Dealing With Terrorism - the Canadian Experience

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 99) November 25, 2015

Democratic governments around the world are on high alert in their battle against the murderous, seemingly haphazard actions of extremist Islamic groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.  The most recent example of indiscriminate carnage occurred a week ago at a luxury hotel in the African state of Mali – killed 19 – Al-Qaeda and two other groups are claiming responsibility.  But it was the ISIS attacks in Paris two weeks ago that sparked a more heighten level of anxiety and concern amongst urban populations in Europe and elsewhere – many are now thinking and saying:  if it can happen in Paris, it can happen anywhere.  For the French government (and for other governments as well), the question has become:  what tools are required and necessary to counter terrorism threats and actions?  President Francois Hollande of France has voiced some of his views and ideas, ideas that seem to link to Canada’s experience with ISIS style terrorism.

Canada’s Experience 

Not to be forgotten in any discussion on what to do in the fight against terrorism is Canada’s experience – the murder of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and attack on Canada’s Parliament Hill thirteen months ago.  And just a few months later, the government (of the day) passed its Anti-Terrorism Act (C-51).  While C-51 enhances the powers of police and investigative authorities (as it should) the Act does not allow for any kind of parliamentary, bi-partisan oversight in the operations of the security authorities involved.  Nor does the law (as it exists) retain the sanctity of being a Canadian and having Canadian citizenship.  Fortunately the “new” government in Ottawa is reviewing the law and has promised to delete the elements related to citizenship and add elements to have appropriate, bi-partisan oversight.  The person in charge of this monumental task is the seasoned, well respected Minister of Public Safety, Ralph Goodale.  Mr. Goodale will have to clearly define freedom of expression and conduct versus an individual’s responsibility to Canada, as a citizen.  While Mr. Goodale’s immediate focus is on the terrorism threats being promoted by groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, there is the disturbing reality of home-grown terrorism and not to be forgotten, other special interest groups that use more militant actions to achieve their objectives – Mr. Goodale is walking a very fine line in his most pressing responsibility; achieving homeland security.

A Final Thought

In a recent Canadian television program on terrorism, the assembled panel of experts (military and academic) concluded that the best way to deal with the existing scourge is by assembling the best, most reliable INFORMATION possible and then acting quickly, no holds barred.