Canada adds Proud Boys, 12 other groups to list of terrorist entities

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 12, 2020, members of the Proud Boys gather outside of Harry’s bar during a protest in Washington, DC. Canada on February 3, 2021, described the far right Proud Boys as a “serious and growing threat” and designated the movement as a banned terrorist organization. Founded in 2016 and present in Canada, the United States and other countries, the Proud Boys played a “pivotal role” in the insurrection at the deadly US Capitol on January 6, the public safety ministry said in a statement. Stephanie Keith / Getty Images North America  / AFP


By Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

OTTAWA (Eagle News) — An extremist group that played a pivotal role in the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6 has been added to the Canadian government’s list of terrorist groups.

The Proud Boys, along with 12 other groups, are now on the Canadian Criminal Code list of terrorist entities.

The Proud Boys is a neo-facist group that has chapters in Canada and the United States.

“Violent acts of terrorism have no place in Canadian society or abroad,” Pubic Safety Minister Bill Blair said Wednesday. “Today’s additions to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities are an important step in our effort to combat violent extremism in all forms.”

Under the designation, people and organizations that deal with property or finances of a listed entity face severe penalties.

A listing can result in the denial or revocation of a Canadian organization’s charitable status if it maintains connections to listed entities.

As well, people seeking entry into Canada may be inadmissible if they are found to be associated with a listed entity.

A listing also makes it easier to remove a group’s online content.

“The Government of Canada will continue to take appropriate actions to counter terrorist threats to Canada, its citizens and its interests around the world,” said Blair.

Also added to the list Wednesday are three other ideologically motivated violent extremist groups: Atomwaffen Division, the Base and the Russian Imperial Movement.

“The Government of Canada will continue to take appropriate actions to counter terrorist threats to Canada, its citizens and its interests around the world,” said Blair.

In addition, three Al Qaida affiliates, five Daesh affiliates and Hizbul Mujahideen have been put on the list.

“Canadians expect their Government to keep them safe and to keep pace with evolving threats and global trends, such as the growing threat of ideologically motivated violent extremism,” said Blair.

(Eagle News)