Image Credits: Mostafa Eldidi (left) and his father, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, appear virtually in court on Aug. 1, 2024. (CTV News Toronto/John Mantha)
OTTAWA — Canada’s immigration system faces intense scrutiny following the revelation that a father and son, Ahmed Eldidi, 62, and Mostafa Eldidi, 26, were allegedly plotting a terror attack in Toronto with links to ISIS. The RCMP’s arrest of the pair has ignited a fierce political debate over how individuals with suspected terrorist ties managed to enter and gain citizenship in Canada.
The Eldidis were charged with serious terrorism offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder and participation in activities of a terrorist group. They were allegedly in the final stages of planning a violent attack using a machete and axe, which police claim was intended to target the city of Toronto. Authorities have confirmed that the immediate threat has been neutralized, but the case has raised significant concerns about national security and immigration procedures.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has announced an internal review of the immigration and security screening processes that allowed the Eldidis to enter Canada. This review is part of a broader investigation into how such individuals were able to slip through the cracks of the system, given their alleged connections to ISIS.
The Conservative Party has called for an urgent parliamentary investigation, describing the situation as a “colossal failure.” They demand a detailed examination of how these suspects, with their disturbing backgrounds, were permitted into Canada. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer has pushed for an emergency meeting of the House of Commons Public Safety and National Security Committee, aiming to hold the government accountable.
The NDP has also joined the call for hearings, expressing concerns about the broader implications for Canada’s immigration system. They argue that this incident highlights systemic flaws that have allowed not just potential terrorists but also individuals from oppressive regimes to enter the country.
The RCMP’s swift action in arresting the Eldidis and thwarting the planned attack has been commended. However, the revelation of their citizenship status and the details of their planned attack have sparked fears about the effectiveness of Canada’s vetting processes. Neighbors of the Eldidis have expressed shock and unease, highlighting the impact of the case on local communities.
As the investigation continues and parliamentary hearings are set to proceed, Canadians are left questioning the robustness of their national security measures and the integrity of the immigration system. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in balancing security with immigration policy.
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