In the wake of Iran's despotic leader's demise over the weekend, a prominent advocacy group is sounding the alarm that Canada must not let its guard down against the enduring menace posed by loyalists of the regime. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) emphasized this week that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to represent a grave and persistent danger to national security and public safety.
Persistent Threats on Canadian Soil
Noah Shack, chief executive of CIJA, articulated the urgency of the situation in a statement to the Toronto Sun. He described the Iranian regime as a long-standing source of terror, targeting not only Israelis and Gulf nations but also intimidating Iranian-Canadians and orchestrating plots within Canada itself. One such plot involved a foiled assassination attempt against former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler in 2024, directly implicating IRGC operatives.
Shack underscored that this regime poses a global threat, necessitating immediate and robust action from Canadian authorities to mitigate risks and hold perpetrators accountable under the law.
Recent Violence Highlights Vulnerabilities
The call for heightened vigilance comes amid a disturbing incident in Richmond Hill, where a gym owned by Salar Gholami, a notable Iranian-Canadian pro-democracy activist and boxing champion, was targeted in a shooting. Over 70 rounds were fired at the establishment on Yonge Street, mere hours after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. York Regional Police are actively investigating the case, exploring potential political or transnational motivations, though a definitive motive has yet to be established.
This attack underscores the tangible risks faced by activists and communities within Canada, prompting CIJA to advocate for stronger measures to prevent IRGC agents from entering the country and to ensure swift apprehension of those already present.
Broader Implications and International Context
Iran's influence extends beyond Canadian borders, with CIJA pointing to antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney, Australia, last summer. These incidents led the Australian government to expel Iran's ambassador, highlighting the regime's role in fostering instability abroad. Additionally, the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in January 2020, which killed 176 people including 55 Canadians, serves as a stark reminder of Iranian aggression on the international stage.
Canada officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity in June 2024, acknowledging its involvement in funding groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and extremist factions within Canada. Government estimates suggest approximately 700 IRGC agents are currently operating in the country, raising concerns about their activities and networks.
Political and Community Responses
CIJA has commended both the federal government and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre for supporting military actions against the Iranian regime and affirming Israel's right to self-defense against terrorism. The organization notes that Canada's Jewish and Iranian communities share common bonds, often rallying together peacefully for regime change, in contrast to the intimidation tactics employed by some pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel activists.
Shack concluded by asserting that no one in Canada should live in fear of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing it is a fundamental duty of governments and law enforcement to neutralize this threat and support accountability efforts. As Iran navigates internal turmoil, the call for Canada to ramp up pressure on the regime and address the IRGC threat remains a critical priority for national security and community safety.
