July 7, 2005 -- Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,
Anne McLellan, today issued this statement relating to the unfolding
events in the United Kingdom:
"I am deeply saddened by the situation in London. Let
me first say that our thoughts and prayers are with the victims
and their families, and we offer our condolences and support
to all people affected by this terrible tragedy.
We stand united with the British people and civilized people around
the world in denouncing all acts of violence and terrorism. We
will defend our values and way of life against all forms of extremism.
There is no specific threat against Canada at this time. I would
like to assure Canadians that we are remaining vigilant and that
the Government Operations Centre, Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) and Transport Canada are taking appropriate
measures to protect Canadians based on ongoing threat assessments.
I am in regular contact with the Prime Minister in Scotland, and
I convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Public
Health and Emergencies this morning. My colleagues and I will continue
to monitor closely the situation.
Officials at the High Commission in London are in contact with
local authorities and seeking information on casualties. Consular
officials in Ottawa remain in close contact with them. Canadians
concerned about the safety of friends and family can contact
Foreign Affairs Canada's toll-free number at 1 800 606-5499.
Canadian security forces are working closely with authorities
in Britain, the United States, as well as with our other allies.
Canada is ready to provide any other assistance, immediately and
in the future, to help Britain recover from this cowardly act.
My officials and I have been in touch with our U.S. counterparts
to ensure the safety of citizens on both sides of the border. I
have spoken with Secretary Chertoff. Officials with RCMP, CBSA,
CSIS and Transport Canada are working with their U.S. counterparts.
Following the terrorist attacks in Madrid, Spain, Transport
Canada established an intelligence-sharing network with urban
transit operators and authorities across the country. Immediately
following today's tragic events in London, Transport Canada
alerted members of this network. These operators have currently
undertaken a number of actions, including increasing police and
security guard presence in their transit systems, and adding
additional staff and patrols.
RCMP has contacted chiefs of police across Canada. All these lines
of communication will remain open.
The Government Operations Centre is ensuring that all federal
departments and agencies are working together, and will be communicating
with provinces and territories throughout the day as needed.
Canadians should contact Foreign Affairs Canada if they are planning
a trip to the United Kingdom in the coming days. They will be able
to provide the best, most up-to-date information for travelers.
The Government of Canada stands firm in the fight against terror
and remains committed to working with our allies for the safety
and security of all our citizens.
We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety
of Canadians, which remains our top priority."
See Also:
London Bombings of July 7, 2005 Frequently Asked Questions
Statement by Prime Minister Paul Martin concerning the London bombings
Statement by the
Cross Cultural Roundtable on Security following the terrorist bombings
in London, England
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For further information:
Alex Swann
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863
