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He confirmed that CSIS knows of 130 to 145 Canadians involved with terror groups in Arab countries — 30 in Syria — and that 80 Canadians are estimated to have returned home after fighting with terror groups.

Mr. Coulombe said the activities of those 80 Canadians range from fundraising and propaganda work to violent acts. He said some are from Iraq and Syria, but some also come from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and the Sahel region of West Africa. Neither he nor Mr. Blaney would say whether any of the 80 had been charged.

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Bob Paulson, head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said the Internet has helped terrorist groups act faster, but said investigators are crafting an “intervention program” without specifying what it entails.

“The pace and tempo of operations is quite brisk,” he said. “It’s nothing that I think that Canadians need to be alarmed about.”

NDP and Liberal MPs clashed frequently with Mr. Blaney at the meeting.

“I’m not asking you again to explain your No. 1 priority,” said Liberal MP Wayne Easter, who called on the committee in August to launch an inquiry on domestic radicalization. “I’m asking what action you’re taking.”

Citing operational security, Mr. Blaney refused to disclose how many passports had been revoked from would-be terrorists, whether agencies have a shared anti-terrorism database or what happens to Canadians abroad with no passport who decide to turn away from terror groups.

Mr. Blaney, meanwhile, accused the parties of not taking a strong enough stand against ISIS.

“We can’t negotiate with those who aim to cut off our head,” he said.

Postmedia News