25 Years After 9/11 : Terrorism, Security and the Changing Canadian Landscape

September 11, 2001 transformed Canada’s approach to national security, intelligence, policing and counterterrorism but also the way that Canadians think about diversity and pluralism. Twenty-five years later, terrorism remains a security concern, but the nature of the threat has changed considerably. The security environment has evolved from the dominant post-9/11 focus on organized international terrorist networks to a more diffuse landscape that includes lone actors, far right movements, online radicalization, conspiracy-driven extremism and continuing threats inspired by violent ideologies. In addition, important debates have emerged over the place of diversity and secularism in public institutions.

What has Canada learned over the past twenty-five years? How have intelligence and lawenforcement agencies adapted? How has radicalization changed in the age of social media? How should Canada understand the relationship between global conflicts, online networks and domestic extremism? And how can Canada respond effectively to terrorism while protecting democratic freedoms and maintaining public confidence?

Bringing together perspectives from national security, intelligence, extremism research and frontline counterterrorism experience, the forum will assess the lessons of the post-9/11 era; consider the threats Canada is likely to face in the years ahead; and consider what an inclusive model of citizenship, pluralism and belonging should look like in future.

This event is taking place in Ottawa and is co-organised by MIGS, Optimum Publishing, AEC, the Metropolis Institute, and the Pillar Society. More information here.