CIJA Welcomes Federal Budget Investments in Confronting Violent Extremism

Ottawa, ON – November 5, 2026 – Following the tabling of the federal budget, which committed to expand Canada’s National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence and boost capabilities for CSIS, CBSA and the RCMP, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued this statement: 

“Today’s budget builds on last spring’s investments in protecting vulnerable community institutions by strengthening Canada's ability to confront extremists threatening our security and way of life. It also reflects Prime Minister Carney’s commitment, as noted in his statement marking the third anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 terror attacks, to ‘stop extremism before it takes root.’ 

“The renewal and expansion of Canada's National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence is an important step in helping authorities and organizations identify and intervene before susceptible individuals, particularly youth, are drawn into extremist ideologies and violence. It is imperative that the strategy delivers measurable results, especially as radicalization to violence can now occur in weeks rather than months or years. 

“Confronting antisemitism must be central to this work as experts acknowledge anti-Jewish conspiracies is the ‘baseline of entry into extremism.’ From ISIS supporters and Iran's Islamic regime to neo-Nazis and the radical left, extremist movements are exploiting libels about Jews and Israelis – from COVID to Gaza – to fuel radicalization, incite violence and commit acts of terror against Canadians. 

“We also welcome the commitments to further expand the capabilities of CSIS, and the addition of new CBSA and RCMP officers. In September, the federal government explicitly recognized that antisemitism is a matter of national security. Addressing this threat must now be a priority in implementing Canada's new National Security Strategy, including strengthening intelligence and counterterrorism capabilities, border screening and the enforcement of inadmissibility and removal orders. 

“CIJA stands ready to work with the federal government to turn these investments into concrete action that protects communities and safeguards the security and fundamental freedoms of all Canadians.” 

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