National Post (National Edition)

Firms that help free hostages get RCMP ‘comfort letters’

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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.

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