Ottawa launches Alberta counter-terrorism unit
Source: The Globe and Mail
The federal government has put together a new counter-terrorism team in Alberta to protect infrastructure and natural resources.
The RCMP, which will lead the effort, did not say whether the unit was assembled in response to specific threats, nor did it explain what qualifies as “critical infrastructure.” Alberta hosts the vast majority of Canada’s oil assets, thanks to the controversial oil sands, which have experienced past security breaches. The province also has an extensive pipeline network, as well as upgraders and refineries, which have also had problems with protesters. Pipelines have been bombed in British Columbia.
“Our government has made responsible, effective investments to fight terrorism and protect Canadians, including the creation of INSETs in major Canadian cities that are responsible for criminal investigations involving terrorist activities,” Vic Toews, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, said in a statement as the RCMP announced the new effort Wednesday.
The new unit will be composed of specially trained members of the RCMP, Edmonton Police Services, Calgary Police Services, Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Mounties said in a statement Wednesday.
Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/ottawa-launches-alberta-counter-terrorism-unit-to-protect-infrastructure/article4236422/
Towards a North American Police State and Security Perimeter: US-Canada "Beyond the Border Agreement"
Through the Beyond the Border agreement released in December 2011, the U.S. and Canada are quietly implementing initiatives that are working towards establishing a North American security perimeter. This includes expanding trusted traveler programs, as well as enhancing integrated law enforcement and information sharing cooperation which has raised many privacy concerns that have yet to be properly addressed.
The U.S. and Canada are also scheduled to deploy a land-based version of the Shiprider program at some point this summer. As part of the security perimeter deal, both countries will, “implement two Next-Generation pilot projects to create integrated teams in areas such as intelligence and criminal investigations, and an intelligence-led uniformed presence between ports of entry.” In September 2011, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder revealed plans that would allow law enforcement officers to operate on both sides of the border. He announced that, “the creation of ‘NextGen’ teams of cross-designated officers would allow us to more effectively identify, assess, and interdict persons and organizations involved in transnational crime.” Holder went on to say, “In conjunction with the other provisions included in the Beyond the Border Initiative, such a move would enhance our cross-border efforts and advance our information-sharing abilities.” Both countries continue to expand the nature and scope of joint law enforcement operations, along with intelligence collection and sharing.
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