Terror report says al-Qaida, homegrown extremism are key threats to Canada

TORONTO – Public Safety Minister Vic Toews says al-Qaida has weakened but remains the leading terrorist threat and Canada is a “priority target.”

Toews says al-Qaida still provides guidance to regional affiliates and other terror groups.

In releasing the 2013 report on threats to Canada, Toews said conflicts such as that in Syria could create fertile terrorist training grounds.

The report also identifies homegrown violent extremism as a key threat.

Three people have been charged in Canada in the past year for alleged terror-related activities.

In all, the report concludes that terrorism poses a “persistent threat” to Canada.