Terror fight hampering work on other criminal files, senior Mountie says

Mike Cabana, deputy RCMP commissioner for federal policing, tells the Senate national security committee the force needs to find a long-term solution to the resource problem.

Concerns about the threat of homegrown extremism have prompted the RCMP to move more than 600 officers to the terrorism file from organized crime and other areas.

That has prompted criticism the Mounties are being stretched too thin.

The Canadian Press reported Friday that the Conservative government plans to use the federal budget to underscore its pre-election messaging on the importance of national security.

The budget due Tuesday is expected to earmark resources to help security agencies carry out enhanced responsibilities under new anti-terrorism legislation.