The FBI's director has urged Canada to follow American footsteps and introduce tougher penalties for terrorism-related offences.

Robert Mueller said Canada risks becoming a haven for extremists if it fails to strengthen its anti-terrorism laws.

FBI director Robert Mueller is calling for Canada to introduce tougher sentences for terrorism-related offences.
(Canadian Press)

"Countries who do not afford extended jail time to those who engage in material support for terrorism are opening themselves up, in my mind, to the possibility that these networks will find a haven in which to operate," the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday in Toronto.

Speaking at a policing conference on global security issues, Mueller said the arrests in recent weeks of the 17 bomb-plot suspects in Ontario is a good example of international collaboration.

But he warned that countries need to remain vigilant and work together to share intelligence.

"The only way to dismantle these networks is the exchange of information," he said. "If you look at terrorist cases that have occurred, the arrests made in the U.K., Canada, and U.S., you'll see almost everyone had ties between our various countries."
 
Toronto police Chief Bill Blair, who attended the conference, agreed that Canada should explore stiffer American-style sentences.

Blair added that it's imperative police authorities recognize the threat of cross-border crime.