Statement - Minister Goodale concludes successful visit to UK and France - Minister met with key counterparts, officials and stakeholders on security

PARIS, Jan. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement following three days of meetings in the UK and France:

"Over the past few days, I have had the privilege to engage numerous counterparts, officials and stakeholders in the UK and France on security themes such as countering terrorism and radicalization to violence.

In London I gathered valuable information and perspectives on the UK's Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC) to help inform our own work in strengthening the system of accountability for national security in Canada, including the creation of a new parliamentary committee.

I would like to extend a special thanks to my UK counterpart, Home Secretary Theresa May, for our first face-to-face meeting.

In Paris I participated in a full day of meetings focused on countering terrorism and radicalization to violence, as well as cyber security.

Last year's terrorist attacks in France are a stark reminder that the global community must be prepared and vigilant, and we must continue to work together. To that end, I was pleased to sign with my French counterpart, Minister of the Interior Bernard Cazeneuve, a declaration of intent that formalizes a framework for our officials to work together on public safety issues such as terrorism, the protection of critical infrastructure, transnational organized crime, and irregular migration.

I was also honoured to meet some of the valiant men and women who were on the front lines of the response to the 2015 terrorist attacks in France and commend them for their bravery.

I look forward to more opportunities to engage with international partners and build relationships which are fundamentally important to Canada's approach on security."

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657