Canada's new anti-terrorist team is on the job.

But that's all Canadians are going to learn about the group known as Joint Task Force Two.

A Department of Defence official confirmed Tuesday that the unit was formed in April and is ready for counter-terrorist duties. The Armed Force's Joint Task Force Two replaces the RCMP's Special Emergency Response Team, disbanded to save money.

The RCMP has spent at least $42 million to train and equip its unit since its formation in 1986. But the 49-member team was never used against terrorists.

Defence and police specialists have argued that anti-terrorist duties should have been assigned to the Canadian Army from the beginning. They say it is cheaper because the military is already performing similiar functions on a day-to-day basis.

The Defence Department will spend more than $20 million over the next two years on Joint Task Force Two, a unit made up of volunteers.

"Information about the size, tactics, capabilities, equipment, organization, identify of members are classified for security reasons," says Armed Forces spokesman Capt. Marc Rouleau.

Rouleau also refused to say whether the military members of the unit perform counter-terrorist duties full time.

He said the unit's main job is a "force of last resort in dealing with terrorist events or major disturbances affecting national security." But it could also have other functions such as VIP protection.

Joint Task Force Two will train at a 200-acre compound at Dwyer Hill, just outside of Ottawa. The RCMP used the site for SERT but has given the facilities to the Defence Department.

The training centre has a swimming pool, gymnasium, and a $1.5 million shooting range.
Pugliese, D. (1993, June 02). Anti-terrorist squad operates in secrecy, A4.