Prime Minister Mark Carney insisted on Thursday that his government is effectively barring members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from entering Canada, following reports that a former IRGC official was granted a visa. Speaking to reporters, Carney stated that Canada has a robust screening process, but acknowledged the need for continuous improvement.
The controversy erupted after it was revealed that an individual with past ties to the IRGC, a designated terrorist entity under Canadian law since 2024, was allowed into the country. The government has not disclosed the person's identity or the circumstances of the visa approval, citing privacy concerns.
Carney emphasized that the IRGC is listed as a terrorist organization, and any member or former member is generally inadmissible to Canada. He said the case in question is under review, and measures are being taken to prevent similar occurrences. Opposition critics have called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the matter.
