Editor’s Note: This story was updated to clarify the number of Canadians who have travelled abroad to join extremist groups.
Canada is concerned about the national security threat posed by citizens who joined the Islamic State group, returning to this country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.
In parliament, Trudeau pledged to prosecute those who broke Canada’s anti-terrorism laws by joining the ISIS group, but also said his government would try to reintegrate them into society.
READ MORE: Quebec man sentenced to 9 years in prison for trying to leave Canada to join ISIS
“We recognize the return of even one individual (who joined the ISIS group) may have serious national security implications,” Trudeau said.
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“We are going to monitor them. We are also there to help them to let go of that terrorist ideology,” he added.
READ MORE: What happens when an ISIS member returns to Canada? The story of one Toronto-area man
Nearly 180 Canadians are known to have travelled overseas to join extremist groups. About 60 have returned to Canada, according to government figures released in 2016.
LISTEN: Newstalk 770’s Rob Breakenridge connects with Mubin Shaikh, Ex-CSIS and RCMP undercover counter terrorism expert.
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