Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree
The National Citizens’ Coalition (NCC) has called for the resignation of Canada’s Public Safety Minister over allegations that letters were sent to a group with reported ties to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a banned terrorist organization in Canada.
The controversy stems from reports that the minister’s office may have communicated with or expressed support for an organization linked to the LTTE, which was designated as a terrorist group in Canada in 2006. The NCC argues that such correspondence undermines national security and demands accountability.
The Public Safety Minister’s office has not yet issued a detailed response, but supporters suggest that any communication may have been part of broader community outreach and not an endorsement of the LTTE.
This issue has sparked debate over Canada’s stance on terrorism-related groups and the need for strict adherence to anti-terrorism laws. Opposition parties may push for further investigation into the matter.
Here is the scoop:-
NCC demands resignation of public safety minister over Tamil Tigers letters
The National Citizens Coalition is calling for the immediate resignation of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, citing what it calls a serious breach of public trust over his past support for an individual linked to the Tamil Tigers terrorist organization.In a statement released Tuesday, the group condemned the Liberal government for keeping Anandasangaree in the high-profile portfolio despite what it described as “deeply troubling revelations” about letters he wrote in 2016 and 2023.The letters, written on official House of Commons letterhead, asked immigration officials to approve the application of a man identified by the Canada Border Services Agency as a member of the Tamil Tigers, also known as the LTTE, a banned terrorist group in Canada.“The public safety minister’s past consigliere efforts with the designated terror group should have kept him out of cabinet, let alone caucus,” said NCC Director Alexander Brown.“It represents a clear breach of public trust, and calls into question the early character of this government.”
Anandasangaree, a longtime Tamil-Canadian advocate and former human rights lawyer, has been criticized for downplaying CBSA’s findings about the subject’s “protracted involvement” with the LTTE, an organization known for suicide bombings, political assassinations, and child soldier recruitment during Sri Lanka’s civil war.He reportedly recused himself from files related to the Tamil community only after public scrutiny.The NCC said the minister’s links to the Canadian Tamil Congress — which the Sri Lankan government has labeled a front group — further call into question his impartiality in overseeing national security agencies including the RCMP, CSIS and CBSA.The controversy comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney faces growing criticism over a recently released 16-page ethics disclosure, which details alleged conflicts of interest stemming from his past work as a global banking executive and climate finance leader.The NCC accused Carney of concealing the document during the 2025 federal election, calling it a blow to transparency.“This government deserves no benefit of the doubt,” said Brown. “Canadians deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and trust, not another Liberal government mired in ethical controversies and questionable appointments.”
The NCC is calling for a full public inquiry into both Anandasangaree’s actions and Carney’s conflict disclosures. The organization says it will continue to hold the government accountable and push for national leadership that puts “integrity, security, and loyalty to Canadians first.”
Background: The LTTE (Tamil Tigers) in Canada
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a militant organization that fought for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Known for suicide bombings, assassinations, and child soldiers, it was designated as a terrorist group by Canada in 2006, along with the U.S., EU, and India.
Despite the ban, some Tamil-Canadian groups have been accused of maintaining ties to LTTE ideology or fundraising networks. Canadian intelligence has periodically investigated alleged LTTE-linked activities, particularly in Tamil-majority areas like Scarborough (Ontario).
The Controversy: Letters to Alleged LTTE-Linked Group
The NCC’s demand for the Public Safety Minister’s resignation stems from reports that the minister’s office sent letters to an organization suspected of having sympathies or connections to the LTTE. The exact content of the letters is unclear, but critics argue that even routine correspondence could be seen as legitimizing a banned group.
Key Concerns Raised by the NCC:
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National Security Risk – Engaging with groups linked to a banned terrorist organization could undermine Canada’s counterterrorism laws.
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Double Standards – The government has cracked down on other extremist groups (e.g., white supremacists, ISIS supporters) but appears lenient here.
