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It’s Unclear if Canada's Terror Level Has Been Raised, as Justin Trudeau Extends Help to France

Asked how the attacks in Paris could affect his plan to pull out of bombing campaign against the Islamic State, Trudeau said "it's too early to jump to any conclusions."
Justin Ling
Montreal, CA
Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the terror attacks that rolled out in Paris on Friday night "deeply worrying and unsettling," and offered all the help that Canada can offer.

Trudeau did not offer much in the way of specifics, and would not comment as to whether any intelligence suggested that Canada could be targeted in much the same way. He was asked if the attacks in Paris would alter his position on the fight against the Islamic State, specifically his plans to pull Canadian fighter jets out of a coalition that is currently conducting airstrikes against the militants in Iraq and Syria, or how it would result in new anti-terror legislation.

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"Obviously, it is still very early moments in figuring what is indeed happening," Trudeau said. "It's too soon to jump to any conclusions, but obviously governments have a responsibility to keep its citizens safe while defending their rights and freedoms."

Related: In The Streets of Paris Under Attack

When asked whether the terror attacks, which claimed at least 120 lives, would lead to Canada elevating its terror or preparedness level, a spokesperson for the Minister of Public Safety said that the government does not comment on operational matters, but that "the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Paris."

The prime minister spoke to reporters in an airport hangar at the Ottawa airport before boarding a plane to Turkey, where he'll be attending the G20 conference. The terror attacks will likely be front and centre of the conversations, although French President Francois Hollande has indicated that he will be skipping the summit.

The attacks mark the first real test for the Trudeau government, which has consistently iterated its support for increased powers for Canada's security agencies.

Related: Obama Calls Attacks "Outrageous," Offers Support To "Our Oldest Ally"

It's unclear what actions Trudeau may take in the coming days to avert a repeat copycat or inspired attacks at home.

It's not clear if any Canadians were killed in the chaos that erupted in France, but Trudeau told reporters that: "at this time, we have no information that any Canadians were either targeted or involved as victims in these events, but obviously there's still an awful lot to learn about what's happening in France."

Our sincere condolences go to the relatives and friends of the victims of this horrible massacre. 2/2

— Stéphane Dion (@HonStephaneDion)November 14, 2015

According to reports from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that were publicized in 2014, in light of a pair of attacks against Canadian soldiers, there are dozens of radicalized or at-risk Canadians who are under some form of surveillance by Canadian police.

Related: French President Declares State of Emergency, Closes Borders, Calls In Army