Thursday, July 9, 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

    Fiscal update: Alberta plans to borrow $3B less; on track for higher surplus

    Fiscal update: Alberta plans to borrow $3B less; on track for higher surplus
    The Alberta government says it plans to reduce its borrowing by almost $3 billion and is on track for a higher than expected surplus this fiscal year.

    Fiscal update: Alberta plans to borrow $3B less; on track for higher surplus

    Vancouver Aquarium seeks judicial review in fight against cetacean bylaws

    Vancouver Aquarium seeks judicial review in fight against cetacean bylaws
    The Vancouver Aquarium is taking the city's park board to court, challenging four bylaw resolutions that would almost eliminate whale and dolphin displays at the popular tourist attraction.

    Vancouver Aquarium seeks judicial review in fight against cetacean bylaws

    All sides in B.C. teachers' dispute meet with education minister in Victoria

    All sides in B.C. teachers' dispute meet with education minister in Victoria
    Parents and students in B.C. should have a better idea by the end of the day about the chance of public schools resuming, as scheduled, next Tuesday.

    All sides in B.C. teachers' dispute meet with education minister in Victoria

    Former NHL enforcer facing assault and driving charges in Kamloops, B.C.

    Former NHL enforcer facing assault and driving charges in Kamloops, B.C.
    A former NHL tough guy is facing assault and driving charges after an alleged incident in Kamloops, B.C.

    Former NHL enforcer facing assault and driving charges in Kamloops, B.C.

    Bombardier workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., turn down latest company offer

    Bombardier workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., turn down latest company offer
    Workers at Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) in Thunder Bay, Ont., have rejected the latest offer from the transportation company.

    Bombardier workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., turn down latest company offer

    Halifax university changes frosh week, a year after incident shone spotlight

    Halifax university changes frosh week, a year after incident shone spotlight
    Saint Mary's University in Halifax is providing training to student leaders who are involved in orientation week activities, nearly a year since a frosh chant glorified non-consensual sex with underage girls.

    Halifax university changes frosh week, a year after incident shone spotlight