At this historic and critical juncture, we call on the Government of Canada to move beyond statements of condemnation and take decisive action to support the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom, democracy, and a peaceful transition away from the Islamic Republic.

Iran is experiencing the largest and most unified uprising in its modern history, far surpassing the scale of Bloody November 2019 and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. In just five days of nationwide internet blackout, credible reports indicate that at least 12,000 people have been killed by regime forces. This constitutes mass murder. The deliberate shutdown of internet and communications is being used to conceal crimes against civilians and suppress global awareness. The international community must act immediately to stop the ongoing violence.

We acknowledge Canada’s principled steps following the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, including sanctions, the listing of the IRGC, and legal action related to Flight PS752. However, the scale and intensity of the current killings demand immediate political engagement and leadership that goes beyond condemnation.

Across Iran and throughout the global diaspora, Iranians have rallied in unprecedented numbers around Prince Reza Pahlavi as a unifying figure capable of facilitating a peaceful, democratic, and secular transition. He has publicly committed to an inclusive transition process, the formation of a transitional framework, and a future national referendum allowing Iranians to freely determine their system of governance. We therefore respectfully urge the Government of Canada to:

Publicly engage with Prince Reza Pahlavi and his transition team as legitimate representatives of the Iranian people

Facilitate an official meeting between the Prime Minister of Canada and Prince Reza Pahlavi

Formally support a peaceful, democratic, and secular transition in Iran led by the will of its people

Coordinate with international partners to apply urgent and sustained pressure on the Islamic Republic to halt the killings and restore access to the internet

Canada has no diplomatic relations with the current regime, and a regime change in Iran is increasingly foreseeable. Early engagement with the democratic opposition would position Canada on the right side of history and secure a constructive role in Iran’s future, while contributing to regional and global stability.

The Iranian people are paying with their lives. They need action now.

Yours Sincerely, 

Iranian-Canadians,

Dr. Shahram Kholdi, International Law and Security Analyst

Ramin Joubin, Lawyer and Civic Activist

Maryam Shariatmadari, Civic Activist and Women's Rights Advocate

Eghbal Kayadan, Civic Activist 

Ghazaleh Khanlarbig, Civic Activist

Payman Parseyan, Civic Activist

Ghazal Lotfi, Civic Activist

Javad Soleimani, Flight PS752 Justice Advocate