MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – November 1, 2014

Attacks on CF in Canada

• Patrice Vincent, R.I.P.  “Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent to be remembered in Montreal — Of course the biggest story in the country is happening here Saturday ….” – “Patrice Vincent funeral: Canadians pay respects at Friday visitation” – “Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent remembered by colleagues” 

• Commentary  “St-Jean-sur-Richelieu: A cautionary tale on the agony of foresight”
• Nathan Cirillo, R.I.P.  “Soldiers, veterans worried about Cirillo’s benefits”
• “National War Memorial – Removal of flowers and mementos — Public Works and Government Services Canada wishes to advise the public that it will begin to respectfully remove flowers and mementos at the National War Memorial on Sunday, November 2, 2014 ….”
• “Canada guard who protected MPs from gunman gets liters of free beer” – more
• “Edmonton Muslims hold prayer meeting for fallen soldiers”
• Legal analysis  “The Canadian Terrorist Attacks and Canadian Counter-Terrorism Law”
• Commentary  “Why uniforms matter in the military” – “Leave the bullet holes there”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian fighter jets in skies over Iraq but won’t drop bombs before weekend” – “Canada ready for war against Islamic State — No bombs were dropped on Islamic State jihadists, but Canadian forces flew long combat sorties over Iraq on Thursday and Friday ….” – “Canadian CF-18s fly first Iraq mission” – “First CF-18 missions over Iraq, no bombs dropped” – “Mission ‘has begun’ for Canadian warplanes”

• Great map here => “Contemporary Issues & Geography: International coalition Striking ISIS in Iraq and Syria”
• More on Canada’s Operation IMPACT here, and on news from around that part of the world here
  

Internal Security

• “Terror fight turns to Internet, sparking new free-speech debate”
• “Majority want foreign-fighting Canadians stripped of citizenship: Poll”
• Commentary  “Terrorism Vs. Mental Illness: A Totally Bogus Debate” – “Stopping the lone jihadi” – “Terrorism is an act, not a label” – “Was it ‘terrorism’? We need answers, not labels” – “First they came for the terrorists” – “The return of ‘blame Canada’ “ – “OPINION: A plan for reversing Islamization in the West”  – “Why split hairs on an act aimed at terrorizing?: DiManno” – “Don’t let politics of fear take over” – “Lone wolf? Terrorism? No real difference”
• Omar Khadr  “Omar Khadr’s victim mentality” – “Omar Khadr Urges Canadian Government To Respect Law While Dealing With National Security Issues”

Way Up North

• “Russia warns it’s coming for the Arctic’s oil, including an area Canada claims as its own”
• Think tank study  “Arctic Shipping: An Analysis of the 2013 Northern Sea Route Season”
  

Ebola

• “Canada imposes visa ban on 3 Ebola-hit countries” – “Amid Ebola scare, Canada restricts visas”

Other

• “No excuse for delaying veterans’ compensation” – “Charter changes not quick enough, say vets”
• “Harper Government underspends on military”
• Commentary  “Paradigm of war obsolete” – “Canada should declare itself a non- military nation”
• “With $500K in Canadian military uniforms lost or stolen last year, New Democrats sound security alarm — Thousands of items from Canadian military uniforms were stolen or lost last year, according to the federal government and the NDP is calling for the Conservatives to explain the security breach ….” – Public Accounts of Canada 2014 – Receiver General for Canada – PWGSC
• From the CF Info-machine  “Women, Business, and the Canadian Army” – “Canada’s ‘Top Guns’ “ – “Canadian Army Officers’ Mess once home of Canada’s poppy lady – an apt circumstance”
• “CSEC oversight bill garners support”
• “Spy agency CSEC says goodbye to Canada”

World War One

• “Royal Canadian Navy Commemorates the Battle of Coronel”
• “The great debate: Did Vimy give birth to nation?”

