Iran-Canadian Congress Members Association - ICCMA - ICC-Pedia

تاریخچه کنگره ایرانیان - ICCpedia
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از آنرو که هییت مدیره های کنگره لزومی برای حفظ اطلاعات از سالی به سال دیگر نمی بینند، این صفحه بوجود آمده است تا که اطلاعات را ثبت نموده و تاریخچه ای برای کنگره بوجود آورد. در تصحیح اطلاعات ما را یاری کنید.

 2018 - 2019

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Date

Description

 
1 May 07 ICC Calls On Canadian Government to Continue its Commitment to Iran Nuclear Agreement  
2 May 11 Letter from 10 Canadian Organizations on Iran Nuclear Agreement  
3 May 16 Appointment of Executive Officers and Department Chairs  
4 May 30 We are hiring: ICC Summer Internship  
5 June 06 Ontario: Go Vote on June 7  
6 June 12 Liberal and Conservative MPs Voted To Abandon Diplomatic Talks With Iran  
7 June 19 Watch Live: ICC's First Parliamentary Briefing to Discuss Canada's Iran Policy  
8 June 21 Video: Panel Discussing Canada's Iran Policy  
9 June 26 ICC is Concerned about Maryam Mombeini and Asks For Her Immediate Return to Canada  
10 June 28 ICC President Writes to Conservative MP Erin O'Toole Regarding His Defamatory Comments
Video Published by ICC
 
11 July 21 ICC Condemns Violent Attack on Iranian-Canadian Artist Saye Sky  
12 August 01 Freeland: JCPOA is essential for ensuring regional and global security  
13 September 11 ICC Opposes Use of the Notwithstanding Clause To Change Electoral Boundaries in Toronto  
14 September 22 ICC Condemns Terrorist Attack in Ahvaz #PrayForAhvaz  
  September 28 Fundraising - 2018 Fundraising event  
15 October 10 ICC to Minister of Public Safety: Defamation Campaign Against Iranian-Canadian Activists Has Put Their Safety and Security in Danger  
16 October 17
October 17 · 
Statement from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on processing times for Iranian applications
Video IC Journal
 
17 October 16
October 16 · 
US Senator Lindsey Graham is a racist Iranophobe. We are proud of our Iranian heritage.
 IC Journal
 
18 October 19 New Report On Khavari's Investments in Canada - IC Journal  
  October 30 ICC's petition asking for Canada to open a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Iran  
  October 26
October 26 at 6:00 PM
**ICC Testified at the House of Commons Immigration Committee**
Video IC Journal
 
19 November 04 ICC’s Statement on US Sanctions against Iran  
20 November 23 Response from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada  
  November 23 Social Mixer Photos  
       

2018 ICC Facebook Activities

December 13, 2020
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ICC 2019 Election Results

 For the ICC 2019 Election Results and the Election Report from the Technical Expert please click on the link below:

 2019 Election Results

 

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ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Notice From Monitor Marvin Huberman
Re: Membership Requests

December 11, 2020
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Technical Expert Notice

 

December 03, 2020
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Final Registration Notice From Technical Expert

 

Please see the Final Registration Notice for the ICC 2019 AGM and 2019 Election, from the Technical Expert by clicking the link below:

 

Final Registration Notice

 

December 01, 2020
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Notice of Monitor's Determination
Regarding Members' Motions

Please see the Notice of Monitor's Determination Regarding Members' Motions at the 2019 Annual General Meeting by clicking the link below:

 

Notice Link

 

December 01, 2020
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List of Eligible Nominees for the 2019 Election

 

Please follow the link below for the List of Eligible Nominees for Election to the ICC Board of Directors at the 2019 Election

 

Eligible Nominees List

 

November 27, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

ICC: Assassination of Iranian Scientist is an Attempt to Block Diplomacy and Start Military Confrontation

The reported assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is an attempt by warmongers in the region to push the Middle East into another military conflict. Faced with an incoming Biden administration which has expressed its intentions to re-enter the Iran Deal and work towards peace, the forces for war are attempting to trap this administration and prevent these efforts by heightening tensions. 

Furthermore, assassination of scientists is an abhorrent and egregious act that violates all international norms.   

As such, the Iranian Canadian Congress condemns this reckless and illegal assassination.

The Canadian government must use all diplomatic means to prevent a military confrontation in the region. Canada must stand against war and against acts designed to spark war such as this assassination. 


 

 

November 27, 2020
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ICC Asks Canada to Send Extra
Vaccines to Vulnerable Iranians

Find below a letter sent by ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi asking Canada send its extra vaccines to vulnerable Iranians: 

Attention: 

Honourable Minister of Health Patty Hadju

Honourable Minister of International Development Karina Gould 

My name is Soudeh Ghasemi, President of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a non-profit, non-religious, and non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Canadians of Iranian heritage. 

As has been reported in media, Canada has purchased in advance more vaccines than it needs and is currently considering sharing vaccines with other countries who need them in the future. 

This is a laudable goal and the Iranian Canadian Congress commends the Canadian government for considering it. This letter is to ask the Canadian government to share the excess vaccines that it has with healthcare workers, seniors, and people with underlying health conditions in Iran. 

As you may know, Iran, in particular, is suffering greatly from the coronavirus pandemic due to the fact that it is currently subjected to an inhumane sanctions regime by the Trump administration that has made it difficult to purchase medicines, ventilators, and other medical equipment needed to control the pandemic. As such, Iran has one of the highest death tolls per capita in the world. 

Canada must step in and help Iranians by giving our excess vaccines to the Iranians most at risk of this deadly disease. Indeed, a petition initiated by a group of health professionals* signed by nearly 15,000 individuals is making this exact request. 

As such, we ask you to help Iranians in this time of need by sending our excess vaccines to Iran’s most vulnerable. Iranians are suffering, and Canada can help. 

Sincerely, 

Soudeh Ghasemi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

----------------

* The petition was initiated by:
Syda Alavi ,DDs, MSc - Elli Baran, MD - Melika Meshkat, Pharm.D. - Reza Moradi, MD - Rose Sanei

Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/justin-trudeau-covid-19-vaccine-for-healthcare-workers-and-persons-at-highest-risk-from-covid-19-in-iran

November 27, 2020
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ICC Calls for Canada to Send Insulin to Iran Amidst Shortage

See below a letter that ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi sent to the Canadian Ministers of Health, Foreign Affairs, and International Development asking them to help Iranians who are struggling to get access to insulin amidst a massive shortage in the country:

Dear Honourable Ministers,

My name is Soudeh Ghasemi, and I am the President of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a non-profit, non-religious, and non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the Iranian Canadian community in Canada.

