'We Cannot Ignore their Threats,' Prime Minister Harper

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons.

We must take further action, said a riled Stephen Harper as he spoke to the Nation from Richmond Hill, Ontario Friday afternoon, introducing a new bill to further protect Canadians from terrorism.

In the wake of recent terrorists attacks on Canada, France, Australia, and around the world, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the approval of the 2015 Anti-Terrorism bill. The new bill will prompt the criminalization of the advocacy or promotion of terrorism and terrorists attacks on Canada.

In addition, with the approval of a judge, Canadian RCMP and authorities will have the power to detain terrorists for a longer period of time, security personnel will have greater authority, and authorities will have the power to remove terrorist propaganda from any Canadian based website.

Photo credit: screen grab from Federal live viewing.

The legislative points were chosen practically and are expected to strengthen our rights—our rights to freedom of speech and religion. They are a representation of existing laws, said Harper. They were constructed as a means to continue to respond to all forms of terrorism.

“Over the last few years, a great evil has been descending on our world,” commented Harper as he explained why this new legislation is necessary.

The world is becoming increasingly less-safe and it's time to start taking security measures here and abroad. Canadians are targeted for no other reason than that we are Canadians—they hate what Canada represents, a country of tolerance, freedom, and pluralism.

“jihadist terrorism, as it is evolving, is one of the most dangerous enemies we have ever faced,” said Harper, as they wish to “annihilate” those who dare to be different or share their narrow and oppressive views.

“It would be a grave mistake to ignore their threats,” added Harper.

There are some concerns that this new legislation will prompt tighter restrictions on the freedoms of Canadians, where as Harper views security and freedom as walking hand in hand. Canadians expect a level of safety and security from their federal government, and the argument that every time you protect Canadians we take away freedoms is not adequate, commented Harper.

The Prime Minister wrapped up his address with a recap on Canada's historic vision, referencing leaders of the past who sought to believe in a Canada that was and continues to be a just, free, safe, and tolerant nation.

“Not now, not ever will we allow these rights to be taken from us,” added Harper. Canadians will not be intimidated and we are not afraid of confronting terrorism.

Photo credit: screen grab from Federal live viewing.

For the previous story on Harper's roundtable discussion, click here.