How views of Pierre Trudeau led RCMP to provide first close security for an ex-PM

With threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spiking in recent years, newly released historical records reveal the security concerns the RCMP had when his father was getting ready to leave office.

With threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spiking in recent years, newly released historical records reveal the security concerns the RCMP had when his father was getting ready to leave office.

Pierre Trudeau retired in 1984 after serving as prime minister for two stints adding up to 15 years. He had been first elected in 1968.

As Trudeau prepared to retire, records show that security officials did not see any current threats against him — but that they believed his track record could invite future ones.

And the documents show that those potential threats led the RCMP to recommend heightened security for a former prime minister for the first time.

"It is fair to say that Prime Minister Trudeau's years in office were often marked by controversy," reads a threat assessment labelled "secret," dated April 25, 1984.

"His perceived aloof personality, provocative political style and stance on several domestic and international issues elicited strong emotive reactions from Canadians of all political stripe," the document says.

"The prime minister has initiated legislation, formed government policy and expressed views on many issues that continue to aggravate, embitter or irritate sectors of the Canadian public."