Canada’s terrorism threat level at medium

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, said in a statement: “In 2015 and early 2016, the main threat to Canada remained that violent extremists could be inspired by groups such as Daesh and al-Qaida to carry out an attack.”

The National Terrorism Threat Level is said by Goodale to support the government’s counter-terrorism measures by helping government officials and law enforcement agencies identify risks and vulnerabilities and determine which measures to put in place to prevent or mitigate a violent act of terrorism. The threat level has been unchanged since October 2014; it is medium, meaning a violent act of terrorism could occur in Canada.

Goodale’s report details the national terrorism threat levels and the security response:
Very low: A violent act of terrorism is highly unlikely. Measures are in place to keep Canadians safe.
Low: A violent act of terrorism is possible but unlikely. Measures are in place to keep Canadians safe.
Medium: a violent act of terrorism could occur. Additional measures are in place to keep Canadians safe.
High: a violent act of terrorism is likely. Heightened measures are in place to keep Canadians safe. Canadians are informed what action to take.
Critical: a violent act of terrorism is highly likely and could occur imminently. Exceptional measures are in place to keep Canadians safe. Canadians are informed what action to take.

“Canadians expect their government to take all necessary steps to keep them safe, while safeguarding our values, our rights and freedoms and the open, inclusive democratic character of our country. Fundamental to effective national security is a solid understanding among Canadians of the threats we face. That’s what this report provides, including the current National Terrorism Threat Level for Canada,” reads Goodale’s statement. “We want to prompt a rich, thorough, factual discussion of our overall national security framework, so we can shape it together – based on our clear-eyed safety requirements and the principles by which we wish to live our lives.”

Read the full 2016 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada here.