OTTAWA, CANADA, April 11, 2006: The Conservative government listed the Tamil Tigers as a banned terrorist organization Monday, bringing Canada in line with its international allies. The move makes it a crime to support, facilitate or participate in the activities of the group, which has a long history of political assassinations, suicide bombings and use of child soldiers. Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said the move was “long overdue” and accused the previous Liberal government of not taking the situation seriously enough. “It’s very important that Canada take an active part in saying, ‘we will not allow terrorist activities to be financed or supported in any way from our soil,”‘ he told reporters outside the House of Commons. “We need to remember that the Tamil communities are hard-working, law-abiding people who came to Canada to find a peaceful way of life and a future for their families.” In addition to the Criminal Code listing, financial institutions will face reporting requirements regarding the group’s property and assets.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which has been fighting the government of Sri Lanka since 1983 was previously listed by the United States, United Kingdom and United Nations as a terrorist entity. Although the former Liberal government banned LTTE fundraising, it refused to add the terrorist label. The argument then was that such a move would jeopardize the “fragile” peace process in Sri Lanka. This led to accusations by opposition parties and security experts that the Liberals were only protecting their political interests in Canada’s largest city. Toronto’s Tamil community stands at more than 150,000 people (of approximately 250,000 countrywide), representing the largest group outside Sri Lanka and an important voting bloc in the Grit stronghold. It’s also a prime target for Tamil Tiger fundraising. It is estimated members collect about US$2 million in Canada annually via criminal activities and front organizations. Last month, the New York-based non-profit Human Rights Watch issued a report which described LTTE members approaching Toronto Tamil families and businesses with demands for as much as US$100,000. Those who refused were threatened, warned they would be “dealt with” or “taught a lesson” and had their homes vandalized. Few complained to police out of fear for their safety, Human Rights Watch said.
Despite these warnings, a spokesman for the Canadian Tamil Congress worried about effects the ban will have on talks to end a conflict that has already killed 64,000 people. “I think it’s a mistake,” Julian Francis said, adding Canada appears to be favouring one side. “We were hoping the Canadian government would, in fact, get involved more in a constructive way.” He expressed concern over the timing of the decision, as the two warring sides are to meet next week in Geneva to continue peace discussions. “It’s unfortunate they have turned around and done this to one of the peace partners there, while the peace process is ongoing,” Francis added. “We hope that the government will reconsider its stance and move the peace talks further.” Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said Canada has a vested interest in seeing a successful conclusion to combat, given the large diaspora in the country. “This is not us taking sides,” he said. “This is very much about expressing a desire to see the peace process progress.” Liberal public safety critic Irwin Cotler was unavailable for comment late Monday afternoon. Terrorist groups are listed after consultation with Canada’s intelligence agencies. The addition of the LTTE brings the number of terrorist organizations listed in Canada to 39.