e-4257 (Foreign affairs)

Canada is horrified by the Iranian regime's violence against its own people and their blatant disregard for human rights. That is why Canada has taken significant further action against the Iranian regime. On November 14, 2022 Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and in systematic breaches of human rights under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). As a result, tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials are now permanently inadmissible to Canada, including heads of state, top IRGC members, intelligence operatives, senior government officials, diplomats, and judges.

Prior to this, Canada already had in place some of the toughest and most extensive sanctions on the Iranian regime in the world, targeting IRGC branches as well as senior-level members of its leadership under the Special Economics Measures (Iran) Regulations (the Regulations). Since October 2022, Canada has added 106 individuals and 30 entities to the 212 Iranian individuals and entities previously designated. The Regulations forbid Canadians dealing in the property of any listed person, and as a result, all of the individuals’ or entities’ assets in Canada are effectively frozen.

Furthermore, Canada also lists Iran as a State Supporter of Terrorism under the State Immunity Act. This designation, together with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, allows victims to bring civil actions against Iran for losses or damages relating to terrorism.

Canada is also deeply concerned about Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to near weapons grade and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on important nuclear issues. Canada has joined with many in the international community that have called on Iran to stop its nuclear violations and restore its nuclear commitments and obligations. Canada supports diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s escalation of nuclear activities, including efforts to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Canada is fully supportive of the IAEA’s comprehensive monitoring and verification of nuclear activities in Iran. In support of this important mandate of the IAEA, Canada has been a leading voluntary contributor to the IAEA’s monitoring and verification efforts of Iran’s nuclear program ($21 million since 2014).

Canada has some of the toughest measures of any country in the world against the Iranian regime. Impunity is not an option. Canada stands with the Iranian people.

The Government of Canada currently has tools to address criminal acts committed in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), including offences that constitute embezzlement, in order to protect the safety of Canadians and uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration program.

Foreign nationals who are temporary residents living in Canada, and permanent residents, can lose their status and be removed from Canada if they are found to be inadmissible under IRPA. A foreign national who is convicted of an indictable offence under an Act of Parliament is inadmissible on grounds of criminality [paragraph 36(2)(a)]. A foreign national or permanent resident who is convicted of an offence under an Act of Parliament is inadmissible for serious criminality if the offence is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years or the person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of more than six months [paragraph 36(1)(a)].

All inadmissibility assessments require a case-by-case analysis based on the facts of the case and the evidence before the decision maker. If the individual is found to be inadmissible, they can be issued a removal order and their visa revoked. In some cases, family members of the individual concerned may also be found inadmissible to Canada and could be subject to immigration enforcement if they are in Canada.

The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned by the developments in Iran and is dedicated to holding Iran responsible for its actions.

As such, Canada has robust measures in place against Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

On November 14, 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and in systematic breaches of human rights under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Therefore, tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials are now permanently inadmissible to Canada, including the head  of state, top IRGC members, intelligence operatives, senior government officials, diplomats, and judges. This measure has only been used in the most serious circumstances against regimes conducting war crimes or genocide. In addition to being banned from entering Canada, current and former senior officials who are currently in the country may be investigated and deported.

Prior to this, Canada already had in place some of the toughest and most extensive sanctions on Iran in the world, targeting IRGC branches as well as senior-level members of its leadership under the Special Economics Measures Act (SEMA). SEMA forbids Canadians dealing in the property of anyone on the list, and as a result, all of the individuals’ or entities’ assets in Canada are effectively frozen.

Canada also lists Iran as a State Supporter of Terrorism under the State Immunity Act. This designation, together with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, allows victims to bring civil actions against Iran for losses or damages relating to terrorism.

In addition to sanctions, the IRGC-Quds Force has been listed as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code since 2012. The Government also continues to list terrorist entities that have benefited from the Quds Force’s patronage, including Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, and three Iran-backed regional militias that were listed in 2019.

With respect to adding the IRGC as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, listing is one of many tools that Canada uses to combat terrorist financing, terrorist operations and support to terrorist activities. In order to be listed, explicit criteria must be met. This assessment process is rigorous and continuous, and the Government does not comment on what entities may be considered for listing.