Sunday, June 21, 2026
ADVT 
National

Canada Must Guard Against Terrorism: PM Harper

IANS, 24 Jun, 2015 12:56 PM
    Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism and so "continued vigilance is essential", Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said.
     
    Harper made the remarks on Tuesday while laying a wreath in the Hall of Honour to mark the "National day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism" observed to honour those killed in the 1985 Air India bombing.
     
    An Air India flight flying from Toronto to London crashed off the coast of Ireland on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board. Most of the dead were Canadians of Indian origin. 
     
    Sikh extremists were blamed for the bombing.
     
    Harper said he cannot "help but cast his mind back to the Canadians who perished in Air India Flight 182 and in the World Trade Centre attacks... and to the many terrorist activities foiled by the vigilance of Canadian security agencies.
     
    "The recollections serve as a reminder that Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism and that continued vigilance is essential."
     
    Addressing a gathering in parliament building here, he said it was a terror attack that killed the 329 passengers and crew members aboard Air India. 
     
    "On this sombre anniversary, we stand in solidarity with the friends and families who lost loved ones in that heinous attack and honour those lost.
     
    "We were deeply moved by this solemn tribute as well as by our meeting the kin of the victims," he added.
     
    Among the kin of the victims present was Susheel Gupta, whose mother Ramvati died in the bombing. Gupta said he regretted that his children would not be able to meet their grandmother.
     
    Meanwhile, a memorial service in Ireland was attended by India's Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and Canadian Minister of Justice Peter MacKay.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Fed government tightens voting rules for Canadians living abroad

    Fed government tightens voting rules for Canadians living abroad
    OTTAWA — The Harper government is tightening the rules for Canadian expatriates who want to vote in federal elections.

    Fed government tightens voting rules for Canadians living abroad

    Questions swirl over effectiveness of outside Jian Ghomeshi probe at CBC

    Questions swirl over effectiveness of outside Jian Ghomeshi probe at CBC
    TORONTO — Questions about the effectiveness of an investigation into the CBC's handling of the Jian Ghomeshi affair swirled Wednesday amid employee concerns about incriminating themselves.

    Questions swirl over effectiveness of outside Jian Ghomeshi probe at CBC

    Ford promises mayoral comeback if health rebounds; due for 5th round of chemo

    Ford promises mayoral comeback if health rebounds; due for 5th round of chemo
    TORONTO — Rob Ford says he's due for a fifth round of chemotherapy next week but that if he beats cancer he'll take another run for mayor of Toronto.

    Ford promises mayoral comeback if health rebounds; due for 5th round of chemo

    Veterans Affairs hiring amid controversy over service delays, lapsed funding

    Veterans Affairs hiring amid controversy over service delays, lapsed funding
    OTTAWA — The Harper government is looking to hire staff at Veterans Affairs.

    Veterans Affairs hiring amid controversy over service delays, lapsed funding

    Family of slain officer feeling 'pain, anger and despair' on eve of verdict

    Family of slain officer feeling 'pain, anger and despair' on eve of verdict
    CALGARY — Family members of a slain Alberta peace officer say they are feeling pain, anger and despair on the eve of a verdict in the trial of a man accused of killing him.

    Family of slain officer feeling 'pain, anger and despair' on eve of verdict

    Axworthy welcomes Kerry musing on U.S. joining Ottawa landmines treaty

    Axworthy welcomes Kerry musing on U.S. joining Ottawa landmines treaty
    OTTAWA — Former Liberal foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy says he's hopeful the United States will join the international treaty to ban landmines, which the Americans have snubbed since it was signed in Ottawa 17 years ago.

    Axworthy welcomes Kerry musing on U.S. joining Ottawa landmines treaty