Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
In a pivotal and resolute move, Canada has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code, reflecting a unanimous vote by Members of Parliament. This significant action places Canada in alignment with the United States, which took similar measures in 2019 and underscores Canada’s firm stance against terrorism and human rights abuses.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the government’s decision, highlighting the IRGC’s extensive involvement in activities that undermine global security. “Our government has decided to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” LeBlanc declared. He accused the Iranian regime of “support for terrorism” and “consistently displaying a disregard for human rights both inside and outside of Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order.”
The IRGC, an elite military force established in 1979 to protect Iran’s Islamic system, has been implicated in various regional conflicts and terrorist activities. Its designation as a terrorist entity comes with far-reaching consequences. Members of the IRGC will be prohibited from entering Canada, and any assets they hold within the country will be subject to seizure. Moreover, the new legal framework prohibits Canadians from interacting with the IRGC or its members, reflecting the government’s commitment to national and international security.
In conjunction with this designation, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately. Given the complex and volatile geopolitical environment, this advisory underscores the heightened risks posed to Canadians in Iran. The government has emphasized the importance of safety and the need for Canadians to avoid potential entanglements in the ongoing international tensions.
This decision also brings to the forefront the painful memory of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. On January 8, 2020, the IRGC mistakenly shot down a commercial flight shortly after it departed from Tehran, resulting in the tragic deaths of all 176 passengers and crew aboard. Among the victims were 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents, making the incident a significant and profoundly emotional event for Canada. The downing of Flight PS752 has been a significant contributing factor to the deterioration of Canadian-Iranian relations and has galvanized the Canadian government’s firm stance against the IRGC.
Canada’s diplomatic relations with Iran were severed in 2012, a move driven by long-standing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, human rights record, and support for terrorist groups. This latest designation further solidifies Canada’s position and demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing international security threats and human rights abuses.
The implications of this decision are profound. By designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, Canada aligns itself with other nations that have taken a hard stance against Iran’s military and political actions. It also sends a message to the international community about the importance of maintaining a united front against terrorism and the destabilizing actions of rogue states.
The move has been met with broad support from various political factions within Canada, underscoring the consensus on the need to confront and curtail the IRGC’s influence. Analysts suggest that this designation will likely lead to increased scrutiny of financial transactions and immigration patterns, ensuring that Canada remains vigilant in preventing any infiltration or influence by the IRGC.
The Canadian government remains committed to upholding international peace and security. The decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity is a clear indication of Canada’s resolve to protect its citizens and contribute to global efforts in countering terrorism and promoting human rights. As the situation evolves, Canada will continue to work closely with its international allies to address these critical issues and ensure the safety and security of its people.