Iranian-Canadians caution Carney against normalizing diplomatic relations with Islamic Republic

VANCOUVER — A coalition of Iran-Canadians and allies have warned the federal government against normalizing diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently argued that having an embassy in countries such as Iran and Venezuela would make it easier for Ottawa to support Canadians living there, and that not doing so puts Canada "at a disadvantage." He has since assured critics there are no plans to set one up as of now.

When asked, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he does not support re-opening diplomatic ties with Iran, "or allowing its thug terrorist members to be in our country diplomatically."

"This is a terrorist regime that has killed our people, and they have never ever been held accountable for the murder of 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents," he added. "They are continually operating on our soil illegally."

"We call on governments around the world to stand with the people of Iran," an organizer said during a protest downtown on Sunday. "We call on democratic nations to support freedom, human rights, and the aspirations of the Iranian people."

She went on to address Carney directly.

"Here in Canada, we call on our elected leader to listen to the voices of Iranian Canadians and place human rights and democratic values at the centre of politics toward Iran," she said. "Our voices matter, our community matters, and the people of Iran matter."

She emphasized that "history will remember who stood with the Iranian people" and "those who defend freedom."

Many in the crowd carried signs echoing those sentiments.

"Be the voice of the Iranian people, not partners with their killers," one read, referencing the mass murdering of civilians by the regime earlier this year — and since 1979.

Another warned that having an embassy would put Iranian-Canadians' safety "at risk" due to the potential for espionage and targeted attacks on dissidents.

For 25 weeks now, Iranians and allies have taken to the streets in Vancouver and around the world to draw attention to the atrocities committed by the regime. They noted that the fight to topple the mullahs is far from over.

"SOS for Iran — stop hanging in Iran!" attendees on Sunday chanted, adding, "no deal with the mullah — target ayatollah."