LONDON, UK, February 6, 2015 - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued a statement following a meeting with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Continuing the successful co-operation and joint work among the Five Countries on issues of national and cyber security, Ministers discussed a range of national security issues: counter-terrorism, specifically countering violent extremism and terrorist travellers; the threat of ISIL and growth of Jihadi terrorism, foreign investment in critical infrastructure; serious and transnational organized crime, as well as cyber security.
“The fight against terrorism is one of the great struggles of our time. A number of our citizens have left the country to take part in terrorist activities overseas. The conflict in Syria, in particular, is attracting increasing numbers of individuals from many countries, including our own. Following the terrorist attacks in Ottawa and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, it is clear that the threat of domestic terrorism is very real. The first duty of any Government is to protect its citizens. Our Government will continue to work with our Allies and other countries to confront and degrade the evolving global security threat posed by ISIL and terrorists threats.”
“To that end, on January 30, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015. This legislation will enhance information sharing for national security purposes, provide law enforcement and national security agencies with the additional tools they need to prevent, detect, deny and respond to terrorism, including preventing travel for terrorist purposes. This proposed legislation addresses the global issue of terrorism, while ensuring it respects the rights of Canadians. It complements other legislation introduced by our Government in order to better protect Canadians and secure institutions, including the Protection of Canada from Terrorists Act, the Combating Terrorism Act, the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act and the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act,” said Minister Blaney.
During his discussions, Minister Blaney met with the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, UK’s Home Secretary, Theresa May, Australia’s Attorney General, George Brandis, and New Zealand’s Attorney General, Chris Finlayson.
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