As you may know, Iran has been under suffocating sanctions imposed by the US Trump administration for years, with sanctions, only intensifying during the COVID-19 crisis. Though sanctions have always threatened Iranians' access to life-saving medication, the situation now is reaching disastrous proportions.

Earlier this week, we learned through social media that tens of thousands of Iranian diabetics cannot access life-sustaining insulin. Supplies are low, and the costs are skyrocketing.

As such, we call on the Minister of International Development, working with the Ministers of Health and Foreign Affairs, to immediately work to supply insulin to Iran. The situation is dire, and Iranians need insulin. Canada must help.

Sincerely,

Soudeh Ghasemi

President

Iranian Canadian Congress

References:

www.rferl.org/amp/there-is-no-insulin-desperate-iranians-tweet-calls-for-life-saving-drug/30905516.html

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/trump-is-waging-a-quiet-war-against-civilians-in-iran-as-the-coronavirus-pandemic-drags-on/amp_articleshow/78847720.cms

https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1X82IM

 

November 24, 2020
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Reminder Notice to Register

 REMINDER NOTICE TO REGISTER

Registration for attending the ICC 2019 AGM and voting in the 2019 Election 

In order to attend the ICC 2019 AGM and to vote in the 2019 Election for ICC directors, you must register in advance. You may do so by clicking on this link

You should register as early as possible in order for the 2019 AGM Committee to verify your ICC membership and for the Technical Expert, Mr. Marcel Mongeon, to provide you with registration details in email. You will receive one email for Zoom (for the 2019 AGM) almost immediately. An additional email for Electionbuddy (for the 2019 Election) will be sent shortly before the opening of the election. The election will begin at 12:01am EST on December 6, 2020.

After registering, please check your spam or junk folders in your email system, in case the registration information emails are in those folders.

Registration to attend and vote will close at 12:01pm ET on December 5, 2020 (the day before the online voting in the 2019 Election begins).

 

2019 AGM Committee

https://www.iccongress.ca/2019_agm  

اطلاعیه یادآوری برای ثبت نام

ثبت نام جهت شرکت در مجمع عمومی 2019 و رأی دهی در انتخابات 2019

جهت شرکت در مجمع عمومی 2019 و رأی دادن در انتخابات  2019 شما بایستی پیشاپیش با کلیک کردن روی لینک زیر، ثبت نام نمایید . ثبت نام

لطفاً در اسرع وقت برای این ثبت نام اقدام کنید تا کمیته برگزاری مجمع عمومی 2019 عضویت شما را بررسی کند و کارشناس فنی منتصب دادگاه، آقای مارسل مونژیان، برای شما جزئیات ثبت نام را از طریق ایمیل ارسال کند. یک ایمیل برای استفاده از "زوم" در مجمع عمومی تقریباً بلافاصله ارسال خواهد شد. ایمیل دوم برای نرم افزار "الکشن بادی" و شرکت در انتخابات مدت کوتاهی قبل از شروع انتخابات فرستاده میشود. انتخابات در ساعت 12:01 صبح روز 6 دسامبر 2020 (به وقت تورنتو) آغاز خواهد شد.

بعد از ثبت نام  لطفاً پوشه ی ایمیلهای ناخواسته خود را بررسی کنید که احیانااً ایمیل تأیید ثبت نام در آن پوشه ها قرار نگرفته باشد .

 مهلت ثبت نام فوق، برای شرکت در مجمع عمومی و رای دهی در انتخابات ، ساعت 12:01 بعدازظهر (به وقت تورنتو ) روز 5 دسامبر 2020 (روز قبل از شروع انتخابات) میباشد.

 

کمیته برگزاری مجمع عمومی سالیانه 2019 کنگره ایرانیان کانادا

https://www.iccongress.ca/2019_agm

November 18, 2020
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2019 AGM - Notice and Agenda

Please see the 2019 AGM And Election page for the following posted documents:

 [LINK] (below)

 Notice of ICC 2019 AGM - English and Farsi- November 18, 2020 

Agenda - ICC 2019 AGM - English and Farsi - November 18, 2020

President's Report, AGM, December 13, 2020 - English

President's Report, AGM, December 13, 2020 - Farsi

Treasurer's Report - English and Farsi  

Audited Financial Statements 2018-2019 and the Auditor's Report - November 5, 2020

 

2019 AGM AND ELECTION - COURT ORDERS AND NOTICES

 

November 15, 2020
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Notice from Technical Expert for the
ICC 2019 AGM and 2019 Election

November 11, 2020
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Notice Regarding Members' Motions for 2019 AGM

Please see below the link to the 2019 AGM Committee's Notice Regarding Members' Motions for 2019 ICC AGM

 

Members' Motions Notice

 

November 09, 2020
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Director Candidate Eligibility and Nomination Announcement

NOTICE REGARDING DIRECTOR CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION AT THE 2019 ELECTION

 

2019 AGM Committee Notice

 

November 06, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

Membership Notice - November 6, 2020

PLEASE SEE THE LATEST MEMBERSHIP NOTICE, DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2020 FROM THE 2019 AGM COMMITTEE

Important information about the upcoming 2019 AGM and 2019 Election is included in the notice.

 

Membership Notice - November 6, 2020

 

November 03, 2020
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Motion Brought Against ICC and Its Board Dismissed

Dear ICC Members,

Further to previous communications, we would like to update the members of the organization on the motion brought against the ICC and its Board of Directors. 

We confirm that the Motion brought by the Applicants Babak Payami, Shayan Moin, Kamnoosh Shahabi, and Mehrdokht Hadi ("Payami et al.") was heard earlier this week on November 2, 2020, before the Honourable Justice Cavanagh. 

Please note that His Honour decided to dismiss the Motion

Click this link to read the full decision of Justice Cavanagh (the “Order”).

Sincerely, 
Board of Directors 
Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)
October 31, 2020
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Update Re: October 27th Case Conference

Further to the notice sent out earlier this week, a clarification is being provided:

On October 27th, 2020, a case conference was held before The Honourable Justice Hainey, the judge who has been case-managing the matter between ICC and the Applicants (Payami et al) since September 9, 2019. Present at the case conference were Atoosa Mahdavian, counsel for the Applicants, Dan Fridmar, counsel for ICC, Mitchel Wine, counsel representing the 8 Directors and Marvin Huberman, the Court-Appointed Monitor. 

