Security: Introduction -- Six Sections Including References
Notice: Oct. 29, 04
The problem with the sections of this post being out of order has been corrected. I apologize for any problems in finding the material. Life is like that -- and sometimes I can fix the problem.
News Junkie Canada
Introduction: Security Then and Now -- Compare these Hansard excerpts from October 2004 with those from 1998 to see what has changed, if anything.There are supporting materials and resource links; several aspects of security are considered.
Error in links:
I noticed an extra < b+r+/> added to a few of my archived material links; when I tried to gain access to these to correct them, I could not. I shall try again but, if I cannot, simply copy the link and remove the "extra" bit. Then, it should work. Some materials may no longer be online but they may be found elsewhere.
Caveat:
I cannot vouch for the veracity nor the value of all the material to which the links will take one. I came to them from reasonably reliable websites, the print and web-published media, a few bloggers and tips. The sources and links are listed for you to check and form your own conclusions. Also, I have included a few links which demonstrate a laxity concerning security or a cavalier attitude toward Canadians' security and taxpayer money which I believe lead to some of the problems Canada faces today.
For any errors, double entries, and the like, I apologize -- but things happen -- and this is done in my spare time. I am not paid for it.
Sections and Time Constraints:
Scroll down for the "List of sections:" with links to each. This is lengthy so, if necessary, scroll to "Note if you are pressed for time".
I am still concerned about the lack of resources to effectively implement these very laudable plans. Since the government took office in 1993 there have been more than 700 employees cut from CSIS, more than one-quarter of the total workforce. (Peter MacKay, 1998) [Funding is still deficient.]
Basically, what Peter MacKay and others have said about the lax security today is also applicable to what he said in 1998, six years ago, reported in Hansard (See Section 3). In six years, all the government has done is talk about security. They've done virtually nothing but make announcements. In 1998 they were short 700 CSIS agents and today, they are still short about 700, although they are in the process of hiring about 100. The meeting a few days ago with Tom Ridge head of the US Department of Homeland Security was more about speeding shipments across the border, not checking terrorists getting into Canada and not dealing with them once they are here.
e.g. The week end of Oct. 16/17 CBC's Peter Mansbridge (in "One on One" ) interviewed Mohammed Harkat (Harket) who has been held on a security certificate for about two years and he couldn't understand why. The fact that Mohammed Harkat (Harket) accompanied the elder Khadr on a trip from Ottawa to Toronto for about 4 hours had nothing to do with anything. They just happened to be in the same car at the same time.
Update: The National Post (Oct. 19, 04) reveals that Harkat's lawyers have managed to stave off his deportation for a while, if not forever, again.
Note if you are pressed for time:
* Scroll to the links in "List of sections:" after you read the following suggestions.
* Scroll down to Section 4: Mr. Peter MacKay (Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, PC), Apr. 30, 1998 which has comments also.
* Then skim Section 5: Reference material.
* Read Section 6 subheadings -- You will get the idea. (Section 6: More security and related material with links for reference)
* In the excerpts from Hansard, see inserted subheadings, an aid.
Besides local policing, security includes these aspects affecting national security and some suggestions.
* We must have more effective border control and policies to enhance security and public safety with respect to:
* land, air and seaports
* crime and criminal gangs
* drugs and drug finances
* terrorism and the Canadians who join in terrorist activities here and/or abroad
* immigration and refugees -- There are problems which allow undesirables--criminals/terrorists--to enter and to remain Canada.
* the justice system-the courts, sentencing -- Canadians are concerned that their tax dollars are being wasted, for example, on helping to keep here those whom Canada's courts have already determined should be deported.
* We must increase funding for the necessary manpower, materials and tools for our military, policing services/ RCMP / CSIS and any other group set up especially for security at this time; then,
we must pay heed to their warnings--without losing our civil liberties and privacy, of necessity a balancing act--and
we must depoliticize them and/or eliminate any appearance of politicization of these services.
* Security also includes crimes affecting intellectual property, copyright, spying / espionage and more, business(es) and getting the proceeds into the mainstream economy with their related activities (e.g. Those involved in illegal drugs and terror combine in networks for money laundering.), et cetera.
The following is intended to provide background, other and current information -- and to show how little has changed / how much more there is to do since all the talk in the House of Commons (1998--Hansard referenced). There are examples, comments, and reference links.
