OTTAWA – Investigators are still trying to determine why a man drove into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, killing scores of people. But authorities have called it an undeniable act of terror. Here are five ways that Canada is trying to prevent this kind of attack on Canadian soil:
Threat assessments: Federal agencies are constantly gauging possible threats to dignitaries, public events and symbolic sites. The Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre draws on expertise from across the federal government to evaluate the intent and capability of terrorists to carry out attacks. The assessments go to members of the Canadian security community, provincial emergency authorities, first responders and the private sector.
Individual agencies also produce specialized assessments. For instance, Transport Canada has looked at the threat to various modes of transportation including airliners, passenger trains and buses. A November 2014 assessment mentioned the possibility of a bus being used as a weapon in a large crowd setting.
Counter-radicalization: Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and some municipal police forces actively work with communities to try to prevent young people from becoming radicalized and embracing violence. The Mounties also train first responders, investigate national security cases and help intervene in high-risk cases.
The Liberals have promised to appoint a co-ordinator of community outreach and counter-radicalization to serve as a needed focal point for multi-agency efforts. An announcement is expected soon.
Interventions: Once a suspect comes to their attention, authorities can use a range of tools. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has power to disrupt a plot — for example by disabling the ignition of a suspect’s truck or cancelling their airplane reservation. Police can ask a judge to have someone with information relevant to the investigation of a future terrorist act appear before a court and answer questions. They can also seek an order for the court appearance of someone who may carry out a terrorist attack. A judge then considers whether to impose restrictions.
It is a crime to go abroad to receive terrorist training, take part in extremism or facilitate terrorism. Federal officials collaborate to deny issuance of a passport or revoke an existing one, preventing overseas travel.
Terrorist listing: Any person or group on Canada’s terrorist list may have their assets seized, and there are criminal penalties for assisting listed entities with the aim of helping them carry out extremist activities. In addition, foreign nationals or permanent residents found to be members become ineligible to enter Canada.
National security review: Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale plans to publish a discussion paper as early as next month to begin an in-depth review of Canada’s national-security system. Goodale says the goal is to examine policies, laws and procedures with the aim of ensuring both public safety and fundamental freedoms. A parliamentary committee is expected to hold hearings before the government tables any new legislation to rescind existing measures or introduce new ones.
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