The purpose of the case conference was for ICC Counsel to request an adjournment of the Applicants’ Motion scheduled for November 2, 2020 for, among other things, an order removing the Board, an order restraining the ICC from holding the Special General Meetings (SGM) and other relief as set out in the motion materials. 

The request by ICC for the adjournment of the Motion was denied. 

Justice Hainey further directed that the SGM called by the ICC Board for November 1, 2020 and the SGM called by certain members for October 31, 2020 shall not proceed.

Further decisions and arguments with respect to the Motion will be heard on November 2, 2020 before Justice Cavanaugh and the decisions will be communicated to the ICC membership accordingly.

 

October 28, 2020
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From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 12:30:31 p.m. EDT
Subject: Postponement of the Member-Requisitioned Special General Meeting

Medi --

Dear ICC Members,

As mentioned in our previous communications, the ICC Board was requisitioned by a petition from approximately 230 members to hold an SGM as soon as possible. The petition specifically referred to a hearing on November 2nd and stated that the members signing the SGM requisition would like their voices to be heard before this hearing. In order to fulfil our duty under Section 295 of the Corporations Act and to provide members the opportunity to voice their opinions on the direction of the organization, the Board decided to hold the Member-requisitioned SGM for October 31st, 2020. 

Yesterday, on October 27th, 2020, in a case conference Justice Hainey instructed the ICC board to postpone the SGM until after a motion (supplementary motion material here) brought by applicants Babak Payami, Kamnoosh Shahabi, Mehrdokht Hadi, and Shayan Moin ("Payami et al.") scheduled November 2nd, 2020 is heard. The Honorable Judge stated that this instruction is to preserve the status quo before the scheduled hearing on November 2nd.  

The Board therefore has no choice but to postpone the SGM called by members until after November 2nd, 2020. The same instructions also apply to the SGM called by the board which was scheduled for November 1st, 2020. 

The ICC Board continues to be committed to allowing the membership to have their say on the organization’s affairs and fulfil its legal obligations to members’ requisitions. As such, we encourage all members to stay tuned for further updates on when this SGM will be held.

Furthermore, the board is happy to announce that it has both raised enough money to carry forward the AGM and has renegotiated its debt to the legal firm Gardiner Roberts and that the adjusted debt to this legal firm is reduced from approximately $42,000 to $10,000 with a reasonable payment schedule. We look forward to your continued help and ask you to donate using this link

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Iranian Canadian Congress

Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/
 

 
October 26, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

 
From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020, 09:22:07 p.m. EDT
Subject: Iranian Canadian Congress SGM Updates

Medi --

Dear ICC Member, 

As you know, the ICC has called a member-requisitioned SGM for October 31st, 2020, beginning at 4pm.

REGISTER FOR THE SGM HERE

In order to ensure that members' attendance, proxies, and voting all proceed smoothly, we are putting into place deadlines for members to register and designate proxies, both of which are midnight on October 30th:

In order for you to attend and vote at the SGM personally, you must register using this link before midnight on October 30th

If you cannot attend the meeting but want to designate a proxy, you must also register your proxy by emailing your name, the name of your proxy holder, and your membership status to info@iccongress.ca before midnight on October 30th. Please include the phrase "SGM Proxy" in the subject of your email. 

We remind all members that in order to participate at the SGM, you must register yourself or your proxy before the deadline. We therefore encourage all members to register either of these as soon as possible, and to email info@iccongress.ca if their situation changes (e.g. if they have designated a proxy and would like to attend in person, or vice versa) also before the deadline. 

Further, if you want to introduce a motion at the SGM, please send the text of your motion to info@iccongress.ca before Noon on October 31st, 2020. 
 

Board Called SGM (November 1st, not to be confused with Member-Requisitioned SGM)

Further to our previous communications, the Iranian Canadian Congress will also be holding a Special General Meeting, called by the Board of Directors, on November 1st, 2020, starting at 4PM. 

In order to attend and vote at this meeting, please register using this link as soon as possible. For security purposes, only those members in good standing who register using this link on the Eventbrite platform will receive the video conferencing link and voting information. 

If you wish to designate a proxy holder for this meeting, please email info@iccongress.ca with your intention to do so, along with your name and membership status and the name(s) of the individual(s) you wish to designate as your proxy before Midnight on October 31st, 2020. Please include the phrase "Board SGM Proxy" in the subject of your email. 

Please note that receiving this email does not necessarily mean that you are a member in good standing of the ICC. If you want to confirm your membership status, please email info@iccongress.ca

Sincerely,

Board of Directors, 

Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/
 

October 28, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

Postponement of the Member-Requisitioned Special General Meeting

Dear ICC Members,

As mentioned in our previous communications, the ICC Board was requisitioned by a petition from approximately 230 members to hold an SGM as soon as possible. The petition specifically referred to a hearing on November 2nd and stated that the members signing the SGM requisition would like their voices to be heard before this hearing. In order to fulfil our duty under Section 295 of the Corporations Act and to provide members the opportunity to voice their opinions on the direction of the organization, the Board decided to hold the Member-requisitioned SGM for October 31st, 2020. 

Yesterday, on October 27th, 2020, in a case conference Justice Hainey instructed the ICC board to postpone the SGM until after a motion(supplementary motion material here) brought by applicants Babak Payami, Kamnoosh Shahabi, Mehrdokht Hadi, and Shayan Moin ("Payami et al.") scheduled November 2nd, 2020 is heard. The Honorable Judge stated that this instruction is to preserve the status quo before the scheduled hearing on November 2nd.  

The Board therefore has no choice but to postpone the SGM called by members until after November 2nd, 2020. The same instructions also apply to the SGM called by the board which was scheduled for November 1st, 2020. 

The ICC Board continues to be committed to allowing the membership to have their say on the organization’s affairs and fulfil its legal obligations to members’ requisitions. As such, we encourage all members to stay tuned for further updates on when this SGM will be held.

Furthermore, the board is happy to announce that it has both raised enough money to carry forward the AGM and has renegotiated its debt to the legal firm Gardiner Roberts and that the adjusted debt to this legal firm is reduced from approximately $42,000 to $10,000 with a reasonable payment schedule. We look forward to your continued help and ask you to donate using this link

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

October 26, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

 

SGM Updates

Dear ICC Members, 

As you know, the ICC has called a member-requisitioned SGM for October 31st, 2020, beginning at 4pm.

