Canada has taken a bold step in its fight against terrorism, adding four new groups to its official list of terrorist organizations. This move is part of the country’s ongoing commitment to national security. It signals to both citizens and the international community that Canada is serious about tackling extremist threats.

Who Are the New Groups?

The four groups recently added to the list have links to both international and domestic terrorism. Though the government hasn’t fully disclosed details, these organizations are known for their violent ideologies and activities. The decision to designate them as terrorist entities comes after a thorough review of their potential to harm Canadian and global security.

A Stronger Legal Framework

By adding these groups to the list, Canada gains stronger tools to fight terrorism. Law enforcement can now freeze assets, block travel, and take other preventive measures. This is a crucial step in disrupting the operations of groups that threaten public safety. It also shows Canada’s commitment to ensuring its actions align with global counterterrorism efforts.

A Clear Message on National Security

Canada’s Public Safety Minister emphasized that terrorism remains a top priority for the government. The minister reassured the public that Canada is prepared to face new and evolving security challenges. The government is dedicated to staying ahead of terrorist threats, constantly reviewing and updating its security strategies.

Global and Domestic Vigilance

As part of its ongoing counterterrorism efforts, Canada will continue to monitor and update the list of terrorist organizations. The government is also working closely with international partners to address the global nature of terrorism. Together, they aim to make the world a safer place.

Adding these four groups highlights Canada’s proactive stance in protecting its citizens and standing firm against extremist violence.

Country singer Corb Lund has received approval from Elections Alberta to begin collecting signatures for a citizen-initiative petition that would ban all new coal mining on the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The authorization, issued in early December 2025, allows him to formally push for new legislation designed to protect the region’s headwaters.

The proposal seeks a complete prohibition on issuing any new coal-mine approvals or permits in the ecologically sensitive area. To advance the initiative to the legislature — or potentially trigger a province-wide referendum — Lund must gather about 178,000 valid signatures within the designated time frame.

Why Lund Is Leading the Effort

Lund, a sixth-generation Albertan with deep rural roots, says the petition is grounded in protecting the land and water that sustain local communities. His family, livestock and neighbours rely on the Oldman River, a major water source that originates in the Eastern Slopes.

He argues that coal mining in mountain headwater regions threatens water quality, ranching, agriculture, tourism and long-term ecological health. Lund has emphasized that his campaign is not political, but a defence of heritage and the natural resources future generations depend on.

While he supports responsible resource development, he maintains that coal mining in this region carries unacceptable environmental risks, especially concerning water contamination and irreversible landscape impacts.

What Comes Next for the Petition

With Elections Alberta’s approval in hand, Lund has four months to collect the required signatures. If successful, the initiative could compel lawmakers to debate the proposed ban or put the issue directly to voters through a referendum.

Supporters hope the petition will unite Albertans -rural and urban around long-term water security and environmental protection. For many, the campaign is shaping up to be a defining moment in the ongoing conversation about how Alberta balances development with the stewardship of its mountain and river ecosystems.