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MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – October 25, 2014

Attacks on CF in Canada

• Patrice Vincent, R.I.P.  “The family of the soldier who was killed in a hit-and-run in Quebec has reached out with a message of sympathy to the relatives of the suspected radical Islamist who struck him …. – “Les funérailles de l’adjudant Vincent auront lieu le 1er novembre à Longueuil”
• Nathan Cirillo, R.I.P.  “Vigils on Highway of Heroes outlive Afghanistan mission”
• “Cold Lake mosque vandalized with words ‘Go Home’ “ – “Alberta city comes together to clean up vandalized mosque” – “Town rallies around vandalized Cold Lake Mosque” – more
• “Members of Canada’s National Defence staff and Canadian Armed Forces are being asked to remove any reference to their employment on social media profiles, “especially photographs of military personnel in uniform.”  The Canadian Forces Counter Intelligence Unit – Western Region issued a new directive regarding social media practices to soldiers and staff on Friday ….” – “Military gets new social media policy in wake of attacks”
• “For Imam Mohamad Jebara, it’s personal. He looks at his brother, Maher.  “This brother of mine could have been killed,” he said Friday shortly before leading prayers at an east-end worship room. “He is the same rank and the same age. The person killed could have been a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindu. He could have been anything ….”
  
• “Sergeant-at-arms made daring dive to take down gunman: report”
• “Parliament Hill again open to the public; tours to resume next week” – “Visitors flock to reopened Parliament Hill“
• “House of Commons calls in counsellors”
• Commentary “We got off relatively lightly this time” – “Did one man’s attack on Parliament really change Canada ‘forever’?”  – “Can we talk about the causes of terrorism?”

Internal Security

• “Online hate speech could be curtailed under new anti-terror push — In the wake of this week’s attacks in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa, the Conservative government is poised to bring in new laws to crack down on pro-ISIS sentiments like those posted to Quebec assailant Martin Couture-Rouleau’s Facebook page, CBC News has learned ….” – “Harper government hints at tougher anti-terror laws”
• “Another Canadian jihadi slips through the cracks — Yet another young Canadian has managed to get away to Syria to fulfil his aim of waging jihad and has boasted of his exploits online, an investigation by Radio-Canada’s program Enquête has found ….”
• Commentary  “Our laws are up to the homegrown terror threat”

#CANvsISIL

• “14 Wing Greenwood: Two Auroras heading to Middle East” – “14 Wing Greenwood planes leave to join ISIS fight” – more
• “Aéronefs et personnel supplémentaires partent dans le cadre de l’opération Impact”

Ukraine

• “Canada to Send Over 300 Observers to Monitor Parliamentary Elections in Ukraine”

Other

• “PTSD linked to soldier’s three suicide attempts”
• A reminder:  Under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “any person charged with an offence has the right …. to be presumed innocent until  proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.”  “Canadian Forces training instructor now facing assault charges for allegedly mistreating military recruits — A Canadian Forces instructor who is alleged to have mistreated two military recruits is now facing five charges, including assault ….” – From the accuser’s lawyer:  “CFB St-Jean recruit instructor charged for assault on recruits”
• “Labrador hosts biggest NORAD training exercise since Cold War — Happy-Valley-Goose Bay is hosting the annual operation, which involves air force troops training together to defend the north in the face of possible threats ….” – “NORAD exercise continues at Goose Bay despite shooting in Ottawa this week”

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MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – October 23, 2014

 

Ottawa Attack

• If you only read ONE thing on this post …. “‘You are so loved’: Ottawa lawyer describes trying to save Cpl. Nathan Cirillo”
• “Nathan Cirillo will have a full military funeral in Hamilton, likely on Tuesday, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders say ….” – “Cpl. Nathan Cirillo will have full regimental funeral in Hamilton” – “Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and his best friend from Hamilton, Ont., were standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa because they “earned it” by being good soldiers, a member of their regiment said Thursday. And when a gunman fired point-blank at Cpl. Cirillo, his friend, Cpl. Branden Stevenson, continued being a good soldier ….” – “Nurse Margaret Lerhe tried to save Nathan Cirillo” –
  
• “How events unfolded” – “Ottawa shooter’s movements tracked in RCMP video” – “Ottawa gunman’s mad charge took less than 90 seconds” – “Video of Zehaf-Bibeau attack released” 
• “As Ottawa shooting broke out, Stephen Harper hid in a closet, unknown to his own caucus in the same room” – “MPs fashioned spears out of flag poles after hearing shots”
  
• “Shooter not among 90 being probed, RCMP say” – “Suspected killer in Ottawa shootings had a disturbing side” – “Canada’s police reveal Zehaf-Bibeau:  acted alone, delayed passport application possible motive, had radical links” – “Ottawa shooter attempted to rob McDonald’s with pointed stick” – “Suspected killer in Ottawa shootings had religious awakening” – “Gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau wanted to travel to Syria” – “Ottawa gunman smoked crack on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, says shelter resident”
  
