Public Safety

During question period on public safety, Conservative MP Michael Chong asked about Iranian regime agents in Canada, citing a search warrant tied to shootings at a Toronto synagogue and the U.S. consulate, and noting that of roughly 30 operatives the government said a year ago were subject to removal, only one has reportedly been deported. He also asked how the government could take foreign interference seriously given its strategic partnership with China. Parliamentary secretary Jacques Ramsay responded that the government reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas, screened men of military age, opened 280 investigations, and identified 30 people who may have to leave Canada, and offered condolences for Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed while investigating shootings in Toronto. Parliamentary secretary Peter Fragiskatos noted the IRGC was listed as a terrorist entity in 2024 and said law enforcement and the Canada Border Services Agency are handling removals in accordance with the law.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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4 statements

Michael Chong, Wellington—Halton Hills North

Conservative
“Iranian agents are linked to attacks in Canada, but the government has only deported one of the 30 agents it found last year. I want the minister to explain what is being done to protect Canadians from them.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada mourns the loss of Constable Marc Pinizzotto. The Globe has reported that a search warrant executed yesterday related to the shootings at a synagogue and the U.S. consulate. U.S. prosecutors linked these shootings to an IRGC‑backed terrorist network that is behind 18 attacks in the U.S., Canada and Europe. A year ago, the government identified nearly 30 Iranian regime operatives who should be deported. Since then, only one has been deported. What action is the minister taking to protect Canadians from IRGC operatives on Canadian soil?

Michael Chong, Wellington—Halton Hills North

Conservative
“Canadians are afraid because people are shooting at synagogues, community centres, businesses, and the U.S. consulate. What is the government doing to protect Canadians and foreign diplomats from Iranian agents in Canada?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the government is carrying out a great deal of analysis. The death of Constable Marc Pinizzotto is not an isolated incident. Canadians are afraid. People are shooting bullets at synagogues, community centres, businesses and, now, the U.S. consulate in Toronto. Public safety is a national security matter. Canadians deserve answers. What new action is the government taking to protect Canadians and foreign diplomats from IRGC operatives operating here in Canada?

Michael Chong, Wellington—Halton Hills North

Conservative
“The government said it would deport almost 30 people connected to the Iranian regime, but reports say it has only deported one. Has the government deported more than one of these people in the last year?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, U.S. prosecutors have linked the U.S. consulate and synagogue shootings to an IRGC terrorist network. In 2023, Global News reported that upward of 700 regime‑linked associates could be operating in Canada. A year ago, the government said that nearly 30 Iranian regime operatives who were here in Canada should be deported. Since then, reports have indicated that only one has been deported. Can the government confirm if more than one individual has been deported in the last year?

Michael Chong, Wellington—Halton Hills North

Conservative
“The government said foreign meddling from China is Canada's biggest threat, but it is still working with China. It also promised to deport nearly 30 Iranian agents, but has only deported one. How can Canadians believe this government takes foreign meddling seriously?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, a year ago, the Prime Minister said that the PRC’s foreign interference was the greatest threat to the security of Canada. The government now has a strategic partnership with the PRC. A year ago, the government said that nearly 30 operatives linked to the Iranian regime were here in Canada and should be deported. A year later, only one has been deported. How can Canadians believe that the government is treating foreign interference seriously and taking actions to protect them here on Canadian soil?

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