The terrorism charges have jumped 488 per cent last year in Canada, the RCMP wrote to the public safety minister.According to the RCMP’s ministerial briefing document, published on a government website, violent extremism continues to pose a serious national security concern.“Canadian police have foiled six terrorist plots in the last 12 months alone, with arrests spanning from Edmonton to Ottawa to Toronto,” the briefing said.The period between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 saw 83 terrorism-related charges against 25 individuals. The charges included three minors, six young adults, and eight youths under terrorism peace bonds, indicating increased youth involvement.The document highlighted that digital platforms were “contributing to substantial youth engagement with violent extremist ideologies and an increase in the number of youth subjects of interest.”“This increase in violent extremism has not seen a parallel increase in resourcing.”The comprehensive 75-page document, prepared in December for incoming public safety minister David McGuinty, was released publicly on Wednesday after Gary Anandarasangaree assumed the portfolio under Prime Minister Mark Carney.The briefing identified several critical issues, including violent extremism, foreign interference, hate crimes, border security and opioids.Regarding US President Donald Trump’s claims about fentanyl smuggling across the Canadian border being a “grave threat,” the RCMP document stated there was “little to no evidence” supporting this assertion, whilst maintaining commitment to international cooperation.The document cautioned that current demands exceed the RCMP’s capabilities, stating they cannot effectively fulfil their federal responsibilities without additional resources.CSIS acknowledged increasing extremism but maintained the current national terrorism threat level. Recent terrorism activities include ISIS-linked plots, including planned attacks on a pro-Israel rally, Calgary Pride events, and locations in Toronto and New York.The situation includes charges against three Canadian women formerly with ISIS in Syria, and recent conviction of an ISIS financier in Toronto for channelling crowdfunded money to the organisation’s overseas operatives.The RCMP noted increased terrorism charges against far-right groups for activities including hate propaganda production.“Violent extremism is on the rise worldwide and constitutes a prominent national security threat,” the RCMP informed the minister, noting the use of preventive measures and peace bonds when charges cannot be laid.Earlier this month, Global News reported a Yemeni citizen was arrested on a terrorism peace bond on April 19 as he was allegedly trying to leave Toronto to join an Iranian-backed terrorist group.