• “Susan Bibeau, Mother Of Suspected Gunman, Says She Is Crying For The Victims” – “Ottawa Shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau’s Mom: ‘I Am Mad At Our Son’ “ – “Susan Bibeau:  5 Fast Facts You Need to Know” – “The unique anguish of a terrorist’s mother”
  
• “Canadian Muslim groups denounce violence, brace for backlash following Ottawa shooting” – “Canadian Muslim group calls Ottawa attacks ‘repulsive’ “ – Statement:  “Canadian Muslims stand united with fellow citizens in condemning Ottawa attacks” – “In wake of Ottawa shootings, Police Chiefs send letters to Muslim leaders inviting Muslims to contact them if they fear “backlash” “
• “Factbox: Canadian links to militant plots or attacks”
• PM Statement (YouTube – includes standing ovation for Sergeant at Arms):  “Canada will never yield to terrorism, & neither will the House of Commons. We carry on.”
  
• Commentary  MILNEWS.ca’s “Canada, Let’s Do It Right” – “Attack in Ottawa cannot silence voice of the people” – “Canadian Muslims have a role to play in defeating ISIS ideology” – “Canada is not immune from Islamist terrorism” – “Security and freedom must always be balanced” – “In aftermath of Quebec terror, let’s see to all our lines of defence”
• Alternative/conspiracy theory commentary  “Canada’s Attacks Were Predictable – Western Security Agencies are Prime Suspects” – “Gunmen in Ottawa : Questioning Canadian militarism” – “…. What is being treated as Canada’s 9/11 is a day that recalls the comments made half a century ago by the great Malcolm X, who commented that the assassination of President Kennedy was a case of “chickens coming home to roost,” a result of a “climate of hate” fostered by a U.S. political and corporate establishment regularly overthrowing governments and assassinating (or plotting against) a variety of leaders from Patrice Lumumba to Fidel Castro ….” – “Soldiers are legitimate targets. #somethingaboutroostingchickens”
  

Saint-Jean Attack

• “Patrice Vincent, soldier killed in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, was close to retirement”
• “‘No indication’ radicalized Quebec man was violent, lawyer says”

Way Up North

• “Why Canada, U.S. must resolve their Arctic border disputes”

Other

• “CF-188s scrambled in Lithuania to intercept a Russian Il-20” – “NATO intercepts Russian jets over Baltic Sea”
• “Best law enforcement, military snipers in world to compete in conference in Gastonia (North Carolina) — Teams from 13 states and Canada are looking to improve their skills and capture honors during a competition in North Carolina ….”
• “Omar Khadr wins right to sue federal government for conspiring with U.S.” – “The Education of Omar Khadr”

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Saint Jean Attack: What’s Government Saying (2)

This from the Minister of Defence ….

“It was with tremendous sorrow that I learned of the death of a Canadian Armed Forces member who succumbed to his injuries after being the victim of a hit-and-run yesterday in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

“Our thoughts are with the member’s family, friends and colleagues, and we will do whatever we can to provide assistance in their time of need. Another CAF member, injured in the same tragedy, remains in hospital. We wish him a full and fast recovery as we extend our support to the member and his family.

“We are aware that the suspect was known to police and federal authorities although the circumstances remain under investigation.

“The Canadian Armed Forces has contributed greatly to the safety and security of those at home and abroad  and has provided the hope of a better future to those who have known horror and death. Our CAF members represent the best of Canada, and to have one die in a senseless act such as this only strengthens our resolve. We will not forget.”

…. and this from the Chief of Defence Staff:

“Yesterday, two members of the Canadian Armed Forces were injured in a hit-and-run incident in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. One member later died in hospital.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the member and the Canadian Armed Forces are supporting them in their time of grief. We wish our injured colleague a speedy recovery, and we offer our unwavering support to his family as he recuperates.

“The suspect fled the scene of the incident and was pursued by police. This pursuit ended in the death of the suspect. There has been speculation that this hit-and-run may have been a possible terror attack directed at our members. Police are investigating this incident and will make a determination once their investigation is concluded.

“The safety and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members is a primary concern. Security measures are in place at every Canadian Armed Forces installation across Canada. We continually adapt these measures to meet the demands of an evolving security environment, and we will remain vigilant against possible threats.”

Meanwhile, Quebec police and media reports confirm the identity of the soldier killed in the attack:  53-year-old Patrice Vincent of 438 Squadron, St. Hubert.

Condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the fallen, and hopes for a full and speedy recovery for the wounded.

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