Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who is facing intense scrutiny for previously supporting the immigration bid of a man identified by Canadian authorities as a member of the Tamil Tigers—a designated terrorist group.
Speaking on Wednesday after announcing new steel industry protections, Carney said, “The public safety minister has been transparent about the details of that situation and he has my confidence.”
The controversy erupted following a Global News report revealing that before joining the federal cabinet, Anandasangaree had written letters to Canadian immigration officials in 2016 and again in 2023, requesting that they reverse a decision to deny permanent residence to the man, who was deemed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to be a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The Tamil Tigers, listed as a terrorist entity in Canada since 2006, fought a violent separatist campaign in Sri Lanka for decades. The man’s most recent appeal was rejected by the Federal Court last week, which upheld CBSA’s decision on national security grounds, despite the MP’s support letter.
In a statement, Minister Anandasangaree said he stopped writing such letters after entering cabinet in 2023 and emphasized that MPs across all parties routinely provide letters of support for constituents. He declined to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
However, the explanation has not quelled public concern. Sheryl Saperia, CEO of Secure Canada, an organization founded by victims of terrorism, said, “No MP’s office should intervene on behalf of someone the CBSA has found to be a member and on the payroll of a terror group, period.”
She criticized Anandasangaree’s justification that the man’s family separation was emotionally distressing. “That is a ridiculous argument when we’re talking about someone involved with a terrorist group,” she said.
Phil Gurski, a former Canadian Security Intelligence Service analyst, echoed the outrage. “This is an egregious error on his part, a lack of judgment at a minimum,” Gurski said, calling for Anandasangaree’s resignation. “He should step down immediately and let someone else who understands national security fill the role.”
Despite these criticisms, Prime Minister Carney continues to support his minister, urging Canadians not to draw conclusions before all facts are reviewed. However, the incident has fueled ongoing concerns about Canada’s national security oversight and political accountability.