Statement on Terrorism Arrests

August 26, 2010

After an exhaustive national security criminal investigation led by the RCMP "A" Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (AINSET), three individuals were charged today with various offenses under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

It is alleged that these individuals had both the capacity and the intention to carry out a terrorist attack, making them a serious threat to the Canadian public.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the employees of the RCMP and our integrated policing partners for their excellent work and dedication to this investigation, as well as to the many others who made important supporting contributions.

As any member of the law enforcement community can attest, keeping the public safe is first and foremost in our minds, and I am proud of the role that the RCMP and our partners played in doing so.

This case clearly shows that Canada is threatened by terrorism, but more importantly it demonstrates that an intelligence-led and integrated response by law enforcement and intelligence partners is an effective way to protect Canada's national security and keep Canadians safe.

This matter also serves as a reminder that it is important for the public to be vigilant and to bring suspicious activities to our attention through the National Security Information Network (1-800-420-5805) or by contacting the police in their community.

Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud,
National Security Criminal Investigations