One of Australia’s top Jewish organizations expressed shock and anger on Sunday after a man was spotted wearing a hat.
“Violent acts of terrorism have no place in Canadian society or abroad. [These] additions to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities are an important step in our effort to combat violent extremism in all forms,” said Bill Blair, Canada’s Public Safety Minister in a statement.
Being on the terror list makes it more difficult for groups to operate and recruit in Canada. In addition, their property can be seized.
“Given the increasing threat posed by extremist groups in Canada and around the world, we are pleased to see the Canadian government take this important step in protecting the safety of its citizens and combating extremist groups that promote and commit hateful and violent acts,” Michael Levitt, president and CEO of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, said in a statement.
First published on Wed 3 Feb 2021 13.32 EST
Canada has described the far-right Proud Boys group as a “serious and growing threat” and branded it a terrorist organization alongside Isis and al-Qaida, amid growing concerns over the spread of white supremacist groups in the country.
On Wednesday Bill Blair, public safety minister, also announced the federal government would designate the white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups the Atomwaffen Division, the Base and the Russian Imperial Movement as terrorist entities. The federal government also added offshoots of al-Qaida, Isis and Hizbul Mujahedin to its list.
“Canada will not tolerate ideological, religious or politically motivated acts of violence,” Blair said.