Question Period Note: Listing of Terrorist Entities

o Canada’s Criminal Code listing regime is an important tool for countering terrorism in Canada and globally, and is part of the government’s commitment to keep people in Canada safe.

o The Criminal Code sets out a terrorist listing regime to help prevent the use of Canada’s financial system to further terrorist activity, and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences.

 Canada’s intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies continuously monitor for potential threats.

 Once threats are identified, robust measures are in place to address them.

 We work closely with our partners and use every tool at our disposal to hold accountable terrorists and those who participate in or facilitate terrorist activity.

 Organizations meeting the threshold in the Criminal Code are listed as terrorist entities based on evidence, intelligence, and the law.

 The listing carries significant consequences. It prohibits actions related to terrorist financing, and allows the Government to seize, restrain, or forfeit assets.

 Individuals seeking entry into Canada are also inadmissible if they are members of terrorist organizations.

 We are committed to holding terrorist groups accountable for their actions and to explore all options to respond to the threat they pose to Canada’s security.
 

Canada’s Criminal Code listing regime
o The listing of terrorist entities is a process, based on evidence, intelligence, and the law, as a listing carries significant consequences. It involves cross-government consultations to ascertain if an entity meets the legal threshold for listing as set out in the Criminal Code.

o The Minister of Public Safety may recommend to the Governor in Council that individuals or groups be designated as “terrorist entities” pursuant to s. 83.05 (1) of the Criminal Code (establishment of list) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that an entity:
o A) has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity; or
o B)has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with, an entity referred to in paragraph (a).

o For the purposes of this determination, "terrorist activity" includes acts such as hijacking planes, taking hostages, bombings, and other acts described in section 83.01 (1) of the Criminal Code.

o Once an entity is listed, it is a “terrorist group” under Canadian criminal law. The Criminal Code prohibits certain actions in relation to terrorist groups, including those related to terrorist financing, travel, and recruitment. Furthermore, persons seeking entry into Canada are inadmissible if they are found to be members of organizations engaged in terrorism. The Criminal Code listing can be helpful for immigration and border officials to determine if individuals are deemed inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

If Pressed
Q1 – Listing the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang:
 On September 29, 2025, the Government of Canada announced that it had listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.

 The Bishnoi Gang creates a climate of insecurity in Canada as it targets specific communities, their prominent members, their businesses, as well as cultural figures within the community.

 The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the safety and security of all people in Canada and Canadians abroad.

 The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with our partners and use every tool at our disposal to hold terrorists and those who participate in or facilitate terrorist activity accountable.

Q2 – How will this impact the current relationship between Canada and India?:
 The Bishnoi gang creates a climate of fear and has been linked to a number of violent crimes and murders in India.

 Indian authorities have already laid multiple charges against the gang; a number of gang members have also been sentenced to prison and its leader has been in prison in India since 2014.

 Addressing transnational crime is a priority for both of our countries.

 As the gang has networks in both Canada and India, both of our countries are working together to deal with this issue.

Q3 – Listing of seven Transnational Organized Crime Groups:
 The transnational organized crime groups listed in February 2025 take hostages, attack civilian and critical infrastructure, actively disrupt the functions of local governments and law enforcement, and generate terror amongst civilian populations.

 These organizations also play a leading role in the production and distribution of fentanyl throughout our country.

 The Government of Canada is committed to using every available resource to disrupt the scourge of these organizations in our communities.

 We will continue to explore all possible measures to constrain the activities of those who would threaten the safety and security of all people in Canada and Canadians abroad, in collaboration with allies and like-minded partners.

Q4 – Listing Gangs in Haiti:
 The Government of Canada is committed to promoting stability and democracy in Haiti. We are committed to being strong partners of the Haitian government as it looks to bring back safety and stability in its territory.

 Transnational Organized Crime Groups are a threat to the safety and security of all people in Canada and Canadians abroad.

 Canada has sanctioned Haitian individuals under the Special Economic Measures Act for financial and operational support to armed gangs.

 Canada’s listing process is based on intelligence, evidence and the law.

 As a result of this process, the government listed 7 transnational organized crime groups as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code.

 We will not hesitate to take measures necessary to protect the safety of Canadians and of our partners.

Q5 – Redefining Terrorism Beyond Ideological, Political, or Religious Motivations:
 The nature of terrorism is rapidly evolving due to the internet, online radicalization, and the intersection between terrorism and crime.

 Complicating this environment is the emergence of lone actors, who do not subscribe to a particular ideological, political or religious belief, but are motivated to commit violent acts based on a personalized mix of many beliefs unique to them.

 No matter the ideology, the Government of Canada is committed to using all available tools to address the threat posed by these actors, including by listing them as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code.

 The intelligence and security agencies are continually assessing threats to the safety and security of Canada, and will respond to the seriousness of these entities’ activities.

 The terrorist listings process is based on evidence, intelligence, and law, and serves as one possible avenue of response to target malign terrorist actors both within Canada and abroad.

 The Government of Canada is committed to promoting stability and democracy in Haiti. We are committed to being strong partners of the Haitian government as it looks to bring back safety and stability in its territory.

 Transnational Organized Crime Groups are a threat to the safety and security of all people in Canada and Canadians abroad.