Harper announces extra money for RCMP and border services to fight terrorism

WATCH: Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced $150 million in funding for RCMP and Border Services, to help them deal with homegrown terrorism. But critics say he’s missing the point. Vassy Kapelos reports.

MONTREAL — Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the federal government will provide substantial resources to the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency in the fight against terrorism.

WATCH: Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced extra funding for Canada’s fight against terrorism at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport, where 10 youths were arrested last weekend after being suspected of wanting to leave Canada to go join Jihadist groups.

Harper announced in Montreal today that the RCMP will receive $150.4 million in new money over five years, beginning in 2015-16, and $46.8 million a year after.

READ MORE: Does Quebec have a young extremist problem?

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The money will go to help the Mounties conduct criminal investigations related to terorism.

“Our Government understands that violent jihadism is not a future possibility. It is a present reality in Canada and around the world, and we know that we must be ready to face this threat right now,” Harper said in a statement.

WATCH: Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces extra money for RCMP and border services to fight terrorism.

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“That is why our Government will continue to do everything it takes to protect Canadians and help defeat those who attack our values.”

The border-services agency will get $5.4 million over five years and $1.1 annually in subsequent years, with some of the funds earmarked for identifying high-risk travellers.

READ MORE: How effective are government efforts to stop ISIS propaganda?

Harper said violent jihadism is not a future possibility but is a reality in Canada and around the world.

He was speaking at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, where 10 youths were arrested last weekend after being suspected of wanting to leave Canada to go join jihadist groups.

READ MORE: RCMP in Quebec arrest 10 youths on suspicion of planning to join jihadist groups