National Post (National Edition)
Firms that help free hostages get RCMP ‘comfort letters’
Since 2005, the Canadian government has responded to more than 20 cases that qualify as terrorist hostage cases, either because a terrorist entity claimed responsibility, or a Canadian citizen was taken hostage in an area where the sale or trade to an extremist group appeared imminent, said David Drake, director-general of the counter-terrorism, crime and intelligence bureau at Global Affairs Canada.
The federal government has a long-standing policy against paying ransoms in hostage-takings.
Drake told the senators he is unaware of a case in which the government has directly or indirectly paid a ransom.