CIJA Welcomes Government Listing IRGC as Terror Entity After Years of Advocacy

Ottawa, ON – June 19, 2024 – The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s long-awaited decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under Canadian law. This designation comes after years of advocacy by CIJA, the victims of Iranian terror, and Iranian diaspora organizations.
"The Canadian Jewish community has persistently called for this decisive action against the IRGC, recognizing its role in promoting violence and instability globally, including through its support for terrorist groups targeting Jews and others," said Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, CIJA. "While we applaud this step, it is disappointing that it took so long for the government to act on its commitment."
In 2018, a Conservative motion to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity was adopted by the House of Commons, supported by the Trudeau government. However, until today, this commitment had not been translated into action despite mounting evidence of the IRGC’s nefarious activities. The IRGC has been implicated in the shooting down of Flight 752, foreign interference in Canada’s democracy, attacking Israel and Jews worldwide, and harassing and threatening the Iranian-Canadian community.
"The delay in listing the IRGC sent a concerning message about Canada's resolve to confront state-sponsored terrorism. CIJA urges the government to ensure that this designation is swiftly followed by concrete measures to disrupt the IRGC’s networks and stop its interference and threats to Canadians."
CIJA calls on the international community to join Canada in condemning the IRGC’s destructive agenda and taking firm action against its operatives and affiliates. The designation empowers Canadian authorities to employ robust measures against those associated with the IRGC.
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Additional Background
- Canada must end the defensive arms embargo, list the IRGC
- Maintain diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime
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