Canadian Government Officially Dissolves Samidoun Terrorist Entity
The federal government of Canada has taken decisive action by officially dissolving Samidoun, an organization that was designated as a terrorist entity in October 2024. This move comes after months of sustained advocacy and represents a significant step in Canada's counter-terrorism efforts.
Advocacy Group Celebrates Community Victory
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is celebrating what they describe as an "important community win" following the dissolution of the Vancouver-based Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. CIJA has been actively highlighting the organization's continued existence as a not-for-profit entity within Canada despite its terrorist designation.
In a statement posted to social media, CIJA expressed gratitude to Industry Minister Melanie Joly for what they called a "long overdue step." The organization emphasized that this outcome reflects "sustained, determined advocacy by CIJA, supported by thousands across our community, to ensure Canada has the tools needed to confront organizations linked to terrorism."
Legal Basis for Dissolution
The dissolution became possible with the adoption of the 2025 federal budget, which granted the government clear authority to dissolve corporations identified as listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. Federal corporation information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website confirms that Samidoun was dissolved for "non-compliance" as of Friday, March 27, 2026.
The government website includes a stern warning about the organization's status, noting that the Criminal Code of Canada "prohibits certain actions in relation to terrorist groups, including those related to terrorist financing, travel and recruitment." The warning specifically states that it is a criminal offense for anyone in Canada or Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group.
Background and Alleged Connections
Samidoun was originally listed as a terrorist entity in October 2024 due to its alleged links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terror organization. Despite this designation, the organization continued to operate as a not-for-profit entity for approximately one year until Minister Joly vowed in September 2025 to examine "all options to formally dissolve Samidoun" and similar organizations.
The timing of this dissolution is particularly noteworthy as it occurred just two days after the federal government's anti-hate bill passed third reading in the House of Commons. While the bill still requires Senate approval before becoming law, the dissolution of Samidoun represents a concrete action against organizations with alleged terrorist connections.
Organizational Details and Leadership
Samidoun had been registered in British Columbia under three directors, including Charlotte Kates, who gained attention in 2024 after being arrested for allegedly making a speech at a rally that included the phrase "long live Oct. 7." This statement was interpreted by authorities as seemingly praising the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. According to reports from The Canadian Press, Kates was released with conditions and no charges were ultimately laid.
The organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Canadian Press regarding the dissolution. This development follows previous government actions against terrorist entities, including Canada's addition of four groups to the federal terror list in recent years.
Jewish advocacy groups have been consistently demanding stronger protections for communities and the elimination of hate through legislative measures like Budget 2025. The dissolution of Samidoun represents a tangible response to these concerns and demonstrates the government's commitment to using available legal tools against organizations with alleged terrorist affiliations.
