Evidence of meeting #36 for Public Safety and National Security in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was farooq.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Thank you.
The final question will be from the Liberals. I see Mr. Fisher hasn't asked a question yet.
Mr. Fisher.
Liberal
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Sure, Mr. Chair.
First of all, thank you very much to the witnesses.
Mr. Farooq, ever since you did your sound check today, I've been wanting to talk to you a bit more.
You talked about the terror listing and the new listing procedures, but you didn't go into in-depth detail. I know we don't have very much time, but perhaps you could tell me what you believe those new listing procedures could or should be?
Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Canadian Muslims
I think we need a new approach in listing white supremacist groups as white supremacist groups and provide new mechanisms to dismantle them that are separate and distinct from the regime of terrorism legislation under the Criminal Code and under the ATA.
Obviously, I can't fully discuss that, but making sure that we're bringing forward new measures for new challenges that are in front of us is important right now.
Liberal
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Thank you very much.
Mr. Koffler Fogel, would you like to comment on that as well?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Just mindful of your time, I really don't have anything to add to that.
Liberal
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Staying on the same topic of dismantling groups, Mr. Farooq, you talked about listing and disbanding militias. You talked about it as not terrorist and not militia, but hate.
Give one recommendation to this committee on exactly what we should do with regard to terror listing.
Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Canadian Muslims
The one recommendation I would have is to bring forward new legislation that deals with the new challenges of white supremacist groups, by recommending the introduction of new sections to the Criminal Code that list white supremacist groups as white supremacist groups.
Liberal
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Thank you very much for that.
I can't remember who said that it hurts your heart. Listening to the testimony of all our witnesses today and the stories you have told and the things you endure—and Mr. Farooq, the things you have endured today and yesterday—it hurts the heart. It truly does.
I thank both of you very much for your testimony and for being here.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Thank you, Mr. Fisher.
I think Mr. Fisher articulated my sentiments as well as I listened to you for the last hour and a half. On behalf of the committee, we appreciate your efforts to be here and your deep insights into this, some might say, “intractable” problem. This is a time when Canada needs to look into its own soul. Thank you for aiding us in that look.
With that, we will suspend and go in camera to deal with committee issues.
Again, thank you for your presence.
[Proceedings continue in camera]
