuals.

Sabotage of infrastructure by environmentally-motivated actors has occurred, particularly targetting oil and gas infrastructure; such incidents have decreased in recent years.

Canadian counterterrorism capabilities are considered strong, and the country often relies on intelligence-sharing with the US.

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Canada are generally excellent. Although Canada has a number of different security forces, local police units and mobile response teams are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the federal police agency responsible for enforcing federal statutes and executive orders, policing airports and government buildings, and policing remote geographical territories. Police officers are typically unable to speak foreign languages; however, some units likely speak both English and French, especially in Quebec and New Brunswick Provinces, as well as Ottawa.

Corruption in Canada is considered to be extremely low, as anti-corruption measures and enforcement are strong. Rule of law is also considered strong. Canada’s system of governance is extremely stable.

Emergency Contacts

German Embassy

British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada

Australian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada

French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada

US Consulate, Vancouver, British Columbia

US Embassy, Ottawa, Ontario