Operational Programs

Counter-Terrorism

The global terrorist threat is far more complex, extreme, sophisticated and transnational today than it was in 1984, when CSIS was created. The growing occurrence of regional and ethnic conflict offers greater opportunity for terrorism. Communications technology, unhindered by distance and boundaries, makes the coordination and propagation of an ideology simpler and quicker. Discussions on closing the international net on terrorism took place among G-8 partners and foreign ministers in May of 1998, prior to the G-8 Birmingham Summit. Canada is signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, the most recent of 11 United Nations counter-terrorism conventions.

Canada and Canadians are not primary targets of terrorist groups. However, proximity to the United States, a common border, large expatriate communities and a healthy economy draw representatives of virtually every terrorist group in the world to this country. The Counter- Terrorism Branch of CSIS is currently investigating more than 50 organizational targets which embody over 350 individual terrorist targets.

A large part of terrorist activity in Canada is related to on-going conflict abroad. Logistical support for terrorist acts in other parts of the world has been provided on Canadian soil. Funds are raised here to support the purchase and delivery of weapons, enhance combat training and subsidize travel. Ethnic communities are exploited through propaganda, advocacy and disinformation. Canadians with foreign roots are intimidated, coerced and manipulated while people are smuggled, documents forged and crimes committed, all in support of political, geographical and religious conflict abroad. Support networks in Canada have provided terrorists with safe-haven and transit to and from other countries, including the United States.

Counter-Terrorism

[Operational Programs]