What is the story?

Canada has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that this measure aims to combat the IRGC's activities in Canada, using all available legal tools. The designation makes it a crime to knowingly deal with the assets of the IRGC and can lead to the loss of charitable status and denial of entry to Canada for those associated with the group. Banks are also authorized to freeze related assets.

In May, members of Parliament voted unanimously in favour of a non-binding motion calling on the government to list the group as a terrorist entity, which victims' family members have demanded Canada do for years. "This demand has been out there for a long time," said Hamed Esmaeilion, leader of the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims. "We want to see any financial ties of the IRGC (to be) charged as criminal activity."

The IRGC, involved in the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in January 2020, killing 176 people including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents, is known for its disregard for human rights. This move follows a unanimous vote by Canadian MPs and ongoing demands from victims' families for stronger actions against the IRGC.

Why is this important?

The designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity is significant for several reasons:

Legal and Financial Repercussions: It criminalizes dealings with the IRGC, enabling the freezing of assets and potential prosecution of those involved with the group in Canada.
Human Rights and Accountability: This move is part of broader efforts to hold the IRGC accountable for its human rights violations and terrorist activities.
Support for Victims' Families: It addresses long-standing demands from the families of Flight PS752 victims for justice and accountability.
International Relations: It aligns Canada's stance with that of the United States and signals strong opposition to Iran's actions.

Read the full stories here:

1) https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/iran-s-islamic-revolutionary-guard-is-a-terrorist-group-says-canada-1.6932946

2) https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-designates-irans-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-as-terrorist/

Canada designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group