The Honourable Michael Chong, Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement:
“After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canada has never been more vulnerable to foreign interference. The Liberal government’s refusal to stand up to hostile foreign states has undermined our democracy while leaving Canadians open to harassment and violence.
“As a result of that delay, the IRGC has been able to grow stronger as a result of Trudeau’s inaction. They have been allowed to fundraise, recruit and operate in Canada while terrorizing countless Iranian-Canadians who fled to Canada to escape the IRGC in the first place. Reports indicate there are now 700 agents of the Iranian regime operating in Canada, and that the Iranian regime has hired members of the Hell’s Angels in British Columbia to assassinate persons in North America.
“Trudeau’s delay and inaction is especially galling as the IRGC is responsible for the torture and death of countless Iranians. They were responsible for the murder of Mahsa Amini and, four years ago, they shot down Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 killing dozens of Canadians.
“In addition, the IRGC is a crucial part of the Iranian regime and is key to its continued existence. They have openly declared their support for organizations that are already listed as terrorist organizations in Canada, like Hezbollah and Hamas. In fact, mere weeks before the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists went to Iran to take training and direction from the IRGC.
“It is unacceptable that it took six years for the Liberal Government to finally act, and only after years of Conservative calls for action. Canadians cannot wait another six years for the Liberal government to take further action to protect Canada’s national security. Only Common Sense Conservatives will protect Canadians and stand with the people of Iran in their fight for freedom.”