Russian Spies in Canada : A Tale of Two Traitors - The Fifth Estate

Canada’s new intelligence oversight committee lacks necessary expertise | Toronto Star

I thought you might be interested in this story from the Toronto Star.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2017/11/11/canadas-new-intelligence-oversight-committee-lacks-necessary-expertise.html

C51 lingers in 2016 - Town Hall, videos 1 - 3

Sound Cloud Interview via CBC: National security oversight committee coming by summer, says Ralph Goodale

https://soundcloud.com/cbc-radios-the-house/ralph-goodale-says-national-security-oversight-committee-coming-by-summer

CBC: National security oversight committee coming by summer, says Ralph Goodale

Source:http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-security-committee-goodale-1.3580797

National security oversight committee coming by summer, says Ralph Goodale

Liberals also creating 'centre of excellence for community outreach and counter-radicalization', says Goodale

By Katharine Starr, CBC News Posted: May 13, 2016 5:01 PM ET Last Updated: May 13, 2016 5:01 PM ET

Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale says an oversight committee of parliamentarians to review national security agencies is coming before Parliament adjourns for the summer. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

The Liberals' promised national security oversight committee is in the works for a summer debut, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

"We've come up with a Canadian model. We're drafting the legislation now, and we hope to have it in the public domain before the House adjourns in June," Goodale told host Chris Hall in an interview on CBC Radio's The House.

• Conservatives say security committee is a 'radical departure,' breaks election promises
• Listen to the full episode of The House

The all-party committee of parliamentarians will be tasked with reviewing security-related issues. Forming the committee was an election promise in response to the controversial anti-terrorism law known as C-51, and part of the mandate letter Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave to Goodale.

"Canada is the only country in the western alliance that doesn't have that mechanism of review and scrutiny. We're the anomaly," Goodale said.

"We're going to fix that by adding a committee of parliamentarians to make sure that with new powers that are given to security agencies, there's also more scrutiny, more review, more protection of the public interest."

He added that the justice department is currently in the process of translating the model into legislative language.

Surprise — more consultations coming

During the election, the Liberals promised make amendments to bill C-51, but before any of that can happen the government will consult with Canadians first.

"We will have a series of very specific amendments to what we believe is wrong in C-51...but we want to hear from Canadians about what else they think needs to be added to that list," Goodale said.

Cross-country consultations will begin in the coming weeks and last "through the summer," he said.

"Canadians will get the say on C-51 that they did not have when the bill was first presented in 2015," Goodale said.

Rallies were held across Canada last spring to protest against the Conservative government's Anti-Terrorism Law bill C-51. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)

The anti-terror law was the focus of nationwide protests and opposition beginning when it was first introduced by the Conservatives in February of 2015. 

Some expected amendments include changing the definition of 'terrorist propaganda,' and fixing elements around the no-fly list, Goodale added.

The Liberals have also promised to guarantee all CSIS warrants, respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ensure Canadians aren't limited from lawful protests and advocacy and have a statutory review of the full Anti-Terrorism Act after three years.

Counter-radicalization centre this summer

The Liberals are also moving ahead on creating a "centre of excellence for community outreach and counter-radicalization" in time for a late spring or summer launch, said Goodale.

"We will be proceeding with the physical establishment of the office and the selection of personnel to run it," he said. 

The Liberal government earmarked $35 million over five years in the 2016 federal budget to fight the radicalization of young people in Canada. 

$3 million of that will be spent this year going towards hiring the coordinator of the centre and getting the it up and running. 

The government will also be starting a "comprehensive examination" of cyber security systems.

Corruption: 'this is a critical global fight'

Speaking from London, England, where he was attending a global anti-corruption summit, Goodale said that Canada is committed to fighting the consequences of political corruption.

• Anti-corruption summit: Nations vow openness but firm commitment varies

That includes looking at the idea of a mandatory public registry to trace ownership of public companies.

"Five or six countries have decided to do it, and another five or six are actively heading in that direction," Goodale said. 

"Canada is considering it. We have jurisdictional issues that we have to cope with, because much of these responsibilities fall within provincial jurisdictions."

There are also privacy issues with such a registry, but "we will obviously examine this very actively", he said.

"This is a critical global fight, and Canada wants to be a part of it."

Royal Canadian Mounted Police: The Uniform

The National: Refugee Crisis | Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon

"Published on Nov 27, 2015

Lebanon is poised to send thousands of refugees to Canada. But Michelle Cameron Canada's ambassador to Lebanon says need, not geography, will dictate who comes here."

