Canadian security agencies go on alert
Trudeau expresses shock prior to summit in Turkey
OTTAWA— A grim-faced Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed shock and sadness at the Paris attacks as Canada’s own national security agencies went on alert.
“Obviously our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to our French cousins during this dark and terrible time,” Trudeau said Friday night.
“These terrorist attacks are deeply worrying and obviously unsettling to people around the world. We have offered all of our help and support to the government of France, to the people to France at this time,” Trudeau said, as the death toll in Paris topped at least 120.
“We will continue to engage with our allies around the world in ensuring the safety of Canadians and others, both here at home and around the world,” he said.
Trudeau made the remarks Friday night at Ottawa airport at a hastily called news conference, done just as he prepared to board a military Airbus jet bound for a G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey.
The shocking incident ensures that the issues of terror and security would be thrust onto the agenda. French President François Hollande cancelled his planned attendance at the high-level meeting, his place to be taken by France’s foreign minister.
While those responsible for the attack were unknown Friday night, there was concern it might be traced to Islamic State extremists, the very group Canada and other nations are battling in Iraq and Syria.
Trudeau noted that it was still “very early moments” in determining what transpired in Paris. “It’s too soon to jump to any conclusions.”
“Obviously governments have a responsibility to keep their citizens safe while defending our rights and freedoms. That balance is something the Canadian government and indeed all governments around the world will be focusing on,” he said.
However, Trudeau was silent on whether the attacks would change his resolve to end Canada’s ongoing combat mission against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Canada has had six CF-18s fighter jets based in the region, taking part in the air campaign, since October 2014.
However, Trudeau has pledged that his new government will end that combat role and perhaps beef up other aspects of the mission. In addition the fighter jets, Canada also has asmall team of special forces soldiers based in northern Iraq where they are training Kurdish fighters.