Question Period Note: FOREIGN FIGHTERS

What is the Government doing to combat Canadian extremist travellers?

• The return of Canadians to Canada after travelling abroad to engage in extremist activities presents significant risks to our national security.
• Canadian criminal law provides a wide range of terrorism offences, including specific terrorist travel offences that carry significant penalties.
• There have been several individuals charged with terrorist travel offences since 2015, some resulting in criminal convictions, some being subject to terrorism peace bonds, while others are presently before the courts.
• When there is insufficient evidence to lay charges, our Government leverages a full range of counter-terrorism tools to continue to monitor and respond to the threat.
• Our approach to countering terrorism is built on the principle of partnerships and we will continue to work together with our partners around the world to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the threat posed by extremist travellers.

According to the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada, there were approximately 190 extremists with a nexus to Canada abroad, including in Syria and Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North and East Africa. In addition, the Government was aware of approximately 60 individuals who had returned to Canada that were suspected of engaging in extremist activities abroad.

The Criminal Code contains a number of terrorism offences with extra-territorial application. In 2013, offences specifically related to leaving or attempting to leave Canada for the purposes of committing certain terrorism offences were enacted. Since then, 12 individuals have been charged with specific terrorism travel offences: three have been convicted; two have had terrorism peace bonds imposed; four have outstanding warrants; two are awaiting trial; and one has had the charges withdrawn.

Canada’s primary goal in addressing Canadians who return to Canada after engaging in terrorism-related activity abroad is protecting public safety, and there are a range of measures to do so, When there is insufficient evidence to criminally charge persons returning to Canada, preventive measures include the terrorism peace bond and the recognizance with conditions. In addition, the Passenger Protect Program mitigates threats to transportation security and disrupts air travel for terrorism purposes through operational measures such as a denial of boarding. Public Safety Canada can cancel, revoke or refuse passports to prevent threats to the national security of Canada or other states.

It is recommended that broader policy or operational questions about this file be referred to the Minister of Public Safety, who has the lead on it.

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