e-4815 (Public safety)

1. The Government of Canada takes all necessary steps to keep Canadians safe while also safeguarding their values, rights and freedom, as well as ensuring Canada continues to be open, inclusive, and democratic. Potential threats to citizens are continuously monitored by Canada’s intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies, and robust measures are in place to address them.

Designating a group as a terrorist entity pursuant to the Criminal code requires that explicit criteria be met. An entity may be added if there are reasonable grounds to believe that entity has knowingly carried out, participated in, or facilitated a terrorist activity, or has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of or in association with, a terrorist entity. Determining whether to designate an entity is the result of a rigorous process based on evidence, intelligence, and the law. The assessment process for adding entities to the Criminal Code list is continuous.

The Government of Canada takes threats of terrorism seriously and is committed to taking all appropriate action to counter terrorist activities and other national security threats to our country, our people, our way of life, and our international interests.

2. The Government of Canada is working diligently to ensure that communities across Canada, including the Eritrean-Canadian community, feel safe to gather peacefully in public spaces and freely practice their faith and culture. On September 24, 2024, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs announced the new Canada Community Security Program (CCSP). The CCSP replaces and enhances the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) to support communities by providing financial assistance to private, non-profit organizations to enhance the security of community gathering spaces that serve communities at risk of being targeted by hate-motivated crime. This includes places of worship, educational institutions, community centers, shelters serving victims of gender-based violence, and privately run, not for profit, community-based facilities such as daycares, and office spaces. Measures that are eligible for funding under the CCSP include security equipment and hardware, minor renovations to enhance security, security and emergency assessments and plans, training to respond to hate-motivated events, and time-limited security personnel. Up to 70% of a project's eligible costs may be covered under the CCSP. In addition, organizations can apply for funding at any time throughout the year through a continuous intake application process. The Government of Canada is unwavering in its commitment to addressing hate crime and terrorism, in all their forms.