REGISTER FOR THE SGM HERE

In order to ensure that members' attendance, proxies, and voting all proceed smoothly, we are putting into place deadlines for members to register and designate proxies, both of which are midnight on October 30th:

In order for you to attend and vote at the SGM personally, you must register using this link before midnight on October 30th

If you cannot attend the meeting but want to designate a proxy, you must also register your proxy by emailing your name, the name of your proxy holder, and your membership status to info@iccongress.ca before midnight on October 30th. Please include the phrase "SGM Proxy" in the subject of your email. 

We remind all members that in order to participate at the SGM, you must register yourself or your proxy before the deadline. We therefore encourage all members to register either of these as soon as possible, and to email info@iccongress.ca if their situation changes (e.g. if they have designated a proxy and would like to attend in person, or vice versa) also before the deadline. 

Further, if you want to introduce a motion at the SGM, please send the text of your motion to info@iccongress.ca before Noon on October 31st, 2020. 


Board Called SGM (November 1st, not to be confused with Member-Requisitioned SGM)

Further to our previous communications, the Iranian Canadian Congress will also be holding a Special General Meeting, called by the Board of Directors, on November 1st, 2020, starting at 4PM. 

In order to attend and vote at this meeting, please register using this link as soon as possible. For security purposes, only those members in good standing who register using this link on the Eventbrite platform will receive the video conferencing link and voting information. 

If you wish to designate a proxy holder for this meeting, please email info@iccongress.ca with your intention to do so, along with your name and membership status and the name(s) of the individual(s) you wish to designate as your proxy before Midnight on October 31st, 2020. Please include the phrase "Board SGM Proxy" in the subject of your email. 

Please note that receiving this email does not necessarily mean that you are a member in good standing of the ICC. If you want to confirm your membership status, please email info@iccongress.ca

Sincerely,

Board of Directors, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

October 24, 2020
ICCweb  ICCFacebook

 

Members SGM Registration

 

October 21, 2020
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Members’ Requisition for Special General Meeting

Dear Members of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC): 

As you know, the ICC Board has called a Special General Meeting of Members on October 31st, 2020

Since then, the ICC Board has received a requisition for a Special General Meeting, i.e. one called by the membership as opposed to the board, to be held as soon as possible. Details of this requisition found here.

Because of this requisition, the Board has decided to move the date of the SGM called by the board to November 1st, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (videoconference link to follow), and hold the SGM requisitioned by the membership to October 31st, 2020, also beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (videoconference link to follow). In this way, we hope to allow those members requisitioning the SGM to have their say in an open forum as soon as possible and before the SGM held by the board, while also giving all members adequate notice. 

We look forward to members' attendance at these SGMs. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to express our appreciation for your continued interest in the ICC. The Notice is enclosed.

 

NOTICE (Member-Requisitioned SGM):

To Members: 

A Special General Meeting of Members of the IRANIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS will be held on October 31st, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (link to the meeting forthcoming), in order to: 

  1. Discuss whatever matter the members attending the meeting see it fit to discuss. 
  2. Conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. 
 

NOTICE (Board-Called SGM):

To Members: 

A Special General Meeting of Members of the IRANIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS will be held on November 1st, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (link to the meeting forthcoming), in order to: 

  1. Discuss and decide with our members the future of the ICC in the context of the considerable financial obligations that the Corporation has due to the ongoing settlement around the 2019 AGM and the coronavirus pandemic. 
  2. Conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. 

Sincerely, 

Board of Directors

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

October 17, 2020
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تقاضای همیاری و حمایت از جامعه ایرانی کانادایی در بحران کرونا

 بحران کرونا

با توجه به شرايط همه گيری ويروس كرونا، توانايي كنگره براي جمع آوری حمايت های مالی به شدت محدود شده است. این درحالي است كه اعضای هیئت مدیره همواره کوشیده اند با تمامی محدودیت ها، فعالیت های خود را در راستای منافع جامعه ایرانی کانادایی به جلو ببرند.  

برای آگاهی شما عزیزان، بخشی از تلاش های کنگره که از آغاز همه گیری ویروس کرونا برای هموطنان انجام شده است را در زیر به اشتراک می گذاریم:

۱)‌ فعالیت در راستای حمايت از كسب و كار هاي كوچك و كار آفرینان ايراني- كانادايي و پيگيري با دولت كانادا و دولت هاي استاني برای حمایت از این دسته افراد در جامعه

۲) جمع آوری اطلاعات از صاحبان مشاغل مختلف در جامعه ايراني- كانادايي و تهیه ليستی شامل اطلاعات راجع به خدمات مختلفكسب و كار هاي ايراني برای حمایت از یکدیگر در روزهاي قرنطينه 

۳) برگزاری نظرسنجی عمومی اطلاعات فارسي درباره نیاز های جامعه‌ ایرانی از زمان شروع بحران كرونا در كانادا؛

۴) انتشار نامه عمومي و بيانيه براي پايان تحريم ها و جنگ اقتصادي آمریکا عليه ایران و ايرانيان كه توان اقتصادي و بهداشتي مقابلهبا كرونا را محدود كرده است؛

براي حمايت از كنگره ايرانيان كانادا در راستا تامین هزینه های جاری و خدمات به جامعه ايراني- كانادايي، از شما خواهشمندیم که كمك هاي مالي خود را ازطريق اين لينك پراخت كنيد.

شما همچنین می توانید با پرداخت ۱۰ دلار در سال عضو کنگره ایرانیان کانادا شوید و در انتخابات کنگره شرکت نمایید و صدای منتخب خود را برای نمایندگی جامعه انتخاب کنید.

