OTTAWA — For years, Canada has been known as a welcoming land for those fleeing oppression. But today, a darker narrative is emerging. The federal government is facing intense pressure over allegations that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are not just visiting Canada, but living comfortably within its borders.

From the halls of Parliament to the quiet suburbs of British Columbia, the question is being asked: How did members of a designated terrorist group get into the country, and why are they still here?

In June 2024, the Canadian government made a landmark decision. It officially listed the IRGC as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. The move was meant to be a hammer blow, allowing police to charge anyone providing material support to the group and giving banks the power to freeze their assets.

However, nearly two years later, critics say the “hammer” has barely made a dent. Recent parliamentary hearings have revealed some startling figures:

• 24 individuals have been deemed inadmissible to Canada due to their ties to the IRGC.
• As of March 2026, only one person has been successfully deported.
• Three deportation orders have been issued in total.
• Eight cases remain stuck in the legal system, with many individuals fighting to stay.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recently found himself in the “hot seat” before a parliamentary committee. While he promised that “every single individual” linked to the IRGC would be removed, the slow pace of the process has left many Canadians—especially the Iranian diaspora—feeling betrayed.

The Shadow of “Sleeper Cells” and Transnational Repression

The concern isn’t just about retired officials living on pensions. Security experts and intelligence analysts warn that Canada has become a “hub” for Iranian activity. There are growing fears that IRGC sympathizers are acting as “sleeper cells,” monitoring and harassing Iranian dissidents who moved to Canada to find safety.

One recent case has sent shockwaves through the community. Masood Masjoody, a mathematics professor and vocal critic of the Iranian regime, went missing in British Columbia in February 2026. His remains were later found in Mission, B.C.

While police have charged two individuals with his murder, the Iranian-Canadian community believes the motive is political. Activists claim Masjoody had been under threat for months after trying to expose alleged IRGC affiliates living in Canada. The RCMP is currently investigating whether his activism played a role in his death.

Why Is It So Hard to Kick Them Out?

If someone is a member of a terrorist group, why can’t they be deported immediately? The answer lies in Canada’s complex legal system and the messy reality of Iranian history.

1. The Conscription Problem: For decades, Iran has had mandatory military service. Many Iranian-Canadians were forced to serve in the IRGC as young men. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) must distinguish between a high-ranking official who chose the regime and a low-level conscript who had no choice.
2. Due Process: Canada’s legal system allows individuals to appeal deportation orders. These hearings can take years as lawyers argue over whether the person actually participated in “terrorist activities” or was merely a bureaucrat.
3. Human Rights Concerns: Canada generally does not deport people to countries where they might face torture or death. This creates a “legal limbo” for some regime members who are unwanted in Canada but protected by international law.

A Growing Political Firestorm in Canada

The opposition Conservatives have seized on the issue, accusing the Liberal government of being “soft” on the Iranian regime. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly questioned why it took so long to list the IRGC as terrorists and why the government hasn’t moved faster to freeze their assets.

“I want to know how many terrorists are in Canada,” one Conservative MP asked during a recent committee meeting, highlighting the frustration shared by many.

The pressure isn’t just domestic. U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly identified Canada as a “serious place of concern” for Iranian activity. They worry that IRGC networks in Canada could be used to target not only dissidents but also Jewish communities and critical infrastructure.

The Human Cost

For the thousands of Iranians who fled to Canada after the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, the presence of regime members is a source of constant anxiety.

“We came here to be free from them,” said one local activist who asked to remain anonymous. “To see them in our grocery stores, in our parks, while our friends back home are being executed—it’s a slap in the face.”

The government maintains it is doing everything it can. Minister Anandasangaree insists that the process is “aggressive” and that the rule of law must be followed. But as the legal battles drag on and the list of “inadmissible” individuals grows, the clock is ticking.

The CBSA is currently investigating hundreds of tips regarding alleged IRGC members. As more cases move toward the Immigration and Refugee Board, the government will be under a microscope.

If Canada cannot speed up the removal of those it has labeled as security threats, it risks more than just political embarrassment. It risks losing its reputation as a haven and becoming, as some fear, a sanctuary for the very people its citizens are trying to escape.

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