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Terrorism

Canada believes that terrorism is a long-term global challenge. It demands a consistent, comprehensive, co-ordinated international response based on agreed common goals, norms, standards, values and institutions. We participate actively in the global fight against terrorism.

We need global consensus and co-operation to prevent and prosecute terrorist crimes. Otherwise, terrorists may exploit some countries' vulnerabilities to attack others.

Counter-terrorism

Counter-terrorism has a military component, but this cannot solely define international efforts. The multi-pronged fight against terrorism must include diplomacy, intelligence, security and law enforcement, customs and immigration, transportation, justice and finance expertise. All these branches of government must work together to:

identify and arrest terrorists;
to stop their operations;
to protect and defend people, societies, and economies from terrorist attack; and
to mitigate effects of any attack.

All of our domestic and international efforts must support good governance and be grounded in the rule of law. Counter-terrorism measures must follow international law, in particular human rights, humanitarian and refugee law.

Because counter-terrorism requires effective international co-operation and co-ordination, Canada works to develop legal instruments, best practices and international standards to combat terrorism in international, regional and functional fora such as:

the United Nations,
G8,
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),
the Organization of American States (OAS),
the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE),
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and
the World Customs Organization (WCO).

These include the thirteen UN-sponsored terrorism-related international conventions and protocols that address such specific terrorist acts as hostage taking, hijacking, terrorist bombings, and terrorist financing.

Capacity building

Our security is inextricably linked to that of other states. When they lack resources or expertise to prevent and respond to terrorist activity, the security of Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad, is at risk. Counter-terrorism capacity building (CTCB) assists other states with training, funding, equipment, technical and legal assistance so that they can prevent and respond to terrorist activity, within international counter-terrorism and human rights norms, standards and obligations.

More about capacity building

National Exercise Program

Co-ordinated by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's National Exercise Division, the government regularly leads departments and agencies in national and international counter-terrorism exercises. These focus on intergovernmental co-ordination and co-operation to manage crises and consequences.

More about Canada's National Exercise Program

Terrorism financing

As technology improves and integrates trading and financial systems, terrorists' ability to collect and move funds between jurisdictions complicates the tasks of tracing and confiscating their assets. The Criminal Code, the United Nations Afghanistan Regulations (UNAR) and the United Nations Suppression of Terrorism Regulations (UNSTR), give Canada strict measures to identify terrorist entities (organizations and individuals) and to freeze their assets in Canada.

More about terrorism financing

Counter-terrorism and transportation

Our efforts to keep Canadians safer extend to transportation. Canada has been active in elaborating new aviation, land and marine transportation security standards and initiatives.