Government efforts to combat radicalization can be 'counterproductive,' says Jason Kenney

Canada's defence minister says it's naive to think the government can stop young people from being radicalized by extremist groups like ISIS.

Jason Kenney, in a wide-ranging interview with Chris Hall on CBC Radio's The House, said the experience of other countries shows that state-led efforts to prevent radicalization can be counterproductive.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has been criticized for failing to address the problem, even though he has promised last Sunday that if re-elected he would introduce legislation that would make it a criminal offence for Canadians to travel to parts of the world under the control of extremist groups.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau called the announcement electoral posturing that will do little or nothing to counter the bigger problem of radicalization among young Canadians.

But Kenney, who is running for re-election in the riding of Calgary Southeast, told The House that young people who are susceptible to extremist views are, by definition, "not prone to listen to messages coming from organs of the state."

He said the best way to diminish that power is to demonstrate that ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) is on "the losing side of history" and to show the extremist group for what it is, "a bunch of thugs and terrorists," Kenney said.

He argued that should be left with spiritual leaders, parents and others within the relevant communities.

More tax cuts to come?

On the economy, Kenney said in spite of the dramatic drop in oil prices, the Conservatives are aiming for a balanced budget.

"I know that Finance Minister Joe Oliver is confident that notwithstanding the fluctuation in oil prices, we should be on track for a balanced budget this year," he said

Kenney also hinted the Conservatives will be announcing more tax cuts over the course of the federal election campaign.

Stephen Harper has already said a re-elected Conservative government would introduce a permanent tax credit for home renovations.

Duffy scandal

Kenney downplayed the impact revelations that have come out at the trial of Senator Mike Duffy are having on the election campaign. Duffy, who was appointed by Harper, has pleaded not guilty to 31 counts of breach of trust, fraud and bribery.

Kenney was asked what should happen to staff who kept it secret that Harper's then chief of staff, Nigel Wright, gave Duffy $90,000 from his own pocket to pay back inappropriate expenses. The politician said he didn't know who read what, but added, "I assume that if anyone committed any acts that were unethical, or any kind of wrongdoing … that they will be held to account."

He accused the media of driving the story, saying he has talked to thousands of people in the last few weeks, and "precisely no one has raised this with me."