Ottawa | Arab Canada News

A leaked security document has revealed an unprecedented jump in terrorism charges in Canada over the past year, with an increase of 488%, amid warnings of a sharp rise in violent extremism, particularly among youth, and increasing pressure on the capabilities of the federal police to handle the multiple security challenges facing the country.

The document, consisting of 75 pages, was prepared by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) last December, when David Maginty took office as Minister of Public Safety in the final weeks of Justin Trudeau's government. It was published this week after the ministerial portfolio was transferred to Liberal MP Gary Anandarasangari in Prime Minister Mark Carney's government.

Spike in Threats: 83 Terrorism Charges in One Year

The data indicates that between April 2023 and March 2024, 83 terrorism charges were laid against 25 suspects, including three minors and six young people, while eight other minors were subjected to surveillance orders under "peace bonds," reflecting a rise in youth radicalization cases. The police stated that digital platforms significantly contribute to this youth engagement in extremist ideologies.

The document added that police thwarted six terrorist attempts over the year, involving plots in Toronto, Ottawa, and Edmonton, including an attempt to bomb a pro-Israel demonstration on Parliament Hill, plans to attack "Pride Calgary" events, and an unspecified location in Toronto, alongside foiling an alleged attack in New York that was planned from within Quebec.

Three Canadian women affiliated with ISIS in Syria were also charged, while one financier was convicted in a Toronto court for raising funds under the guise of supporting Gaza and channeling them to the extremist organization. The document also discussed an increase in threats from far-right groups, some of whose members were involved in spreading hate propaganda and faced terrorism charges.

Police: Our Capabilities Are Drained and Challenges Exceed Resources

RCMP warned that ongoing government demands have pushed the agency to "exceed its current capabilities," and that it will not be able to continue fulfilling all its federal duties without a radical overhaul of the resource shortage issue.

While the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) does not see a need to raise the national terrorism threat level at this time, it has expressed growing concern over the rise of extremism in all directions.

Trump Ignites Controversy Over Northern Border... Police: No Enough Evidence

In a related context, the document responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's statements justifying the trade war against Canada by citing a "serious threat" from fentanyl smuggling across the northern border, confirming that there is "little evidence - or none at all - to support this claim," while affirming Canada's commitment to cooperating with international partners to combat drug trafficking.

Poilievre: After a Decade of Liberal Weakness, Criminals Have Gained Boldness

For his part, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre commented on the report, stating: "We need to secure our borders and stop the terrorist threats," adding: "After a decade of weak liberal policies, terrorists and criminals feel bold. It is time to prioritize the security of our people."

These developments come at a time of growing political interest in national security issues, amid escalating internal and external pressures on the Liberal government to reshuffle its security priorities and address gaps in police and intelligence resources before threats escalate to a level that is difficult to contain.