Parliament Hill security tightened after Singh's confrontation one MP says it's not enough

The service in charge of keeping Parliament Hill safe says it has significantly stepped upsecurity following a confrontation between NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and protestersbut one Liberal MP says it's still not enough.

Pam Damoff, parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs for consular affairs, asked Sergeant-at-Arms Patrick McDonnell in a letter on Wednesday to boost security even more.

"I feel unsafe, and I am worried that someone is going to be seriously injured," said Damoff in the letter, which was obtained by CBC News.

"The level of harassment towards Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff is clearly increasing, and I do not find security to be acceptable."

WATCH: Jagmeet Singh confronts protester outside Parliament

Jagmeet Singh confronts protester outside Parliament Hill

3 days ago

Duration 2:25

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confronted protesters outside Parliament Hill after one of them called him a corrupted bastard.

Damoff cited the House of Commons' workplace harassment and violence policy, which states that all members, their employees and administration have a responsibility to foster a work environment free of harassment and violence.

She also suggested Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) officers couldprotect parliamentarians physically by forming a line between them and aggressive individuals.

Since the fall sitting of the House of Commons began on Monday, anti-government demonstrators have been gathering dailyin the Parliamentary precinct, largely on Wellington Street in front of the main entrance MPs use to access West Block.

Two protesters got up close to Singh on Tuesday. TheNDP leader confronted the men after someone accused him of being a "corrupted bastard." The incident took place just outside the doors of West Block, as PPS officers looked on.

The PPS said it's aware of the ongoing situation and is continuously monitoring threats and events.

"As such, PPS has significantly adjusted its security posture on Parliament Hill and within the Parliamentary Precinct, and is ready to intervene as required," the service said in a statement to CBC News.

On Wednesday, PPS officers were walking MPs across Wellington Streetand checking Hill passes thoroughly before letting anyone enter the vicinity of West Block.

Just before question period Wednesday, a PPS officer ran after an individual wearing headphones who slipped through security.

In her letter, Damoff said she appreciates the enhanced presence of PPS officersbut argued MPs should not be put in high-risk situations where they have to wade through aggressive or violent protesters to get to work.

She also called thePPS's suggestion that parliamentariansuse alternate access points to Parliament Hill unacceptable.

"While the House of Commons requires all visitors to go through rigorous security screening to access the Parliament to ensure the safety of everyone, on the street we are entirely vulnerable," Damoff said.

PPS is a separate law enforcement agency. While it's responsible for security on Parliament Hill, Wellington Street is outside of its jurisdiction.

The RCMP is responsible for the protection of Canadian dignitaries; it has reported that the number of MPsasking for RCMP security has doubled within the last five years.

Damoffhascited an increase in harassment, threats and misogyny as the reason she's not running in the next federal election and is leaving politics altogether.

WATCH | 'I don't tolerate bullies,' Singh says following confrontation with protester on Parliament Hill

I dont tolerate bullies, Singh says following confrontation with protester on Parliament Hill

1 day ago

Duration 0:21

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says sometimes you have to stand up to a bully. A video posted on social media shows Singh confronting protesters on Parliament Hill grounds this week after someone accused him of being a 'corrupted bastard.'

NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice said security for leaders of federal political parties and ministers should be tightened.

He also said abalance must be struck between managing the right to protest and keeping people safe.

"I want Parliament to be the people's place also," Boulerice said. "We are in a democracy. We want to have openness."

Conservative MP John Williamson said the Wellington Street demonstrators shouldn't be forced to move.

"It's their right to be there," he said.