441-01163 (Foreign affairs)

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.