Following a decision made by the United States in April 2019, Canada has applied a terrorist designation to the Iranian-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Following the announcement on Wednesday, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that “Canada will use all possible tools to combat terrorist activities carried out by the IRGC.”
He said the designation was backed by “very strong and compelling evidence,” as well as the advice of law enforcement and security agencies. He denied that politics had played a role in its delay.
“The Canadian Jewish community has persistently called for this decisive action against the IRGC, recognizing its role in promoting violence and instability globally, including through its support for terrorist groups targeting Jews and others,” said Shimon Koffler Fogel, president and CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
While CIJA applauded the designation, Fogel said “it is disappointing that it took so long for the government to act on its commitment.”
Anyone in Canada who supports or does business with the IRGC now faces prosecution.