Canadian government cautioned over new counter-terrorism strategy

February 14, 2012 | Jewish TribunecloseAuthor: Jewish Tribune Name: Jewish Tribune
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TORONTO – The release of a new governmental report, Building Resilience Against Terrorism: Canada’s Counter-terrorism Strategy, which unveils a comprehensive strategy to identify and counter terrorism against Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests has been welcomed by B’nai Brith Canada, although it urges that safeguards must be put into place as this strategy unfolds.

Frank Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, stated: “We commend Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and his team for the efforts and expertise that obviously went into identifying the parameters and source of the threats Canada faces, including the threat of homegrown terror and the need for counter-radicalization strategies.

“B’nai Brith Canada has been a major voice in raising concern about these sorts of threats, and was the pioneer force in the appeal for federal grants to secure the institutions of vulnerable communities, including the Jewish community, who face ongoing threats from Islamic terrorist groups. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the government to help secure vulnerable communities from ongoing terrorist threats.

“However, as the response set out in the announced strategy takes shape, we urge that measures be put into place to ensure that those selected to advise the government and work within various groups are indeed committed to fighting terrorism, as well as advancing positions reflective of Canadian policies on peace. The government must be vigilant in monitoring ‘double-speak messaging’ so as to ensure that what is conveyed to Canadian youth is the same as what is communicated to government officials.”