MPs begin probe into how a father and son accused in foiled terrorist plot immigrated to Canada
Police say the father and son were 'in the advanced stages' of planning a violent attack
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, along with other top government officials, will face scrutiny this morning as MPs begin their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding an alleged foiled terrorist attack in Toronto. The case has sparked concerns about Canada’s security screening process.
Last month, police charged Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, 62, and his son Mostafa Eldidi, 26, with a total of nine charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit or at the direction of a terrorist group.
When the arrests were announced, authorities stated that the two men were "in the advanced stages of planning a serious, violent attack in Toronto."
The father, who holds Canadian citizenship, is also accused of committing aggravated assault in 2015 for the benefit of the Islamic State outside of Canada. Part of the investigation involves a video allegedly depicting that violent assault.
Earlier this month, MPs on the House of Commons public safety committee unanimously agreed to investigate the case. The hearings will focus on what officials knew and when, as well as examining Canada’s immigration process, security screening capabilities, and how security agencies handle domestic threats.
On Wednesday, the committee will hear from LeBlanc, interim director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Vanessa Lloyd, acting president of the Canada Border Services Agency Ted Gallivan, RCMP deputy commissioner Bryan Larkin, and other officials.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who is expected to testify before the committee at a later date, has said he is exploring whether the Eldidis' citizenship should be revoked. He has also directed his deputy minister to review the timeline of events, including what was known and when.
"I'm as disgusted as any Canadian," Miller said earlier this month. "Canadians deserve answers."
When asked on Tuesday if the timeline review had been completed, a spokesperson for the minister said there was no new information to share.
