Ottawa launches Alberta counter-terrorism unit
CARRIE TAIT
Calgary — The Globe and Mail
Published Wednesday, Jun. 06 2012, 3:39 PM EDT
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 pieces of infrastructure it is concerned about. 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.
The federal government is a fierce supporter of Alberta’s oil and gas industry, going so far as to label some opponents as “radical.” The Tories boast about Canada becoming a global energy superpower, and stress Alberta’s importance for the country’s economy. The new counter-terrorism unit, with offices in Edmonton and Calgary, will be Canada’s fifth so-called Integrated National Security Enforcement Team.
“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.
Sergeant Greg Cox, a media relations officer for the RCMP in Ottawa, said there is “no indication that the threat level is higher” in Alberta. “However, as in any part of the country, we need to remain vigilant. The establishment of an INSET in Alberta ensures that we have the capacity to address these threats if they arise.”
INSETs were established following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
“The decision as to where these INSETs would be established was based on the threat environment as understood at the time,” Mr. Cox said in a written statement in response to questions from The Globe and Mail. INSETs have also been established in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
“By working together, the RCMP and its partners are well positioned to prevent, detect, deny and respond to criminal threats to Canada’s national security,” the RCMP said in a statement. The new INSET division was “prompted by factors such as a growing population, a strong economy supported by the province’s natural resources and the need to protect critical infrastructure.”
Public Safety Canada on its website says: “Critical infrastructure refers to processes, systems, facilities, technologies, networks, assets and services essential to the health, safety, security or economic well-being of Canadians and the effective functioning of government.”
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.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the energy industry’s lobby group, has not yet responded to calls seeking comment.
Mr. Toews’ office has not responded to a message seeking comment. CSIS directed calls to the RCMP. Calgary and Edmonton’s police forces were not immediately able to respond to questions. The CBSA has yet to respond to a request for comment.
