Canada Security Intelligence Service and Conservative Government

federal government: During his speech, Harper repeated a familiar refrain: His Conservatives are the only party that can be counted on to protect the security interests of Canadians. "There a lot of talk about the terrorist threat," Harper said. "Our Conservative government chooses to do something about it." Under the new measures, the federal government will commit $137 million more over five years to Canada Security and Intelligence Service, along with $41 million more a year afterward, according to Hamilton Spectator. The additional funding, Harper said, would allow CSIS to beef up its frontline capacity to counter terrorist threats and activities. The measures, some previously announced in the budget, include more money for Canada spy agency and more scrutiny of foreign visitors. "Jihadi terrorists have threatened Canada and Canadians by name and with a clarity that leaves no room for doubt," Harper told a room filled with hand-picked observers. "We are increasing our capacity to detect terrorists and terrorist plots, to choke off the financing that supports them, and to secure our borders against known and suspected terrorists who wish to enter." Among those on hand for the pre-election announcement at a north-end hotel were victims of terrorism, including Cindy Barkway, whose husband Dave died in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York. "I truly hope that Canadians will be safer from these combined efforts," Barkway said to applause. Some experts, however, have argued the earmarked money simply isn't much given the current threat environment, especially with legislation giving the agency more power to stop Canadians from joining terror groups abroad, disrupt bank transactions, and secretly interfere with radical websites. The Canada Revenue Agency would get $10 million over five years to help it identify and shut down charities that finance terrorist activities. Recognizing that terrorists "need cash," Harper also announced that Canada tax authorities will put more emphasis on uncovering terror-related financing and the charities and organizations behind the money flow. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.