Meet Glenn Baxter, the veteran fire investigator leading TDF’s independent review of attacks on churches and synagogues across Canada.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) has launched an independent forensic investigation into the wave of arson attacks and vandalism against churches and synagogues across Canada since 2021. The investigation will provide an expert analysis of these incidents and the sufficiency with which they have been investigated. This is the first known independent forensic review of the wave of attacks on Christian and Jewish places of worship in Canada.
TDF has chosen Glenn Baxter as the investigator to lead its church and synagogue arson investigation. Glenn currently serves as the Fire Marshal for a major Canadian Fire Department, and has served his communities in roles from Firefighter to Fire Chief for over two decades. He has conducted over 350 origin and cause investigations, including residential, commercial, vehicle, and explosion incidents. Prior to his position with his current Fire Service, Glenn served as the Fire Chief for the Turner Valley Fire Department. His background includes extensive work in fire suppression, hazardous materials, rescue, and code enforcement.
TDF Executive Director, Mark Joseph, said: “Like all Canadians, we viewed these waves of attacks against churches and synagogues with increasing alarm. To many, these attacks appear targeted. Just as disturbing as the frequency, intensity and systematic nature of the attacks, however, was the indifference and incuriosity of the political class toward them. We believe Glenn is the right man to lead this project.”
Glenn has over 20 years of experience in fire protection and investigation. He holds numerous professional certifications, including Fire Investigation & Inspection, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and Certified Fire Protection Specialist. He is Pro-Board certified to NFPA 1033 (Fire Investigator) and NFPA 1031 (Fire Inspector) standards. He is a Certified Master Electrician, a Hazardous Materials Technician and a Fire Service Instructor.
Glenn will use his knowledge of cause and origin determination and fire investigation techniques to research, analyze and report on the recent increases in the frequency and nature of fires involving churches and synagogues. He will evaluate the investigative processes, evidence, and determinations used in these cases to identify potential gaps in methods or outcomes compared to standard fire investigation practices.
"In order to determine if the intensity and frequency is increasing and the reasons for this change, we must first ensure the origin and cause determination is made and resultant actions have been pursued. I am hopeful that the data and the information available from the historical records can bring forward clarity and recommendations to address the change," Glenn states.
Glenn’s findings will be compiled into a public report that examines the investigative standards used in these incidents, identifies any systemic gaps or failures, and assesses whether broader patterns emerge across the attacks. The report may inform future legal action, public advocacy, and efforts to seek government accountability.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to defending constitutional rights, promoting free speech and religious freedom, and opposing religious discrimination. TDF advances these principles through litigation, public education, educational initiatives, and access-to-justice programs for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed.