October 16, 2020
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2019 AGM Committee Summary Report

2019 AGM Committee has published the Summary Report, dated October 16th, 2020, regarding the verification of the ICC Member Registry as of December 9, 2018

 

Link: Verification of ICC Member Registry as of December 9, 2018

 

October 15, 2020
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Update from the Iranian Canadian Congress

Dear ICC members,

In the interests of transparency, we are communicating to you that the ICC has been served a legal motion by applicants Babak Payami, Kamnoosh Shahabi, Mehrdokht Hadi, and Shayan Moin ("Payami et al."). You may find the full motion at this link. Because the motion is nearly 192 pages, we have extracted two of the demands of the motion, regarding the removal of directors and stopping the upcoming SGM, respectively, below:

7. An order pursuant to section 332 of the Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990 (“Act”) removing the Directors and an order appointing an interim board of directors (“Interim Board”) until the 2019 ICC Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and election have been held

12. An order for an interim/interlocutory injunction restraining the ICC or any person acting on its behalf or at its direction from holding the Special General Meeting ("SGM") currently scheduled for October 31st, 2020, from introducing any motions with respect to the "future of the organization" or from making an assignment into bankruptcy pending a final determination by this Honourable Court of the matters at hand

We will keep you posted as further developments occur.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors,

Iranian Canadian Congress

Date of request: 21st of October 2020

 
October 1, 2020
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Bulletin: Financial Status of the Iranian Canadian Congress and October 18th Information Session

About this Event

The ICC is also holding an information session for the purposes of communicating the financial status of the organization with the membership and to fundraise to meet these obligations on October 18th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Once you have registered and shortly before the meeting you will receive the link to the Zoom meeting.

You may find more information about the financial status of the organization here: https://www.iccongress.ca/draft_financial_statements_2018_2020

 

 

My two questions:

- As a member of this organization why I have never been informed or consulted regarding the legal case?
- Why BOD has never organized an information or dialogue gathering related to the legal case?

October 11, 2020
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Draft Financial Statements: 2018- 2020

Dear ICC Members, 

Further to our previous communications regarding the financial status of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) and in advance of the ICC's Information session on October 18th, 2020, please find below links to the ICC's draft financial statements for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020: 

Draft financial statement -- 2020 (Year to Date -- ending September 30th)

Draft financial statement -- 2019

Draft financial statement -- 2018

Please note that these financial statements are still drafts created in the interests of transparency and may not represent the final versions of the financial statements for the respective years in question. 

We would also like to note that the ICC is holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 31st, 2020. We recommend that all members attend both the information session and the SGM. 

You may also find the minutes of the ICC Board of Directors' meetings at this link

 

Sincerely, 

Board of Directors

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

October 1, 2020
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NOTICE: Special General Meeting of the Iranian Canadian Congress October 31st 2020

Dear Member of the Iranian Canadian Congress: 

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) will hold a Special General Meeting of Shareholders on October 31st, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (videoconference link to follow). We look forward to your attendance. 

This special meeting has been called for the purpose of discussing and deciding with our members the future of the ICC in the context of the considerable financial obligations that the Corporation has due to the ongoing settlement around the 2019 AGM and the coronavirus pandemic. Per Article 6 (General Meetings) of the Bylaws of the ICC, this is a 30-day notice of this meeting.  

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to express our appreciation for your continued interest in the ICC. The Notice is enclosed.

 

NOTICE:

To Members: 

A Special General Meeting of Members of the IRANIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS will be held on October 31st, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM., Eastern Standard Time, via Zoom web-conferencing (link to the meeting forthcoming), in order to: 

1. Discuss and decide with our members the future of the ICC in the context of the considerable financial obligations that the Corporation has due to the ongoing settlement around the 2019 AGM and the coronavirus pandemic. 

2. Conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. 

Sincerely, 

Board of Directors

 

October 1, 2020
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Bulletin: Financial Status of the Iranian Canadian Congress and October 18th Information Session

Dear Members of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC),

As you may or may not be aware, the ICC is in a difficult financial position. This is both due to an ongoing legal case that the ICC is facing and because of the limitations on fundraising imposed on all organizations by the coronavirus pandemic.  

In the coming days, you will receive a detailed breakdown of the financial obligations and status of the organization. The ICC is also holding an information session for the purposes of communicating this information with the membership and to fundraise to meet these obligations on October 18th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Please stay tuned for an email containing the financial status and web-conferencing information so that you can inform yourself as well as attend this meeting.

Further, please be advised that the Board of Directors has decided to call a Special General Meeting pursuant to Article 6 of the By-Laws to determine the future of the organization with members of the ICC. This Meeting will be held by web-conference and is scheduled for October 31st, 2020 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time. We strongly encourage all members to attend.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors,

Iranian Canadian Congress

September 25, 2020
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Update from ICC 2019 AGM Committee

Please see the posted court orders on the page linked below, especially the Sep 14, 2020 order of Justice Hainey pertinent to the 2019 AGM and Election which will be held on Sunday Dec. 13, 2020, online. 

 

2019 AGM and Election Page

September 21, 2020
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ICC Statement About the Unilateral Actions of the Trump Administration at the UN Security Council

Once again, the Trump administration has targeted the rules-based international order with unilateral actions that are contrary to international norms. The Trump administration has unilaterally announced that all UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, waived after the signing of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), have been reimposed.  

All other UN Security Council members including Canada’s European allies (UK, France and Germany) have spoken against this interpretation of the Trump administration and have declared that resolution 2231 is still in effect and international sanctions are not reimposed. 

In the past four years, the Trump administration has demonstrated its disregard for multilateralism and the rules-based order. Trump’s latest actions in the Security Council can not only further exacerbate the tensions with Iran leading to another catastrophic military conflict but also destroy the legitimacy of the United Nations and the Security Council. 

Canada rightly supported the nuclear deal with Iran, lifted its sanctions in compliance with UNSC resolution 2231 and provided assistance to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct inspections that are part of the agreement with Iran. 

Therefore, we call on the Trudeau government to support the efforts of Canada’s European allies to preserve the non-proliferation agreement with Iran and to encourage all parties to engage in diplomatic negotiations to end devastating sanctions on the Iranian people. 

Moreover, Iran is one of the most severely impacted countries with the global pandemic. According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre, as of today over 422 thousand people in the country have been infected with COVID-19 and over 24,300 Iranians have lost their lives. According to credible reports by international organizations and UN investigators, the US sanctions have severely impacted Iran’s ability to fight the pandemic. We call on the Trudeau government to use all diplomatic means and international platforms to ensure that Iranian people can access medicine and medical equipment at this crucial time.

August 20, 2020
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بررسی نتایج نظرسنجی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا درباره بحران کرونا

بررسی نتایج نظرسنجی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا درباره بحران کرونا

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا به تازگی یک نظرسنجی انجام داده تا نگرانی ها و درخواست های جامعه ایرانی-کانادایی را بررسی کند. در این نظرسنجی که در رسانه های مختلف اجتماعی مربوط به کنگره ایرانیان کانادا انتشار یافت، 241 نفر شرکت کردند که در ادامه به بررسی نظراتشان خواهیم پرداخت:
همانطور که در دیاگرام های زیر دیده میشود، بیش از هفتاد و پنج درصد از پاسخ دهندگان در سنین بالای سی و پنج سال بوده و شصت و هشت درصد از آنها، شهروند کانادا هستند.


