Senator Gold: Again, the short answer is “no.” The Government of Canada stands with the victims of oppression in Iran, and it has taken serious measures, appropriate measures — thank you.

It has banned IRGC officials from Canada. It has created a new sanctions regime, increased sanctions on Iran and imposed sanctions on senior officials, prominent regime supporters, senior members of the judiciary, senior members of the prison system and law enforcement officers as well as political leaders. It sanctions against two entities linked to the IRGC, Iran’s national police force and the Iranian International University, as well as, previously, 17 individuals and 3 entities that have participated in or enabled gross human rights violations. The government has also expanded its ability to seize and freeze assets.

Canada has some of the toughest measures of any country in the world against the Iranian regime. Impunity is not a policy of this government, nor is it an option for Canadians. Canada will continue to defend human rights in Iran and elsewhere and will continue to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.

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