Senator Cardozo: I am happy to assist in —

Senator Cardozo: Thank you, for your exposé, Senator Omidvar. It is a serious issue and a problem of worldwide concern. I appreciate your taking the time to inform us about it.

When you talk about the sharks and the little fish, it seems to me that we’re not even talking about little fish. Maybe the little fish are innocent but have been forced to be conscripted.

Are there any other reasons why the government is reluctant? Are there commercial issues that are attached? What would your response be to any of those other issues that people might raise?

Senator Omidvar: Thank you very much for that question. It is, in a way, low-hanging fruit for Canada to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity. We have no diplomatic relations with Iran. We have very few commercial relationships with Iran. We have a large Iranian diaspora community, and they have links with Iran, but the IRGC terrorist label would not catch them unless their money is somehow associated with the IRGC and its violence.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Will the honourable senator allow a question?

Senator Omidvar: Of course, senator.