CCMW-TO Bill C-51 Info Session

Source: https://storify.com/CCMWtoronto/ccmw-to-bill-c-51

MP Niki Ashton: When Will the Gov't Apologize for Comments About Idle No More?

RIS2014 and I am Working on a Paper for the RCMP

I attended a few sessions at RIS 2014.  Some over arching themes were:

1) Greater inclusion of differing views on Islam.

2) Love of country whether by birth or immigration.

3) A great deal of outreach to the youth and keeping them conversational and engaged.

4) Discussions about addressing Islamophobia.

5) Discussions about addressing extremism within Muslim communities.

6) And the launch of a peace Initiative.

7) In the sessions that I attended I did not hear specifically reaching out to LGBTQI Muslims.

8) In one of the sessions that I attended there was the defining of marriage as specifically between a man and a woman.

9)The RCMP had a booth at the convention and at one point I noted that the booth was staffed by three (3) women officers.  I spoke with one of the officers and noted that she was extremely willing to discuss the ways in which the RCMP seeks to reach out to various communities in Canada.

I am working on an unsolicited paper to submit to the RCMP on what I perceive are some of the security dynamics in Canada. It will be through a feminist perspective.  I will not post that paper here, but I will note when it has been submitted.

Thank you.

-Debra V. Wilson 

    

I Have Just Been Reminded of My Interactions With White Members of the Met in London, England

The Met over the years has had less than smooth relationships with some communities in London, England.

In the past (and perhaps still now) some have felt that the Met was not held to the appropriate levels of accountability.

I had the experience of experiencing the Met overwhelmingly as not only positive but protective.

In London, England my attractiveness was skewed and I was deemed quite fetching due to the American factor.  For a time I was harassed horribly on a daily basis by White, British men.  I used to double dress, as even I as a feminist believed that if I put on enough clothes they would leave me alone.  Of course they did not.  The harassment became so unbearable that it began to hamper my activities.  And once I spent an entire day in my flat afraid to venture out.

It was White, Male, members of the Met in my community who took it upon themselves to step in and stop the problem.  They did...full stop.

To this day I still feel the Metropolitan Police of London, England are approachable.

I am working on moving to Canada to do some academic research that will touch on the realm of the RCMP and CSIS.   On one of my early visits to Canada I was told about some of the challenges the RCMP has had with some communities in Canada.  I have met men working in counter-terrorism in Canada.  I have met Canadians employed in other aspects of Canada's security apparatus.  They have been respectful meetings.  And as in London, England with the Metropolitan Police they were not always meetings of similar minds, but again they where in a space of respect.

I look forward to moving to Canada.  And where appropriate I will share on this page my studies and works in Canada.

- Debra V. Wilson

Ottawa Shooting - Wednesday (22 October 2014) three (3) articles and five (5) videos

CBC News: The National

5 hours ago

BREAKING NEWS:
Corporal Nathan Cirillo, shot dead at #Ottawa War Memorial today, was 24. Reservist was member of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders #cdnpoli

CBC News: The National shared a link.

4 hours ago

BREAKING | This is a photo of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, gunman in this morning's shootings in Ottawa. #cbcOTT #OTTnewspic.twitter.com/OLSxlYPelj

CBC Ottawa on Twitter: "BREAKING | This is a photo of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, gunman in this...

twitter.com

BREAKING | This is a photo of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, gunman in this morning's shootings in Ottawa. #cbcOTT #OTTnews pic.twitter.com/OLSxlYPelj

Debra V. Wilson

CBC News: The National shared a link.

6 hours ago

Kevin Vickers hailed as hero who took down attacker at Parliament Hill.

Ottawa shooting: Kevin Vickers hailed as hero who took down attacker

www.cbc.ca

The man reported to have shot an assailant on Parliament Hill today is a former police officer with a background in providing security services for dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police: The RCMP Seeks Your Help to Bring Our Aboriginal Women and Girls Home

Source:  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/2014/10-03-missing-disparues-eng.htm?tw

The RCMP Seeks Your Help to Bring Our Aboriginal Women and Girls Home

Ottawa, October 3, 2014 – Today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), in collaboration with various police partners, launched a social media campaign as part of its efforts to help solve outstanding cases of missing Aboriginal women. The campaign will highlight specific cases of missing Aboriginal women and girls across Canada featured on the Canada's Missing website, and encourages the public to help in solving these cases.
From October 3rd until October 12th, the RCMP will share information on these cases on its Facebook and Twitter accounts and call on policing partners and the public to take part in this campaign. The month of October was chosen to coincide with the Sisters in Spirit Vigil held by the Native Women's Association of Canada each October 4th. Each case on the Canada's Missing website is profiled with a poster that provides information about the missing individual and the circumstances of the case and can be printed for distribution.

