QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
February 27, 2024
Senator Gold, a recent article in The Hill stated Canada lacks the political will to tackle transnational organized crime and other foreign influence, citing a report by the International Coalition Against Illicit Economies, a Washington-based national security non-governmental organization, that referred to Canada as a “safe zone” and a “money laundering safe haven” for terror groups and their criminal networks.
The report took particular issue with Canada as a crime hub for Iranian-backed proxies to finance terrorism in the Middle East and around the world, highlighting the ties between Iran, Russia and Beijing.
Our allies are also getting fed up, Senator Gold. Frankly, I’m getting fed up. I have been asking this question for years. What will it take for your government to take this question seriously? Don’t tell me your government is taking this seriously, because you haven’t even done the bare minimum, which is to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist group. Will you finally, please, list the IRGC as a terrorist group, as per the wishes of this Parliament and the people of Canada?
Thank you for your question. Canada has a robust sanctions regime in place with regard to many individuals and entities associated not only with the Government of Iran but, indeed, with other countries whose actors and, in some cases, institutions have taken steps that are contrary to our national interest. It will continue to be a robust regime. There is always an ongoing evaluation and re-evaluation of additional steps which may be appropriate.
That is the same mumbo-jumbo I’ve been hearing for years. Senator Gold, the IRGC shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in 2020, killing everyone on board, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents. Senior members of the IRGC are running around Canada, working out in gyms and giving lectures in Canadian universities.
How do you think it makes Iranian Canadians feel? They came here to escape this tyrannical regime. How do you think it makes the families of victims of Flight PS752 feel? What will you say to them, Senator Gold? They don’t believe your government is doing enough to deal with this crisis.
I’m sure I speak on behalf of all senators when I say that our thoughts remain with the victims of that tragic airline attack, their families and with all those who are suffering intimidation by foreign governments seeking to interfere with the quality of our life here.
