Today, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced that the Government of Canada has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, effective immediately. This move is a significant step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions.
Minister LeBlanc stated that the IRGC has been found to have knowingly engaged in terrorist activities, either directly or in collaboration with other terrorist organizations. “Listing the IRGC sends a strong message that Canada will use all tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist activity of the IRGC,” LeBlanc emphasized.
As a result of this listing, Canadian financial institutions are now required to freeze any assets owned or controlled by the IRGC. Additionally, it is a criminal offense for anyone in Canada or Canadian citizens abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. This designation aims to disrupt the IRGC’s financial networks and prevent any support from sympathizers within Canada.
The IRGC’s inclusion in the terrorist list will aid Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism, including facilitating the prosecution of terrorism-related charges. This mechanism is a crucial component in countering terrorist financing and preventing the provision of assistance to terrorist organizations from within Canada.
The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order.
— Dominic LeBlanc (@DLeBlancNB) June 19, 2024
This new designation builds on Canada’s robust actions against the Iranian regime. Previously, Canada had listed several terrorist entities supported by the IRGC, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban. In June 2019, three additional Iran-backed groups were added to the terrorist list: the Al-Ashtar Brigades, Harakat al-Sabireen, and the Fatemiyoun Division. In November 2022, Canada designated the clerical dictatorship in Iran as a regime engaged in terrorism and systematic human rights violations, resulting in thousands of senior Iranian officials, including top IRGC members, being barred from entering Canada.
Since October 2022, Canada has imposed 18 rounds of sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in gross human rights violations and threats to international peace. These measures have frozen the assets of 200 Iranian individuals and 250 Iranian entities in Canada.
Minister LeBlanc reiterated Canada’s commitment to promoting human rights and taking decisive action against those who threaten international stability and Canadian values. “The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order. Our government will always promote human rights and take action against those seeking to disrupt our way of life,” LeBlanc stated.
Canada's designation of the #IRGC as a terrorist entity is a commendable step, deserving congratulations to the parliament and government of #Canada.
The Iranian Resistance has been advocating for this designation for years. This measure is essential in response to four decades… pic.twitter.com/ihFFWrgYwK— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 19, 2024
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), praised Canada’s decision, calling it a commendable step that the Iranian Resistance has long advocated. “This measure is essential in response to four decades of suppression, terrorism, and warmongering by the regime,” Mrs. Rajavi said. She highlighted the demands of the Iranian people and international communities for holding the regime accountable for its numerous human rights abuses, including executions, massacres, and the oppression of minorities.
