Article
Piracy in Canada
Piracy is traditionally defined as the seizure and robbery of craft at sea or in the air. Though piracy had only a small role in Canada’s history, it has been the subject of legendary tales over the years. Pirates traversed the Atlantic coast of the country during the 17th and 18th centuries, plundering and causing mayhem wherever they went. Stories about pirates like Peter Easton and Bartholomew Roberts remain a part of local histories. While maritime piracy is no longer a significant threat in Canada, it remains so in parts of Asia, Africa, South America and Central America. The Canadian Armed Forces have assisted in anti-piracy missions in various parts of the world. In the modern age, piracy has taken on new forms, such as virtual crime and digital theft. Online piracy poses threats to the Canadian people, industries and economy.