Statement regarding the incident at the Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre

Statement

OTTAWA, March 15, 2016 - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement:

“Earlier today, I spoke with the Prime Minister about the event yesterday at the Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting Centre in Toronto. He repeated his comments that the members of the forces will remain vigilant, but will not be intimidated by these events.

I have also spoken to my colleague, the Minister of Defence, to discuss this matter and to express my concern for the victims of yesterday’s events and my relief at their release from hospital.

My thoughts continue to be with them. I join with the Prime Minister – and all Canadians – in hoping for their full recovery.

I would also like to express my gratitude to those at the recruiting centre -- and to first responders -- for their rapid and professional response, which helped prevent further injuries. Our brave women and men in uniform are a source of pride and inspiration.

We are still in the early stages of the investigation, which is being led by the Toronto Police Service.

I have spoken with the Commissioner of the RCMP and the Director of CSIS and have been assured that they continue to offer whatever support investigators require in this matter.

I have also spoken to Toronto Mayor John Tory, to the Ontario Minister of Community Safety, Yasir Naqvi, and to Willowdale’s representative in Parliament, Ali Ehsassi.

While I cannot discuss the operational details of this investigation, I can reassure Canadians that our national security and law enforcement partners are fully engaged and are working with local law enforcement.

Canada is fundamentally a safe country. Our police and intelligence agencies have the ability and the capacity to investigate this matter appropriately and thoroughly.”

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

Information:

Scott Bardsley
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
(613) 991-0657

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