Home Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-07-21: Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister FAQ London bombing

Frequently Asked Questions: London Bombings of July 21, 2005

London bombing -- July 21

Where can people in Canada get information about the situation in London?
Information advising of the underground line closures as well as a brief description of today's incident will be posted as a brief Current Issues on Foreign Affairs web site at www.voyage.gc.ca.

Those concerned about Canadian friends and family in London can call the Operations Centre at Foreign Affairs Canada (1-800-267-8376 or 613-944-4000).

In addition, the High Commission in London is offering its full slate of services to Canadians and the general public.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fac-aec.gc.ca/menu-en.asp.

Threat level in Canada

Is Canada under increased threat of terrorist activity?
While there is no evidence of a specific threat against Canada, we are clearly not immune. We have been operating in a heightened threat environment since 9/11 and this continues. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are working hard to detect any emerging threats and advise the government accordingly. 

At this time, CSIS is unaware of any specific threat to Canada or Canadians, but we remain vigilant.

Should Canadians be concerned about the threat level increasing here in Canada?
Although there is no specific threat at this time, Canadians should be vigilant. Law enforcement agencies continue to seek the public's support in reporting possible criminal -- including terrorist -- activities. That said, there is no need for the public to take extraordinary measures out of concern of a terrorist attack.

What actions has the Government of Canada taken in response to the terrorist incident in London?
Canadian security forces have been working closely with authorities in Britain, the United States, as well as with our other allies since the incidents in London on July 7th. Canada is ready to provide any other assistance, immediately and in the future, to help Britain recover from these incidents.

The Government Operations Centre is continuing to monitor the situation. It is also receiving, sharing and coordinating information with other key federal departments involved, as well as provincial/territorial and international partners.

We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Canadians, which remains our top priority.

How does the Government of Canada assess threat levels?
The Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC) facilitates increased information-sharing and integrated intelligence analysis. Its comprehensive threat assessments provide policy-makers and first responders with the information they need to make decisions and take actions that contribute to the safety and security of Canadians.

ITAC is a functional part of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), however the Centre is staffed by representatives from various government departments and agencies who contribute information and expertise from their respective organizations.

Does Canada have a threat alert system similar to that of the U.S.?
Our system focuses on informing those that are in need so that they can take appropriate action to protect infrastructure, installations, border crossings, and other areas. The system is flexible in that the threat assessment can be tailored for different audiences according to their particular requirements. These assessments are continually conducted and shared with relevant departments and agencies at federal and provincial levels and the private sector, as required.

Law enforcement measures

What role does the RCMP have in responding to the terrorist bombings?
The RCMP is closely monitoring developments and is using established networks and protocols in Canada and with our international public security partners to stay on top of the situation. All employees of the RCMP are being asked to be more vigilant in their duties and report any suspicious activity.

Senior RCMP members are in close communication with their counterparts in law enforcement in provinces and municipalities. As well, the RCMP has been in contact with its partners in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and around the world.

Teams involved in border duties on Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBET), Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSET) and related initiatives have been apprised of the situation.

To report information regarding terrorism, criminal extremism or suspicious activities which could pose a threat to national safety and security, please call the RCMP National Security TIP line at 1-800-420-5805.

For more information, please visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/security/security_e.htm.

Transportation systems

What is the Government of Canada doing to ensure the safety and security of Canadian transit systems?
Transport Canada’s partners in the aviation and marine sectors, including airports and ports, have continued to exercise increased vigilance and strict adherence to security measures and regulations since the events of July 7 in London.

Following the terrorist attacks in Madrid, Spain, Transport Canada established an intelligence-sharing network with urban transit operators and authorities across the country.

Regular contact is maintained through this network, with information, incident reporting, and sharing of best practices to enhance security.

Major rail and transit operators have enhanced their security measures, including improved physical security measures such as fencing, lighting and surveillance equipment, as well as higher vigilance of transit operations.

We are actively working with rail and transit authorities on the development of further enhancements to security in these areas, based on threat and risk analysis.

For further information, please contact your local transit authority.

Is the Government of Canada planning to raise the alert level for mass transit systems?
The Government of Canada has been in touch with Canada’s major transit authorities and operators to update them on the attacks and to promote higher alert status for transit operations across Canada. The Government continues to use a layered approach to reduce the threat of terrorist attacks in Canada, including working with public transit operators and authorities to enhance the effectiveness of security in this area.

What specific measure are transportation authorities taking in light of the London bombings?
Following the incidents in London on July 7, several network members have undertaken a number of actions in addition to existing security measures, including:

• Increased police presence and security guard presence in their transit systems, including additional staff and patrols;
• Notifying staff to remain vigilant;
• Increased monitoring activities and physical presence of their staff;
• Enhanced tracking of security surveillance equipment;
• Encouraging passengers to remain vigilant and alert security authorities to any suspicious activity;
• Increased access control in certain areas; and
• Overall increased public awareness and employee awareness activities

Are other transportation systems affected?
Transport Canada has also alerted our partners in the aviation and marine modes, including airports and ports, to encourage them to exercise increased vigilance and to continue their strict adherence to security measures and regulations.

Borders

Are customs officers taking any special measures in light of the terrorist bombing in London?
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers are always on the lookout for potential threats to Canada’s security. CBSA continues to closely monitor the situation and will put the necessary arrangements in place should there be a need to increase security measures.

Are wait times at border crossings affected?
Travellers can check border wait times on the CBSA’s web site at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html.  The site lists information on traffic delays leaving and entering Canada and is regularly updated.

CBSA will use all the resources necessary to minimize the impact on traffic while exercising extra vigilance in border security.

The Government Operations Centre

How does the Government Operations Centre work in a situation such as the London terrorist bombing?
The Government Operations Centre, which coordinates the national response to emergency events, is continuing to monitor the situation in London. It is also receiving, sharing and coordinating information with other key federal departments involved, as well as provincial/territorial and international partners. Information received by the Government Operations Centre will continue to be quickly verified, analyzed and distributed to the appropriate response organizations.

The Government Operations Centre is mandated to provide strategic level coordination and direction on behalf of the Government of Canada, in response to emerging or occurring events in the national interest.