Federal ministers announced this significant move on Wednesday, shortly after CBC News initially reported the government’s forthcoming declaration.
“This action sends a strong message that Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC,” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters. “Our government will ensure that there is no immunity for Iran’s unlawful actions and its support of terrorism.”
Listing the IRGC as a terrorist group enables Canadian authorities to prosecute individuals who provide financial or material support to the organization. Additionally, financial institutions are empowered to freeze the assets of the IRGC.
The IRGC, a branch of the Iranian armed forces under the direct control of Iran’s supreme leader, is notorious for shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in January 2020. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 175 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly issued a stern warning to Canadians in Iran, advising them to return home and cautioning against any plans to travel to Iran due to the increased risk of arbitrary detention.
“For those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home. And for those who are planning to go to Iran, don’t go,” Joly emphasized.
This development marks a significant response to persistent demands from various stakeholders, including the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, the Iranian Canadian community, and multiple political parties. These groups have long called for the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist entity.
Hamed Esmaeilion, a board member of the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, expressed relief and satisfaction with the government’s decision, highlighting the arduous and painful journey toward this outcome. “It’s very important to punish those people or those organizations that were involved in atrocities against Canadians and Iranians,” Esmaeilion stated, having lost his daughter and wife on Flight PS752.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong criticized the delay, attributing it to the increased capabilities of the Iranian regime in North America. He pointed out that the Conservative Party had been advocating for the IRGC’s terrorist designation since 2018.
Public Safety Minister LeBlanc responded to queries regarding the delay by explaining that the decision was based on advice from security services and foreign policy considerations. He emphasized that the listing decision was a result of a deliberative process supported by compelling evidence.
Canada has not had an embassy in Iran since it severed diplomatic ties in 2012. The designation aligns with similar actions taken by other countries, including the United States, which listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019.
Justice Minister Arif Virani acknowledged concerns about the impact of this designation on Iranians conscripted into the IRGC but assured that the government would adopt a careful and measured approach. He noted that individuals who no longer serve with the IRGC would be considered differently.
The Canadian government had previously listed the Quds Force, a branch of the IRGC, as a terrorist organization. However, victims’ families argued that this was insufficient, as the Quds Force was not responsible for the downing of Flight PS752.
The move to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization represents a crucial step in holding the Iranian regime accountable and addressing security risks posed to Canadians. It reflects the government’s commitment to using all available tools to combat terrorism and ensure justice for victims of the IRGC’s actions.