How the public can help:

• Visit canadasmissing.ca to review the cases and learn how to submit a tip
• "Like" the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Facebook to see information about the cases and share them
• Follow @rcmpgrcpolice on Twitter to read about and retweet information on the cases

RCMP officers and investigators from our partner police agencies work tirelessly to solve cases of missing persons. In May, the RCMP released The National Operational Overview on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women, the most comprehensive and accurate account to date of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. This July, an awareness campaign was launched featuring posters on the topics of family violence and missing persons. The RCMP also works in consultation with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) in order to raise awareness of the issue of missing Aboriginal women in Canada.
This initiative is an opportunity for communities across the country to be involved by sharing information that may generate tips for the investigating officers. With the public's help, we hope to bring these women and girls home.
For media inquiries:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations
613-843-5999

United Against Terrorism handbook: One (1) video and One (1) article

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rcmp-pulls-support-from-united-against-terrorism-handbook-1.2783234

RCMP pulls support from United Against Terrorism handbook Police force says it can't support 'adversarial tone' in parts of anti-terrorism booklet CBC News Posted: Sep 30, 2014 6:45 PM CT Last Updated: Sep 30, 2014 10:42 PM CT The United Against Terrorism handbook aims at preventing young Canadians from being recruited by extremist groups. But the RCMP, which contributed a section of the booklet, announced Tuesday it's withdrawing its support for the project. (Catherine Dulude/CBC)  The RCMP has pulled its support from a handbook aimed at stopping young Canadians from being recruited by extremist groups, saying parts of the booklet have an "adversarial tone." The police force is listed as a contributor in the handbook, titled United Against Terrorism: A Collaborative Effort Towards a Secure, Inclusive and Just Canada. United Against Terrorism handbook released at Winnipeg mosque On mobile? Read the handbook here The publication was written by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Islamic Social Services Association. It was released at a Winnipeg mosque on Monday. But in a statement issued late Tuesday, the RCMP said it is no longer supporting the project. "After a final review of the handbook, the RCMP could not support the adversarial tone set by elements of the booklet and therefore directed RCMP Manitoba not to proceed with this initiative," the statement said. The RCMP did not elaborate on its concerns regarding the handbook. The 38-page handbook is directed mainly at Muslims, asking readers what Islam requires from Muslim citizens in a non-Muslim country and stressing the duty to follow the law of the land. The RCMP contributed to a section titled "Understanding radicalization and the role of RCMP in law enforcement and national security." On Tuesday, the police force noted that it's not responsible for the material in the rest of the booklet. In a joint statement, the Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims pointed out that the handbook includes a disclaimer that says: "Contributors are only responsible for their respective contributions and do not necessarily endorse other material contained in this publication. "This is a handbook for use by Canadian Muslim communities to help them identify radicalization, prevent violent extremism, build civic engagement and uphold civil rights. Canadian Muslims are entitled, like all other Canadians, to know their legal rights when interacting with law enforcement. This is a basic Canadian and core democratic concept which we all uphold," the groups' statement reads in part. "Our recommendations to security agencies are based on years of direct experience with grassroots communities and the concerns aired by Canadian Muslims during local town hall forums in 2013 in the presence of law enforcement participants," the statement added. RCMP's full response Below is the full text of the RCMP's response, issued Tuesday, regarding the United Against Terrorism handbook: The safety and security of citizens is of the utmost importance to the RCMP, and we take any threat to the security of Canadians and their livelihood seriously. The RCMP has a longstanding relationship established with the communities it serves and for the past several years, it has been building trust with the communities through its national security community outreach program. The RCMP contributed to Section 3 of the handbook entitled "Understanding Radicalization and the role of RCMP in law enforcement and national security". We are not responsible for other material contained in this publication. After a final review of the handbook, the RCMP could not support the adversarial tone set by elements of the booklet and therefore directed RCMP Manitoba not to proceed with this initiative. Any questions regarding the distribution, use or intention of the booklet should be directed to the authors, the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Islamic Social Services Association. Source: RCMP newsroom Groups respond Below is the full text of the response from the Islamic Social Services Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims to the RCMP's statement: The Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) issue the following joint statement in response to recent remarks by the RCMP with respect to the United Against Terrorism handbook which was released on September 29th at the Winnipeg Central Mosque. "We greatly commend and appreciate the RCMP's contributions to this important tool in the struggle against violent extremism.  Since Monday, we have received enthusiastic support for this initiative from Canadians across the country and countless requests to distribute the handbook in our diverse communities. "This initiative has been a true success as it brought law enforcement, community leaders and Canadian Muslim communities together with a common focus on safeguarding Canada and addressing youth radicalization towards criminal violence. The handbook does take an adversarial stance against violent extremists and those who seek to recruit and radicalize Canadian youth towards criminal violence. "As might be expected, the content of the handbook was shared with all contributors for constructive feedback throughout the 14 month development process.  All feedback received was incorporated.  The handbook also contains a clear disclaimer on page 1 that states: 'Contributors are only responsible for their respective contributions and do not necessarily endorse other material contained in this publication.' "This is a handbook for use by Canadian Muslim communities to help them identify radicalization, prevent violent extremism, build civic engagement and uphold civil rights.  Canadian Muslims are entitled, like all other Canadians, to know their legal rights when interacting with law enforcement.  This is a basic Canadian and core democratic concept which we all uphold.  Our recommendations to security agencies are based on years of direct experience with grassroots communities and the concerns aired by Canadian Muslims during local town hall forums in 2013 in the presence of law enforcement participants. "We look forward to working with all of the contributors in challenging violent extremism and building a more secure, inclusive and just Canada." Source: National Council of Canadian Muslims newsroom

