Public safety minister commends police, reassures Canadians after 'disturbing event'

In the wake of the thwarted terror attack in Strathroy, Ont., Canada’s public safety minister is congratulating police and reassuring Canadians about their safety.

Ralph Goodale was in Regina on Thursday to talk about what happened. 

“This disturbing event serves to remind us that Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism. Unwavering vigilance is always required.”

He commended police, and said they conducted themselves effectively.

“The loss of any life is tragic, but yesterday’s outcome prevented a much more terrible result.”

Goodale said there is no greater responsibility for a government than to keep its citizens safe, and wanted to make sure Canadians know that police will take the appropriate steps when they get credible information.

In his remarks, he pointed out this situation underscores the need for better counter-radicalization in the country, and said the government is working on opening a centre for community outreach to identify and connect with those at risk of radicalization.

Goodale said the threat level in Canada will remain at medium.

In its briefings, the RCMP haven’t said exactly what was being planned by the suspect, 24-year-old Aaron Driver.

“It would appear to be a pretty compelling point that had the RCMP not taken the action that they took yesterday in concert with all of their partners, that something much more awful would likely have happened,” said Goodale.

The RCMP didn’t find out about the potential attack on its own, a tip came from the FBI. However, Goodale doesn’t seem concerned about it. He said Canada and the U.S., along with several other countries, have a mutually beneficial, and successful partnership in this area. He also pointed out tips can go the other way as well.

The minister said Canada needs to ensure police have the resources to do what they need to do, highlighting money allocated to that purpose in the recent federal budget. He also said the government will take whatever steps need to be taken to keep Canada a safe and peaceful nation.