Global
Is the far right extremist threat really that big in Canada?
By Phil Gurski October 15, 2018
The Islamist threat has far outweighed that of the right-wing threat by a long shot; at least in terms of public perception and impact. We are living, after all, in a world defined, in many ways, by 9/11.
Our security and law enforcement agencies will have to give this a great deal of thought as they strive to keep us safe. Whether or not this necessitates a significant shift from Islamist extremist investigations to right-wing ones is a question that has yet to be answered, writes Phil Gurski. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
OTTAWA—There is no question that when the topic around the water cooler turns to terrorism—not that I hope or think that it often does, but as far as the average citizen is concerned, the particular brand of terrorism that garners the most attention is that of Islamist extremism. Whether we are talking about the Islamic State, al-Qaida, Al Shabaab, Boko Haram, or any one of a depressingly large number of extremist organizations, it’s hard to argue that this emphasis and association are wrongly placed. All you have to do is pick up any newspaper on any day (or search any online news site) and I am certain you will find at least one story, and far too often many stories, of attacks perpetrated by a group of this ilk. This, of course, has become the new normal in most people’s minds, at least since 9/11, if not before.
Related Stories
Explore, analyze, understand
Democracy, Terrorism and Killer Robots: Embassy News covers the 2015 Halifax International Security Forum
The Halifax International Security Forum is one of the world’s biggest gatherings of defence and security leaders.
Get the book
The Halifax International Security Forum is one of the world’s biggest gatherings of defence and security leaders.
Get the book
Election cybersecurity: a comprehensive look at the threats and solutions ahead of 2019
Election cybersecurity concerns in Canada.
Get the book
Election cybersecurity concerns in Canada.
Get the book
Related Policy Briefings
Defence Policy Briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Canada-U.S. Relations
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Privacy and Security in the Digital Age
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
‘Beirut is bleeding’: Lebanese-Canadian MPs express horror, disbelief in wake of massive explosion
'I’m sure with the will of the Lebanese and their friends from all over the world, Beirut will shine again,' says Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury.Introduction of remote voting in the House could come without unanimous support
House leaders continue to hold talks over the summer, but whether an agreement can be struck to get Conservatives on side with a recent call to allow remote voting in ‘exceptional circumstances’ remains to be seen.‘No gotcha moments’: Trudeau’s gambit reflects lessons learned from past ethical entanglements
Though late and largely unconvincing, the PM's testimony helps ensure the government’s points, rather than mere speculation, are litigated in the public square instead, says Garry Keller of StrategyCorp. Deepening COVID-19 impact raises the stakes for Canada’s future choices
As the epidemic reshapes everything, it’s time for the country to put aside traditional convictions and economic frameworks and try to pull together to build a future better suited to a changing, endangered world.Newfoundland and Labrador’s new premier is one to watch
Furey’s greatest challenge will not be enthusiasm or passion, but rather the provincial political system that has rarely rewarded disruption and provides benefits for ward keepers who do not shake things up.Lewis courts dairy farmers, Sloan attacks WHO as Conservative leadership underdogs burn through cash in late advertising push
Leslyn Lewis and Derek Sloan spent roughly $20,000 in a week on a last-minute bid to shore up support, while Erin O'Toole's campaign slowed its online ad spending to a trickle.‘There has never been anything like this before’: experts split on GG’s fate as PCO launches Rideau Hall workplace probe over harassment, bullying claims
‘It’s got to the point, I think, with this particular story, that the governor general should resign,’ says Emmett Macfarlane, professor of constitutional law at the University of Waterloo.PM’s ‘Tiger Team’ meant to address diversity, inclusion in Canada’s national intelligence and security community hasn’t met since 2018
'Building diverse and inclusive workforces is essential to the effectiveness of the security and intelligence community,' according to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians' annual report. Trudeau should hire a ‘director of ethics and oversight’ to vet potential conflicts and break ‘serial pattern’ of ethics lapses, say pollsters
Justin Trudeau's Liberals should ensure they don’t end up in anymore ethical controversies, as these scandals lead people to think that it is ‘time for change,’ says Innovative Research president Greg Lyle.Trending Stories