Royal Canadian Mounted Police: The missing peace

Source: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/gazette/vol76no2/interviews-entrevues/beck-eng.htm?fb
 


The missing peace

A/Commr. Randy Beck (back left), poses with ICP members and Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants at Camp Darapanan, following a consultation for designing a new policing model in the Philippines. Courtesy A/Commr. Randy Beck

RCMP officer brings expertise to Philippines

The southern Philippines has long been plagued by conflict between two religious factions. When a tentative peace deal was struck last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) asked the RCMP’s A/Commr. Randy Beck to chair the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) for the Bangsamoro region. Beck, who has 35 years of service with the RCMP, spoke with Sigrid Forberg about the experience.
What interested you about this assignment? It was that they were looking at designing a new policing model and wanted recommendations for a democratic and economically emerging country. The fact that they were coming out of a conflict period subject to a cease-fire agreement and the policing model would be a cornerstone to providing a peaceful society in the region called the Bangsamoro, that was appealing.
How has it been going? The very short timeline that we are working under is very challenging, but I’m very optimistic and certain that we’ll be able to deliver the report on time and of the quality that’s expected.
Working here in the Philippines has been a challenge as this is my first international deployment. But I believe the people of the Philippines are the most patient people in the world — they’ve waited so long for this peace. They live that patience out every day; they’re now at a point where they desire peace and everybody’s working to see that through.
What’s been most challenging for you? I think the most challenging part was at the very beginning, coming over here with really no infrastructure and no capacity as a commission. Starting from scratch, starting from the ground up — we didn’t have an office, we didn’t have support staff, we didn’t even have a budget that had been finalized.
Then, Typhoon Yolanda hit, and the disaster was the complete focus of the government of the Philippines and all of the embassies and the people here. Rightfully so, 100 per cent of the focus has to go to the disaster relief and support. But that critically put us behind by four weeks. So the short timeline has forced us to attach a risk management philosophy in our work assessing the highest risk areas that need to be addressed in the short time and identifying some mitigating strategies to reduce the risk of those areas we couldn’t address adequately.
On the other side, what’s been most rewarding? I think seeing and hearing that the people of the Bangsamoro understand that policing is the foundation for lasting peace, that they want armed groups to put their arms down. The rewarding part is just working with people and feeling that they are wanting to give peace a chance and that they want policing to be civilian in nature and work with them in a community policing model.
It’s so very rewarding to be able to apply my 35 years of experience to the work that we’re doing, to the consultations, to the discussions, to the development of a new model for the Philippines. It’s so rewarding to apply my experiences from Canada within the context of the challenges here.
How does Canada and the RCMP benefit from getting involved? I think peace in the Philippines does benefit Canada. I’ve said many times, you can’t police yourself out of a conflict. There’s political and economic solutions that have to occur for peace to last. Then policing can establish a safe and secure community. Canada’s role in this work will enable the economic development to come to the southern Philippines.
I just read in the paper yesterday that there’s been more foreign economic investments in the area of Mindanao in the first month and a half of 2014 than there was in all of 2013. It’s just such community optimism and international interest in wanting to invest in the Philippines and it’s such an emerging economic nation that Canada’s role in providing assistance in developing a policing model for the Bangsamoro will pay dividends in the future, there’s no doubt in my mind.

