QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Statutory Release
April 23, 2026
Senator Moreau, Canadians were alarmed to learn that convicted ISIS recruiter Ashton Larmond is being released from prison despite continued extremist views. Even more troubling is that reports indicate he was involved in a violent incident with another inmate just last month.
Government leader, how can this government justify allowing the statutory release of a convicted terrorist recruiter who continues to exhibit violence and signs of radicalization? What does this say about the government’s commitment to public safety?
The Minister of Public Safety was here just a few days ago. He reiterated not only the government’s intention but its commitment to ensure Canadians’ safety and to protect Canadian sovereignty from terrorists or any foreign interference. I can only reiterate the government’s commitment to do that.
In the specific case you cited, you know that there was no political intervention, since it’s an independent board that decides whether, or when, somebody who has served his sentence should be released from incarceration.
Senator Moreau, the government is ultimately responsible for these situations. No kind words or commitments to try to solve the problem will address the statutory release problem we have in this country.
Given that cases like Mr. Larmond’s are not isolated, why has this government failed to act to stop the automatic release of radicalized offenders, especially at a time when the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS, is warning that ISIS is renewing its recruitment efforts right here in Canada?
Our democracy is governed by the rule of law. Whenever an independent board acts within its power, I think that the rule of law is respected. Now, I can only reiterate the strong commitment of this government to ensure that the law of this land will be respected at all times.
