Paris attacks: Justin Trudeau says terrorist attacks 'deeply worrying'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has spoken to members of his national security team to ensure the safety of Canadians in the wake of a series of attacks that saw dozens of people killed in Paris Friday night.

"These terrorist attacks are deeply worrying and obviously unsettling to people around the world," Trudeau said before leaving for the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey.

"We will keep people apprised as more unfolds but I have been speaking with our national security team to ensure that everything is being done to keep people safe."

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Trudeau expressed solidarity with Canada's "French cousins" and said Canada has offered all possible assistance to the government of France in wake of the siege at a concert hall in Paris.

"We have offered all of our help and support to the government of France, to the people of France at this time. And we'll continue to engage with our allies around the world in ensuring the safety of Canadians and others both here at home and around the world."

Governments have a responsibility to keep their citizens safe while defending our rights and freedoms.- Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada

French President François Hollande declared a state of emergency and said the country was shutting its borders in an effort to catch the attackers.

Trudeau, who has vowed to pull out Canada's fighter jets from the U.S.-led bombing mission against ISIS in Iraq, was asked whether the events in Paris would cause him to reconsider his decision.

"It is still very early moments in figuring out what is indeed happening as we speak right now on the ground in France," Trudeau said. "It's too soon to jump to any conclusions."

Marc Lalonde reacts to Paris attacks

9 years ago

Duration 1:35

Retired Canadian cabinet minister Marc Lalonde reacts to Paris attacks.

"But obviously, governments have a responsibility to keep their citizens safe while defending our rights and freedoms.  And that balance is something that the Canadian government and indeed all governments around the world will be focusing on."

Trudeau, who was briefed by CSIS and the RCMP before departing for the G20, said the government had no information that Canadians were either "targeted or involved" in these events.

Canadian leaders express solidarity

Canada's leader of the Official Opposition expressed her party's solidarity with the people of France.

"We call for swift action to bring those responsible to justice. Neither Canada, nor our allies, will be intimidated by terrorists," said Conservative Party Leader Rona Ambrose in a written statement Friday evening.

"No matter who is responsible for these heinous attacks, we will continue to stand firmly with our allies. We will continue to protect the rights and freedoms that define us as Canadians from those who wish to take them away, and strive to ensure Canada remains the peaceful, open, and free nation we value so much."

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, whose wife was born in France and still holds dual citizenship, tweeted that "Catherine and I are shocked by news of the horrific attacks in #Paris.

"We pray tonight for the victims, their families, & all Parisians," said Mulcair in a Twitter post.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also took to Twitter to express her shock at the news unfolding in the French capital.

"Horrific news [from] Paris of many innocents killed. Others now hostage," said May.

"All thoughts/prayers/sympathy with people of France in this dark hour."

Gov. Gen. David Johnston issued a message expressing his "outrage and deepest condolences" to those affected by what he called "heinous acts‎."

"Tonight, Canada grieves for Paris and all of France," Johnston said in a written statement. "In the face of this unspeakable atrocity, we will stand together for the values we hold dear with resolve and steadfast solidarity."

Trudeau, along with a number of other Canadian politicians, are expected to gather in Paris later this month for the United Nations climate change summit.