 

 

August 5, 2020
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دولت کانادا باید با ورود و سرمایه گذاری اختلاس گران فراری مقابله کند

 
 
جناب آقای دیوید لامِتی وزیر محترم دادگستری و دادستان محترم کل کانادا،
جناب آقای بیل بلر وزیر محترم امنیت عمومی،
سرکار خانم دیان لبوتیلیه وزیر محترم عواید ملّی،
 
اینجانب از سوی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا نگرانی عمیق خود در خصوص افرادی را ابراز می نمایم که پس از متهم شدن به فساد و اختلاس در ایران به کانادا گریخته اند.
 
محمود رضا خاوری یک بانکدار سابق ایرانی است که پس از افشای فساد مالی 2.6 میلیارد دلاری در سال 2011 به کانادا فرار کرد. در دسامبر سال 2017، خاوری به 30 سال حبس محکوم شد و پلیس اینترپل حکم دستگیری او را صادر کرد. سال گذشته نیز شما عالیجنابان را در خصوص مرجان شیخ الاسلامی آل آقا مطلع ساختیم که در ایران در یک پرونده فساد 10 میلیارد دلاری متهم شده است و در کانادا در حوزه املاک و سایر بخش ها سرمایه گذاری کرده است.
 
در روزهای اخیر نیز گزارشهای متعددی در خصوص افراد دیگری به دست ما رسیده که در ایران متهم به فساد شده اند و به کانادا گریخته اند. این افراد میلیونها دلار پول استحصال شده از طریق اختلاس و رشوه را به این کشور منتقل کرده اند. کنگره ایرانیان کانادا نمی تواند بصورت مستقل صحت برخی از این گزارشها را تایید کند اما بررسی های اولیه ما نشان میدهد که این افراد زیر که ارتباط های مالی با کانادا دارند نیز باید به فهرست افراد فوق افزوده شوند:
 
- علی اشرف ریاحی: متهم در پرونده فساد پتروشیمی.
- جلیل سبحانی: متهم به فساد و دریافت رشوه در پرونده معاون سابق قوه قضائیه ایران.
- امید اسدبیگی: متهم به فساد و دریافت رشوه. در نامه ای اخیر، کارگران کشت و صنعت هفت تپه بصورت مستقیم از کاناداییها درخواست کرده اند که در خصوص اتهام انتقال میلیونها دلار از سوی این فرد به کانادا تحقیق کنند و در صورت صحت این مبالغ را بازگردانند.
 
جامعه ما و کنگره ایرانیان کانادا نگرانی خود در خصوص این موارد را چندین مرتبه در زمان دولت قبلی نخست وزیر هارپر و دولت فعلی لیبرال اعلام کرده است. با این وجود ایرانی-کاناداییها هیچگاه پاسخی در این خصوص دریافت نکرده اند و دولت نیز اقدامی در این زمینه انجام نداده است.
 
این افراد آزادانه به کانادا آمده اند و در کشور سرمایه گذاری کرده اند اما بسیاری دیگر از ایرانی-کانادایی ها در فرآیند مهاجرت بصورتی ناعادلانه با آنها برخورد شده و به دلیل ملیت و کشور مبدأ محدودیت های بانکی بر آنها اعمال شده است. جامعه ما مواردی را در ساله های اخیر بخاطر می آورد که حسابهای بانکی دانشجویان بین المللی ایرانی بسته شده که تنها چند صد دلار موجودی داشته اند.
 
بی عملی دولت کانادا در این موارد باعث شده افرادی از چنگال عدالت بگریزند که از طریق فساد ثروتمند شده اند و همزمان اقدامات این افراد شک و تردیدهایی بوجود آورده که بر کل جامعه ایرانی-کانادایی تحمیل شده است.
به همین دلیل از دولت کانادا، وزیر دادگستری، وزیر امنیت عمومی و وزیر عواید ملّی درخواست میکنیم که فوراً از طریق سازمانهای مسئول تحقیقاتی در خصوص افراد ذکر شده در این نامه انجام دهند و از حداکثر توان قانون کانادا من جمله قانون مبارزه با پولشویی در این مسیر استفاده نمایند. کنگره ایرانیان کانادا آماده است که اطلاعات بیشتر در این زمینه را در اختیار دولت قرار دهد و از دولت در این زمینه حمایت کند.
 
دولت و سازمانهای مجری قانون باید از تبدیل شدن کانادا به بهشت پول حاصل از فساد جلوگیری نمایند. ذکر این نکته حائز اهمیت است که پولشویی در کانادا یک چالش عمده است و تنها به جامعه ایرانیان محدود نمیشود. دولت باید هم اکنون در این زمینه اقدام کند.
 
با تقدیم احترام،
سوده قاسمی
رئیس کنگره ایرانیان کانادا
July 14, 2020
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به احترام چهلمین روز از درگذشت مسافران پرواز ۷۵۲

۴۰ روز از فاجعه پرواز ۷۵۲ و زمانی که نیروهای مسلح ایران هواپیمای مسافربری را با شلیک موشک ساقط کردند میگذرد. سرنشینان این هواپیما که اغلب ایرانیان ساکن کانادا بودند در این پرواز کشته شدند. از آنجایی که در فرهنگ ایرانی ۴۰ امین روز درگذشت افراد بسیار مهم است، کنگره ایرانیان کانادا بدین وسیله این روز را به تمامی ایرانیان کانادا تسلیت می گوید.

همچنین مجددا اعلام میکنیم که ما خواهان شفافیت، پاسخگویی و عدالت برای تمام قربانیان این سانحه تلخ و بازماندگانشان هستیم. ما یک بار دیگر نه... تنها شلیک به یک پرواز مسافری توسط نیروهای ایران را، بلکه سه روز اطلاعات رسانی نادرست دولت ایران به عموم مردم را نیز محکوم می کنیم.

یک بار دیگر خواهان تحقیق و بررسی کامل این فاجعه با نظارت کامل نهادهای بین المللی و بازرسان مستقل و مشخص شدن و محاکمه مسببین آن هستیم.

خانواده های قربانیان این تراژدی وحشتناک می بایست به هر نحو که ممکن و مطلوب آنان است، از جمله با پرداخت غرامت، مورد حمایت قرار گیرند.