Date Modified: 2014-07-04

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia: This September marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the first female troop at the RCMP Training Academy.

via Facebook: Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia

Yesterday at 11:24am ·

This September marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the first female troop at the RCMP Training Academy. These women graduated six months later and made history becoming the first female police officers in the RCMP. Today there are nearly 4000 female members of the RCMP.
To learn more about women in the Force or how you can become a member of the RCMP, make your way to Center Court at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and speak to Proactive Recruiter, Cst. Sandra Paris, who will be there on Thursday September 11, 2014 from 10:00am-3:00pm.

RCMP Partners with the NWAC and AFN on Awareness Campaign - Posters

Source: http://www.grc.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/2014/08-06-posters-docs-affiches-eng.htm


RCMP Partners with the NWAC and AFN on Awareness Campaign - Posters

More information

• News Release
• Backgrounder

Family Violence Poster

PDF Version – Family Violence Poster

Sometimes… home is where the hurt is. Physical – Sexual – Threats. Don't keep family violence a secret. Help IS available. Talk to a person you trust. Report incidents of violence to your local police.

Missing Persons Poster #1

PDF Version – Missing Persons Poster #1

Haven't heard from her? Don't wait to act. Report a missing person immediately. Report it to your local police.

Missing Persons Poster #2

PDF Version – Missing Persons Poster #2

When someone is missing, every detail is important. Your tip could help bring a loved one home. Report what you know to your local police or Crime Stoppers.

National Peacekeepers' Day weekend of events - updated July 25

Source:   http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/po-mp/npd-jngp-eng.htm?fe

National Peacekeepers' Day weekend of events - updated July 25

Gala Dinner and Dance, Saturday, August 9 - open to all RCMP personnel

We welcome all past and present peacekeepers and support staff as well as all RCMP employees to attend the National Peacekeepers’ Day Gala Dinner and Dance with their guest.
This special event will be held on Saturday, August 9 in Ottawa at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa) to celebrate 25 years of Canadian police contributions to international peace operations.
The evening will feature a keynote address by Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command; a performance by the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service Pipes and Drums and dance music by First Choice Entertainment. Prior to dinner, guests can go on a short guided tour of the museum or mingle around the peacekeeping photo exhibit and uniform display.
Tickets: Tickets are $75 and include a three-course meal with wine. Tickets can be purchased through the RCMP Veterans’ Association, Ottawa Division by e-transfer or by mail. Please email peacekeeping@rcmp-grc.gc.ca for details on ticket purchase and menu options.
Order of dress: RCMP members - walking-out order; police partners: ceremonial uniform. For civilians, formal attire is encouraged; however, business attire (suit with tie) is suitable.
Hotel: the Lord Elgin Hotel is offering rooms at a rate of $139/night (ends July 25). To reserve: reservations@lordelgin.ca or toll-free at 1-800-267-4298, reference “Royal Canadian Mounted Police”.

National Ceremony on Sunday, August 10

The annual National Peacekeepers’ Day national ceremony will take place at 11 am on Sunday, August 10 at the Peacekeeping Monument (424 Sussex Drive). The colourful ceremony will feature troops of military members, veterans and police officers on parade, music by the Band of the Ceremonial Guard and a C-17 fly past. The ceremony is open to the public.
Join the police troop! To mark the 25th anniversary in a memorable way, we invite police peacekeepers to turn out in large numbers for this national ceremony. Join our growing troop of police officers who will participate in this year’s ceremony by contacting Cst. Corri Bell-Boer at corri.bell.boer@rcmp-grc.gc.ca by August 1, 2014.
We look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of Canadian police in international peace operations with you in Ottawa!

Rest in Peace: Constable David Ross, Constable Fabrice Georges Gevaudan and Constable Douglas James Larche

 

 

Universalist Muslims

The people of Moncton are in our hopes and prayers today. It remains in "lockdown" as police continue to search for Jason Bourque, wanted for the death of 3 rcm...p officers and the injury of two more. Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of our fallen rcmp.

‪#‎PrayForMoncton‬ ‪#‎monctonshooting‬ http://huff.to/1mVH13j
Photo from the National Post.