Certainly.
There are two aspects to that. One is obviously our role as a nation with the international community and that we ought to be seen to be holding up our end.
There are events that have happened. We've seen Canadians go overseas and commit terrorist attacks against innocent people. I think our reputation as exporters of marijuana is one we're well known for, and terrorism is not something that any of us, as Canadians, should be proud of.
In relation to the issue domestically—and again, from a municipal perspective, appreciating that I have a lot of knowledge on investigations that have occurred—there are many weapons available in society. The knowledge is there and available. The Internet has certainly opened up the realm. The world is on our computers and our smart phones. That provides knowledge on how to build weapons or use weapons that we wouldn't normally see, including things like motor vehicles or weapons of opportunity.
More important are the individuals who conspire, who start to adopt, and admittedly some of them feel disenfranchised, but they then look to further their beliefs.... Currently the jihadi issue is specifically dealing with radicalized Islam and those who believe in violence in the name of their religion.
That is ever present. When I think back to the Toronto 18—and that was something that was generated locally—that was inspired by individuals in a small group. We now see that people from all over the world are inspiring—and more than inspiring, in fact are teaching and providing tools for how to beat, to get around our systems, how to speak and not break the laws that are currently in place in Canada and, ultimately, to lure those mostly young and vulnerable people.
If we go back a few years, we were seeing that males were the predominant targets. We're now seeing in the media that there are a number of young females who are equally becoming lured and looking to join the cause overseas.
Our concern too is what they learn there. Certainly the teachings will be brought back, as we've seen recently in events here in Canada, and when they determine that Canada is a common enemy then that knowledge and weaponry will be used on us and that which is available to us.