همچنین از دولت کانادا تقاضا داریم تا همراه با متحدان خود در جهت کاهش تنش ها در منطقه و برای جلوگیری از فجایع انسانی بیشتر میانجیگری کند. کانادا می بایست برای ایجاد صلح تلاش کند.

 

 

July 14 2020
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پرواز ۷۵۲ - گزارش‌ فعالیت ‌های کنگره ایرانیان کانادا

۸ ژانویه:
سرنگونی هواپیما

۹ ژانویه:

مراسم یادبود آی سی سی برای قربانیان هواپیمای ۷۵۲ با حضور تعدادی از مقامات سیاسی و شرکت بیش از ۱۰۰۰ نفر از ایرانیان شهر تورنتو که توسط CBC به هم بصورت زنده پخش شد. برخی از نزدیکان و اعضای خانواده قربانیان هم در این مراسم شرکتو سخنرانی کردند:
https://www.facebook.com/462105760482785/posts/3295517657141567

https://www.facebook.com/CBCToronto/videos/596674530905414/?vh=e&d=n

۱۲ ژانویه:
"مسببین این فاجعه و آنها که به مردم دروغ گفته اند باید محاکمه شوند"

https://www.facebook.com/462105760482785/posts/3300517503308249/?d=n

۱۴ ژانویه :
نامه به نخست وزیر ترودو:

https://www.iccongress.ca/iranian_canadian_congress_s_messa…

۱۵ ژانویه:
کمپین کنگره برای ارسال ایمیل به دفتر نمایندگان و دفتر نخست وزیر با تاکید بر اجرای عدالت، نیاز به پاسخگو کردن حکومت ایران،تکمیل تحقیقات زیر نظر سازمان های بین المللی مسئول و نیاز به کاهش تنش ها در خاورمیانه. بیش از ۱۰۰۰ نفر از اعضا و حامیان کنگره در این کمپین شرکت کردند:
https://iccongress.good.do/ThankYo…/StandForJusticeAndPeace/

۱۸ ژانویه:

مصاحبه نایب رئیس ای سی سی با شبکه ctv news و تاکید بر تحقیقات شفاف با نظارت سازمان های بین المللی، اجرای عدالت و محاکمه مسببین فاجعه:
https://www.facebook.com/462105760482785/posts/3314711575222175

۱۶ فوریه:

درخواست تعدادی از خانواده های قربانیان از ای سی سی که توسط ای سی سی پخش شد:
https://www.iccongress.ca/family_flight_752

۱۸ فوریه :

بیانیه ای سی سی در چهلم فاجعه هواپیمای ۷۵۲:
https://www.facebook.com/462105760482785/posts/3385890054770993/?d=n

 

June22, 2020
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June22, 2020
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June22, 2020
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Iranian Canadian Congress Writes Open Letter Opposing Changes to Quebec's PEQ Immigration System

Find below, in French and English, a letter from the ICC's President Soudeh Ghasemi to the Government of Quebec opposing their proposed changes to Quebec's PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise/ Québec Experience Program) immigration program. The proposed changes to the program will not only harm the lives of countless international students and workers, but also harm Quebec's ability to gain access to much needed skills that will be required in the post-pandemic recovery.

Read below:

Adressé aux honorables premier ministre du Québec, M. Legault, et M. Jolin-Barrette

Je vous écris en tant que présidente du Congrès irano-canadien, une organisation à but non lucratif, non partisane et non religieuse défendant les intérêts de la communauté irano-canadienne.

Nous voulons vous exprimer notre vive inquiétude face aux récentes réformes proposées par votre gouvernement sur le (PEQ), un programme d'immigration qui offre aux étudiants internationaux et aux travailleurs étrangers temporaires déjà au Québec, une voie vers la résidence permanente au Canada. 

Nous voulons exprimer notre opposition aux réformes annoncées du PEQ qui ont été proposées par votre ministre de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, M. Simon Jolin-Barrette, pour les raisons suivantes.

Nous croyons qu'en imposant les critères d'admissibilité obligatoires pour postuler au PEQ à 12 mois d'expérience de travail à temps plein et en limitant les professions admissibles, votre gouvernement met en place des obstacles inutiles pour acquérir le statut de résident permanent au Québec. Cela affaiblit non seulement l'économie du Québec, mais discrimine également particulièrement les employés à temps partiel et ceux qui tentent de contribuer et de s'intégrer  la société québécoise.

Nous croyons qu'en instaurant ces réformes, qui n'incluent aucune forme de protection pour les étudiants et les travailleurs internationaux déjà au Québec, le gouvernement du Québec décourage de nombreux étudiants et travailleurs qui ont déménagé dans la province en supposant l'accessibilité actuelle du PEQ, et rend la vie de beaucoup de ces résidents extrêmement précaire, surtout au milieu d'une urgence de santé publique et économique. Compte tenu des circonstances actuelles, on peut se demander comment rendre la résidence du Québec peu attrayante pour les étudiants et les travailleurs internationaux pourrait être justifiée, économiquement ou autrement.

D'un point de vue humanitaire, il est également évident que ces réformes indiquent un mépris total pour la vie et les moyens de subsistance des nombreux étudiants internationaux qui paient des frais de scolarité extrêmement élevés et de tous les travailleurs étrangers temporaires, en particulier ceux qui travaillent sous les niveaux professionnels C et D dont le travail est directement lié à la stabilité économique du Québec.

Bref, nous croyons que les réformes proposées exercent une pression indue sur les travailleurs et les étudiants internationaux, tout en décourageant l'immigration au Québec faute d'un avenir productif dans la province.

Ainsi, nous aimerions que vous mettiez un terme complet à ces réformes et instauriez des réformes facilitatrices, plutôt que le contraire, à l'obtention de la résidence au Québec par les étudiants et les travailleurs internationaux.

Soudeh Ghasemi,

Présidente

Congrès Irano-Canadien 

****ENGLISH TEXT ****

Addressed to the Hon. Premier of Quebec Mr. Legault, and Mr. Jolin-Barrette

I am writing you this email as the President of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-religious organization advocating for the interests of the Iranian-Canadian community.

This letter expresses our concerns about the recent reforms proposed by your government onto the (PEQ), an immigration program that offers international students and temporary foreign workers already in Quebec a pathway to Canadian permanent residency. 

We want to express our opposition to the announced reforms to the PEQ which has been proposed by your Immigration, Francisation and Integration minister, Mr. Simon Jolin-Barrette, for the following reasons. 

