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Home»Canadian Politics»Immigration Minister Takes Responsibility for IRGC Official’s Permit Issue
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Canadian Politics

Immigration Minister Takes Responsibility for IRGC Official’s Permit Issue

April 30, 20267 Mins Read
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Immigration Minister Takes Responsibility for IRGC Official’s Permit Issue
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's Football Federation, right, and Tuhran Mayor Alireza Zakani, left, stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran on Sept. 1, 2022. (Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters)
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Immigration Minister Lena Diab says she’s accountable after a senior Iranian soccer official with connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – a designated terrorist organization in Canada – was granted travel documents to come to the country for a pre-FIFA World Cup event in Vancouver, before ultimately being denied entry.

Diab spent an hour answering tough questions about this situation during a parliamentary committee on Thursday afternoon, stating she wasn’t informed about the decision to allow Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj to enter Canada.

“I’m definitely accountable. But I would not have been part of that decision-making process,” she mentioned during her exchange with Conservative MP Dane Lloyd.

The Liberal government is facing pressure to clarify how Mehdi Taj and his group received the necessary documents for their trip to Canada for the FIFA Congress, which gathers over 200 national soccer associations each year to vote on important matters.

Reports from Iranian state-affiliated media indicate that the delegation was sent back after arriving at Toronto’s Pearson Airport on Tuesday.

WATCH | Diab says she didn’t know Iranian soccer official with IRGC ties was given permit to enter Canada:

Diab says she didn’t know Iranian soccer official with IRGC ties was given permit to enter Canada

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that she ‘did not know about the decision’ allowing Mehdi Taj, who has links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a temporary residence permit. He was denied entry into Canada for this week’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver. During questioning by Conservative MP Dane Lloyd, Diab explained that Taj’s permit had been revoked by the time he arrived in Canada.

Taj previously served as a commander within the IRGC, which is recognized as a terrorist entity by Canada since 2024.

This designation means thousands of high-ranking Iranian officials, including prominent IRGC members, are barred from entering Canada. Additionally, both current and former senior officials from Iran residing in Canada may be investigated and removed if necessary.

Diab informed the committee that his travel documents were canceled while he was still en route.

“The individual had no status to come into Canada. By the time they landed, they left. They are back in their own country,” she stated during her comments at the parliamentary session.

“We are very much looking forward to learning what happened in this case to ensure it does not happen during the FIFA games taking place in June and July.”

WATCH | PM says IRGC members ‘prohibited from entering this country’:

PM says IRGC members ‘prohibited from entering this country and they will not enter this country’

The head of Iranian soccer, Mehdi Taj, faced denial of entry into Canada ahead of this year’s FIFA Congress due to his connections with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed out that since years ago, any active or former members of the IRGC have been prohibited from entering Canada.

However, Iran International reported that sources within Canada’s government indicated Taj had received a temporary resident permit-a discretionary document allowing someone who’s usually inadmissible access into Canada.

The deputy minister Ted Gallivan testified at committee stating “this shouldn’t happen again.”

“Decisions are made based on available information. It’s clear in this case that what occurred wasn’t our desired outcome,” he said.

“I’m not offering my resignation here but want you all to know I’m accountable. This happened under my watch and I’m committed to tightening controls within Canada’s immigration system.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters Thursday he can’t speak about specific cases but defended Canada’s immigration procedures.

“There are multiple hurdles one must pass through before getting into our country and I believe it’s essential those hurdles remain effective,” he shared during a news conference in Oakville, Ont.

“There are always reviews regarding what’s been done and where improvements can be made. However, I assure Canadians that members of the Revolutionary Guard rightly cannot enter this nation; they will not be allowed.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand suggested there may have been an error within their system.

“It’s not my personal lead but my understanding is there’s a revocation of permission; it was unintentional-but I’ll let it be clarified by the minister,” Anand told reporters outside West Block in Ottawa.

People walk under a large globe as they arrive for the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

This incident raises concerns over how someone connected with a former IRGC commander could obtain flight documents needed for travel into Canada while global tensions continue amid ongoing issues between America and Iran.

Critic Calls System A ‘Dumpster Fire’

Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner claimed Carney’s response “abdicates responsibility,” adding “there’s no scenario where someone associated with a listed terrorist organization should receive permission to visit our nation.”

“They made a conscious choice,” she stated Wednesday. “Many people here have legitimate concerns having seen other regime members slip through unnoticed-and that’s got to be priority number one.”

Garner emphasized incidents like these contribute greatly towards Canadians losing trust overall in immigration systems.

“They view it as completely broken,” she expressed.

WATCH | Conservatives seek answers after Iranian with IRGC ties reportedly given temporary resident permit:

Conservatives seek answers after Iranian with IRGC ties reportedly given temporary resident permit

Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman along with immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner demand clarifications following reports stating Mehdi Taj-the head of Iranian soccer-was granted access via temporary residence permits despite being blocked due his links involving the IRGC.

Immigration lawyer Joshua Slayen mentioned Taj would’ve had submitted applications prior arriving here.

“Mistakes happen all too often-we might see flukes like this occurring because [Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canadian] acted off extraordinary documentation believing such individuals posed no threat against society,” he commented.

“Regularly approvals shock us just as frequently unreasonable denials also surface unexpectedly.”

Taj together alongside his delegation expressed discontent regarding their run-in at airport calling it disrespectful through various statements relayed back home via state media outlets.

This upcoming congress set forth occurs shortly before commencing World Cup activities across British Columbia jointly hosted amongst neighboring nations Mexico & United States respectively.

The national team representing Iran finds itself amid uncertainty surrounding participation due recent conflict escalating following American Israeli military actions observed throughout late February leading tensions further exacerbating conditions persistently continuing onwards ever since then..

The Secretary Of State Marco Rubio hinted last week indicating players should gain clearance making appearances although everyone involved maintaining connections related specifically tied directly towards current administration face refusal requests whenever attempting approach border policies enforced strictly adhered regulations set firmly established previously outlined measures taken decisively passed down throughout times preceding theirs intervening presence attending events scheduled thereafter..

The roster expects engagements slated two encounters occurring Inglewood California; likewise another taking place Seattle amidst tournament group stages unfolding concurrently meanwhile..< P >Gianni Infantino President declared unequivocally indeed representatives team Iran shall compete confidently remaining determined emphasizing notion fundamentally revolves around unity cultivated emanating sportsmanship spirit shared universal across cultures epitomizing essence reflecting football becoming vehicle connecting communities worldwide together joining forces bridging gaps prevalent globally witnessing collaborative endeavors flourish eventually manifesting purpose driven alliance promoting peace harmoniously intertwined weaving narratives intertwined fostering goodwill preserving bonds capable thriving even when challenges arise collectively overcoming adversity united front forged strong foundations built durable relations transcending boundaries despite diverse backgrounds serving reminder importance collaboration brings strength fortifying hope fueling aspirations motivate progress uplift humanity towards greater heights..

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