WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb 19, 2015) - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued a statement following his participation at the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism:

"We were all shocked by the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in Canada, Australia, France and Denmark. The greatest responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Our Government takes the threat of terrorism very seriously.

As we have said, the international jihadist movement has declared war on Canada and its allies. Terrorists returning home after travelling abroad to commit terrorist activities are a direct threat to Canada's national security. We are being targeted by jihadi terrorists simply because of the values for which Canada stands for. That is why our Government has put forward measures that better protect Canadians and that we are part of the international coalition to degrade ISIL abroad.

We are addressing the issue of radicalization and the recruitment of young Canadians by terrorist groups like ISIL. Canada's Counter-terrorism Strategy of 2012 consists of four elements: Prevent, Detect, Deny, and Respond.

Preventing radicalization to violence is a collective responsibility for all Canadians. We are reaching out to all communities. Through our Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security, we are working closely with communities to deepen the dialogue around violent extremism.

But enhancing our prevention efforts is not enough to address the threat posed by jihadi terrorists. That's why Prime Minister Harper recently introduced the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015. This legislation will enhance information sharing for national security purposes, provide law enforcement and national security agencies with the additional tools they need to prevent, detect, deny and respond to terrorism, including preventing travel for terrorist purposes, and make Criminal Code amendments that include criminalizing the promotion of terrorism. This proposed legislation addresses the global issue of terrorism, while ensuring it respects the rights of Canadians.

This national security package will serve as a step forward in enhancing Canada's existing anti-terrorism legislation and ensure that gaps in existing legislation are addressed in an effective manner. There is no higher calling of any government than to keep its citizens safe. Given recent horrific terrorist attacks, including in our country, Canada and its allies are resolved to ensure the security and freedom of our citizens," said Minister Blaney.

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.