Canada's Prime Minister Justin TrudeauCHRIS WATTIE/Reuters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the terrorist attacks in Paris are "deeply worrying" and Canada has offered its full support to France.
Speaking before boarding a government plane for Turkey, Mr. Trudeau said he had spoken to his national security team to ensure that "everything is being done to keep people safe and we will have more to say as we learn more about this terrible tragedy."
He said the government has no indication at this time that there were any Canadians killed in the attacks – or that any Canadians were targeted or were involved in the attacks.
The tragedy in Paris marks the first international crisis Mr. Trudeau has faced since taking office less than two weeks ago. It came as he was preparing to depart Friday on his first foreign trip to meet world leaders at the G20 summit taking place in Antalya, Turkey.
Mr. Trudeau said Canada has offered "all of our help and our support to the government of France and the people of France at this time."
The attacks are sure to dominate the G20 summit, which had been expected to include discussions of the conflict in Syria and the millions of refugees that have fled the region.
World leaders at the G20 are also expected to discuss plans for the climate change summit scheduled to take place in Paris from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
Mr. Trudeau has said this week he planned to use the summit as an opportunity to promote Canada's plan to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees before the end of the year. The federal cabinet and Canada's military are exploring options for properly screening and settling the refugees.
Mr. Trudeau's trip to Turkey marks the beginning of a whirlwind of foreign travel. The Liberals are promoting the trips as a message that Canada will now play a more constructive role in international affairs.
After the G20 summit, Mr. Trudeau will travel to the Philippines for an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, where he is scheduled to have his first official meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau is travelling with Mr. Trudeau to the G20 summit. Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion and International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland are expected to join Mr. Trudeau at the APEC summit in Manila.
"Canada and France will remain united in the fight against terror," Mr. Dion said in a statement Friday. "Canada offers France its full support during these difficult times."
Mr. Trudeau would not say whether he would reconsider withdrawing Canada's CF-18s from the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or repealing parts of Bill C-51, Canada's anti-terrorism legislation, in light of the attacks.
"It's too soon to jump to any conclusions, 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."
Conservative MP and Official Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose also issued a written statement in response to the attacks.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those injured in the terrorist attacks today in Paris, and we pray for the safe release of the hostages currently being held," she said. "Let there be no mistake, Canada and Canadians stand with France on this tragic day. We call for swift action to bring those responsible to justice. Neither Canada, nor our allies, will be intimidated by terrorists. No matter who is responsible for these heinous attacks, we will continue to stand firmly with our allies."
In his first public comment since leaving office, former prime minister Stephen Harper said via Twitter: "Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of these savage terrorist attacks in Paris."
Bill Curry