Prime Minister Stephen Harper made clear Thursday that the Conservative government has no sympathy for people in Canada who decide to join terror groups, stressing that turning to violent jihad while living in this country is "totally unacceptable."
Speaking from Montreal, Harper said while he sympathizes with families who are affected when a loved one attempts to join a terror organization or plot a terror attack, there’s no “legitimate reason” for Canadians to be inspired by terrorism.
"Obviously we have great sympathy for the families that are affected, but let us be clear: We have a great country here," he said, noting Canada's freedoms, democratic system, openness and tolerance.
"There is no legitimate reason of any kind in this country for someone to become a violent jihadist or a terrorist or to join any kind of group that is involved or advocates that kind of activity.
"It is totally unacceptable to Canada and Canadians, and unacceptable to this government."
Harper was in Montreal along with Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney to announce new resources for the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP.
The RCMP will be receiving $150.36 million over five years starting in 2015-2016, and $46.79 million per year thereafter on an ongoing basis. The money will help support the RCMP’s investigations related to terrorism.
The CBSA will be receiving $5.4 million over five years starting in 2015-2016, and $1.1 million per year thereafter on an ongoing basis.
Harper said the new resources will help the CBSA stop "high-risk" travellers.
He made the announcement days after a group of 10 Montreal-area youth were arrested at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, suspected of wanting to join Islamic State militants in the Middle East.
No charges were laid, but all 10 of the young people had their passports confiscated. The RCMP is now investigating whether the arrested group is linked to a wider terrorist network.
With files from CTV News' Mercedes Stephenson
