RALPH Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, reacting to the controversy in connection to the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat in Canada, announced on Friday that he has asked officials to conduct a review and make the appropriate changes to the language used throughout the government to describe extremism.

Goodale was under pressure from Sikh MPs and organizations who vehemently objected to the report unnecessarily referring to “Sikh (Khalistani) Extremism”  because “no such risk is stated in the report and there is no evidence provided to substantiate it.”

The minister said in a statement: “Canada’s security and intelligence agencies constantly assess and reassess all data to be effective in keeping Canadians safe.

“The terms “Sikh”, “Shia”, and “Sunni”, among others, were used to describe types of extremism in the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada. I am confident the terminology used in this report was never intended to encompass or malign entire religions.

“While this terminology has been in use for many years, that does not mean it is sufficient or precise enough. Therefore, I have asked officials to conduct a review and make the appropriate changes to the language used throughout the government to describe extremism.

“Words matter. We must never equate any one community or entire religions with extremism.

“Canadians of all faiths and backgrounds have helped to build our country, and continue to be integral members of our communities and neighbourhoods. They contribute in inspiring a stronger, more equal, and compassionate Canada that we all strive for.”