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Political Motivations – Some allege the minister is courting Tamil-Canadian voters, a significant bloc in key electoral districts.
Government & Minister’s Response (If Any)
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The Public Safety Minister’s office may argue that the letters were part of general community engagement and not an endorsement of the LTTE.
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If the recipient group is not officially listed as a terrorist entity, the minister could claim there was no wrongdoing.
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However, if the group has clear LTTE ties, this could become a major scandal.
Opposition & Next Steps
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The Conservatives and NCC will likely push for an investigation.
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If evidence of improper contact surfaces, the minister could face pressure to resign.
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The issue may also reignite debates about foreign influence, diaspora politics, and Canada’s counterterrorism policies.
Broader Implications
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Tamil-Canadian Community Relations – Many Tamil-Canadians reject LTTE links and fear being unfairly targeted.
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Precedent for Other Groups – Could impact how Canada deals with other diaspora groups linked to banned movements.
LTTE-Related Incidents in Canada: A History of Controversy
Canada has been a significant hub for Tamil diaspora activism, including alleged fundraising and propaganda efforts tied to the LTTE. While most Tamil-Canadians are peaceful, law-abiding citizens, there have been several high-profile cases linking individuals or groups to the banned terrorist organization.
Key Incidents:
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2006 LTTE Terrorist Designation
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Canada officially banned the LTTE under the Anti-Terrorism Act, making it illegal to fundraise, recruit, or provide material support.
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This followed pressure from Sri Lanka, India, and allies after years of LTTE-linked activities in Canada.
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2008-2009: Protests & Alleged Intimidation During Sri Lanka’s Civil War
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Large pro-LTTE rallies were held in Toronto, with some accused of glorifying suicide bombers.
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Reports emerged of Tamil-Canadians facing pressure to donate to pro-LTTE causes.
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2011: RCMP Investigation into LTTE Financing
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The RCMP launched Project OVERT, investigating Tamil-Canadian businesses allegedly funneling money to the LTTE.
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No major prosecutions resulted, but intelligence suggested some networks remained active.
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2019: Memorial Events Honoring LTTE Leaders
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Some Tamil-Canadian groups held events commemorating LTTE figures, raising concerns about glorification of terrorism.
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Police monitored but took no action, citing free speech protections.
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2021: CSIS Warnings on LTTE-Linked Influence
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CSIS reportedly warned politicians about ties between some Tamil groups and LTTE ideology.
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No public crackdown occurred, but intelligence sharing with allies increased.
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The National Citizens’ Coalition (NCC): Its Role in Canadian Politics
The NCC is a conservative advocacy group known for pushing right-leaning policies on issues like national security, free speech, and limited government.
Key Facts About the NCC:
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Founded in 1967 by Colin M. Brown as a response to growing government intervention.
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Formerly led by Stephen Harper (1998-2002) before he became PM.
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Advocacy Focus:
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Opposes “woke” policies, excessive immigration, and government overreach.
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Strong stance against extremism (both Islamist and far-right).
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Pushes for stricter counterterrorism enforcement.
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NCC’s Stance on the LTTE Controversy:
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The NCC has long criticized Canada’s “soft approach” to groups with terrorist ties.
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It accuses the Liberals of vote-bank politics, suggesting they tolerate extremism to secure Tamil-Canadian support.
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The demand for the minister’s resignation fits its broader narrative of “holding elites accountable.”
What’s Next? Possible Outcomes
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If the Letters Were Innocent:
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The minister may release them to show they were routine constituency correspondence.
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The NCC could face backlash for overreacting.
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If the Letters Were Controversial:
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Opposition MPs (Conservatives, Bloc) could demand a parliamentary inquiry.
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The minister might resign if evidence suggests sympathy for LTTE ideology.
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Long-Term Impact:
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Tamil-Canadian groups may face greater scrutiny, even if unfairly.
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The Liberals could lose support in key Toronto-area ridings with large Tamil populations.
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Anonymous
False alegation and no need to resign.