Canada’s former deputy PM: Recent attacks not like 9/11

In the wake of a this week in Canada, traders have been forced to reconcile the potential of increased terrorism surfacing in North America.

And although concern and caution is certainly warranted, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada John Manley said that investors should know developments in Canada are nothing like what happened in the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.

A flag flies at half-staff at the National War Memorial, where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo of the Canadian Army Reserves was killed yesterday while standing guard by a lone gunman, on October 23, 2014 in Ottawa, Canada

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"That was an organized group of 19 perpetrators executing a carefully prepared plan of action," Manley reminded. "In Canada this week, we saw solo individuals with addiction and mental health issues."

He went on to say, it was critical to note the differences; because he feels it would be a mistake to draw definitive conclusions about current events based on what happened in 2001.

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Of course, investors should always remain vigilant. Given the tensions in the world, Manley said, unfortunately, another attack could happen again. "We're seeing a repeating pattern of young men who are Western born and educated, who have become radical, because of exposure to radical Islam."

However, if you're making substantial changes to the way you invest due to the Canada attacks, commentary from Manley suggests that's probably ill-advised.

"I don't find it nearly as alarming as 2001," Manley said.