By meadowlakeNOW

MP Ritz following Manchester attack: ‘We are not immune’

May 25, 2017 | 1:00 PM

As the world watched the horrors unfold on Monday following the terrorist attack on innocent concert goers in Manchester England, Lloydminster and Battlefords M.P. Gerry Ritz knows all too well that it could happen in our country as well.

The one-time member of the Priority and Planning Security Sub-Committee in the former Conservative government, Ritz said he was appalled by the suicide bombing that left 22 dead and injured 119 others following a concert by pop-star Ariana Grande earlier this week.

“It tears your heart out to watch these types of events happen,” Ritz said. “It’s just such senseless brutal violence that serves no purpose. We are less today because of these actions on Monday night.”

Ritz said he vividly remembers the events that lead to the arrest of the infamous Toronto 18 in 2006. The al-Qaida inspired terrorists were arrested for terror plots which included bomb attacks, opening fire on crowds and storming government buildings to take hostages. Beheading the prime minister and other leaders were also included in the plot. 

“I remember the briefings we had on a day to day basis when they began rounding them [the Toronto 18] up,” Ritz said. “It was unreal watching it unfold.”

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The veteran MP said it was events like this that warranted the passing of Bill C-51 which gives the RCMP and CSIS expanded powers and led to a divided stance in Ottawa.

“The legislation gives authorities more powers to be proactive and pre-emptive to make sure attacks like these do not happen, “Ritz said. “We know we are not immune. Certainly at some point we will have to face something like this.”

Ritz said the attacks on Manchester prove the bill is necessary. He took exception with the Liberal government for attempting to make changes to the bill. 

“This is certainly not the time to be putting our security at risk,” Ritz said. “We need to be more proactive on terrorism than ever before in our country.” 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW