moved:
That this committee take note of the hostilities in Iran and the Middle East, and the impact for Canadians abroad.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the hostilities currently unfolding in Iran and throughout the Middle East and the very real impact they are having on Canadians abroad.
The situation in the region is changing by the hour. Military strikes and retaliatory attacks have drawn several countries into a conflict that continues to spread.
Several countries in the region have faced repeated waves of missile and drone attacks. Civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports and energy facilities, have been damaged and blatantly targeted by Iran. Maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf has been disrupted, with the Strait of Hormuz essentially closed. The risks of even further escalation are real. Millions of civilians across the region, including Canadians, are now living under the threat of violence and instability.
Canada condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. International law must be respected by all parties. The focus must be on rapid de-escalation.
Canada has long considered the Islamic Republic of Iran to be one of the main sources of instability and terrorism in the Middle East. The regime's actions have caused enormous suffering, both in Iran and throughout the region.
When the IRGC shot down flight PS752, the terrorist regime murdered 176 civilians, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. Six years later, the regime has still failed to fully comply with the investigation and continues to deny accountability. Within Iran, the regime has severely restricted the rights of women and girls and the basic freedoms to which every human being is entitled.
Today, the day after International Women's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the brave women of Iran who are fighting every day for equality and justice. Canada stands with them.
In recent months, the regime has further intensified its crackdown on peaceful protests, arresting demonstrators, silencing journalists and intimidating those who speak out.
Once again, lives have been lost as the regime responds to calls for freedom with violence. Canada has consistently condemned these actions and will continue to support the Iranian people in their fight for human rights and freedoms.
Canada has taken strong action to hold the Iranian regime to account. First, let me point to the listing of the IRGC in June 2024 as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code of Canada. Canada has also listed the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code of Canada. Second, Canada continues to implement measures to hold Iran accountable for its support of terrorism, human rights violations and destabilizing activities. This includes Canadian sanctions on 222 Iranian individuals and 256 Iranian entities for peace and security violations, human rights abuses and terrorism support.
In its response to the current crisis, Canada is following clear principles.
We did not participate in the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. We were not consulted in advance about these operations, and we have no intention of joining them. At the same time, Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and grow its arsenal of missiles that represent a serious threat to international peace and security.
The U.S. strikes come as a result of a failure of the international order. This is not a blank cheque. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all parties, including the United States and Israel.
Again, let me be clear. International law binds all parties. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We will continue to bring Canadians home.
For our government, the primary responsibility at this time is clear: to ensure the safety of Canadians abroad.
Global Affairs Canada has activated an extensive consular response across the region. Consular teams have been deployed across several countries to assist Canadians navigating the crisis. Additional staff have been positioned near border crossings, for example, to help Canadians leaving affected areas, and our emergency watch and response centre has over 150 people working every single day to answer Canadians' calls for help.
Our government is offering three options to help Canadians depart safely: charter flights, block-booked seats on commercial airlines, and buses to help Canadians reach safer locations when onward travel can be arranged. We have made sure that officials from Global Affairs Canada are in place to help Canadians across the region, including 15 countries in the region, and we have arranged for hundreds and hundreds of Canadians to return home.
Diplomatic missions in the region remain open and continue to provide consular services. Consular officers are in contact with thousands of Canadians who have requested assistance. Canadians in the region are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities and register with Global Affairs Canada to receive the latest updates and advice.
In closing, at moments like this, Canada's approach must remain steady and principled. We will continue to support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. We will continue to work with international partners to reduce tensions and promote stability across the Middle East. Above all, we will continue to prioritize the safety and security of Canadians abroad.
Canada stands with the Iranian people in their long and courageous struggle for freedom. Their calls for dignity, for justice and for basic human rights have been met with repression by the regime, but their voices continue to resonate around the world. The Iranian people deserve a future free from fear and oppression. On our watch, we will continue to hold the Iranian regime to account.
In conclusion, the situation remains unstable and deeply concerning, but Canada's commitment is clear. We will stand up for international law, we will stand up for the protection of civilians and we will stand up for the safety of Canadians, no matter where they are in the world.