We believe, by enforcing the mandatory criteria of eligibility for applying to PFQ to 12 months of full-time work experience, and by limiting the eligible occupations, your government puts forward unnecessary barriers for acquiring permanent residency status in Quebec. This not only weakens Quebec’s economy, but also discriminates especially against part-time employees and those who are attempting to contribute and integrate into Quebec society.

We believe that by instituting these reforms, which fail to include any kind of protection for international students and workers already in Quebec, the Quebec government discourages many students and workers whom moved to the province under the assumption of the present accessibility of the PEQ, and makes the lives of many of its residents extremely unstable, especially now that we are in the midst of a public health and economic emergency. Given the present circumstances, one wonders how making Quebec-residency unattractive for international students and workers could possibly be justified, economically or otherwise.

From a humanitarian standpoint, it is also evident that these reforms indicate total disregard for the lives and livelihoods of the many international students who are paying extremely high tuition fees, and all temporary foreign workers, especially those who are working under the occupational levels C and D whose labour is directly related to Quebec’s economic stability. 

In short, we believe that the proposed reforms exact more undue pressure on international workers and students, while discouraging immigration to Quebec for want of a productive future in the province.

Thus, we would like you to stop these reforms entirely and institute reforms making it easier, rather than harder, for international students and international workers to obtain Quebec residency.

Soudeh Ghasemi

President

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

April 12, 2020
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پاسخ کنگره ایرانیان کانادا به شبکه ایران اینترنشنال:
 با رسانه ای که منابع مالی آن شفاف نیست مصاحبه نمی کنیم

پاسخ کنگره ایرانیان کانادا به شبکه ایران اینترنشنال: با رسانه ای که منابع مالی آن شفاف نیست مصاحبه نمی کنیم

روز ۸ آوریل ۲۰۲۰، کنگره ایرانیان کانادا درخواست مصاحبه ای از گزارشگر شبکه ایرانیان اینترنشنال در تورنتو دریافت کرد. در این درخواست آمده است که این شبکه خبری قصد دارد گزارشی درباره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا تهیه کند و از سخنگوی این سازمان نیز دعوت به مصاحبه کرده است. هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا تصمیم گرفت که دراین مصاحبه شرکت نکند و دلایل خود را برای رد این مصاحبه از طریق این متن با شما، اعضا و حامیان کنگره ایرانیان کانادا در میان بگذارد:

دلیل اول: طبق گزارش های متعدد از جمله از جانب نشریات معتبری مانند گاردین و وال استریت ژورنال شبکه "ایران اینترنشنال" وابسته به دربار عربستان سعودی است و با سرمایه گذاری آنها تاسیس شده است. شبکه ایران اینترنشنال این گزارش ها را رد کرده است اما هیچگاه حاضر به شفاف سازی درباره منابع مالی خود نشده است. ما اعتقاد داریم هر رسانه حرفه ای که وظیفه آن آگاهی رسانی به مردم و پرسشگری از نهاد های قدرت است باید ابتدا خود درباره منابع مالی و وابستگی های خود با مخاطبان شفاف باشد.

دلیل دوم: خبرنگار شبکه ایران اینترنشنال در تورنتو، محمد تاج دولتی، در سال های اخیر اتهامات نادرست و کذب زیادی را درباره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا و داوطلبان آن منتشر کرده است. متاسفانه نمی توان از چنین فردی انتظار تهیه یک گزارش حرفه ای و عادلانه را داشت. بنابراین از نظر اخلاقی نمی توانیم در مصاحبه ای شرکت کنیم که اطمینان داریم یک سناریو از پیش نوشته شده بر اساس پیش فرض های یک گزارشگر غیر حرفه ای در انتظار ماست.

هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا همواره از همکاری و پاسخگویی به تمامی رسانه ها استقبال کرده و خواهد کرد. در سالهای اخیر این سازمان با ده ها رسانه ایرانی و غیر ایرانی مصاحبه کرده است و چندین جلسه با نمایندگان رسانه های ایرانی-کانادایی و کنفرانس مطبوعاتی در محل پارلمان با حضور رسانه های اصلی کانادا نیز برگزار کرده است. ما به پاسخگویی به رسانه های حرفه ای و شفاف ادامه میدهیم. در رابطه با شبکه "ایران اینترنشنال" نیز هر زمانی که مدیران و مالکان این شبکه اطلاعات مربوط به منابع مالی خود را شفاف با مخاطبان در میان گذاشتند آماده پاسخگویی به هر خبرنگار حرفه ای از این رسانه نیز خواهیم بود.

در آخر نیز از شبکه ایران اینترنشنال می خواهیم پاسخ رسمی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا را در هر گزارشی مربوط به این سازمان پوشش دهد.

با تشکر و احترام،
سوده قاسمی
از طرف هیات مدیره کنگر ایرانیان کانادا

 https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-sought-vices-help-to-build-a-media-empire-11549621800

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/31/concern-over-uk-based-iranian-tv-channels-links-to-saudi-arabia

Iranian Canadian Congress Response to Interview Request from Iran International
On April 8th, 2020, we received an email from Iran International requesting an interview with the Iranian Canadian Congress to be included in a “reportage” currently being produced by this network. We have decided to reject this specific interview request for the following reasons:
Based on reports from the Guardian and Wall Street Journal, this news channel is funded by the Saudi Royal family. While we understand that International has rejected these reports,  yet they have failed to be transparent about their sources of funding, which we believe is vital for a media channel whose mission is to inform the public and hold those in power accountable.
 Unfortunately, Iran International correspondent in Toronto, Mohammad Tajdolati who also has experience of working for other Saudi-funded media outlets has shown no respect for professional journalism standards and missed no opportunity to spread misinformation about our volunteer-based organization. Therefore, it is impossible to expect this so-called journalist to produce an unbiased and professional reportage about the Iranian Canadian Congress.
The board members of the Iranian Canadian Congress have tremendous respect for all media organizations irrespective of their ideologies and their journalism styles and that is why we have conducted dozens of interviews with both English/Farsi media outlets in the previous years. However, we will always have serious reservations to conduct interviews with news channels like Iran International that do not respect professional journalism principles and are not transparent about their ownership and source of funding to the public
Last but not least, we would like to ask Iran International to include the ICC official response in any of the reports they produce about this organization. 
April 09, 2020
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Support Iranian-Canadian Businesses
During COVID Pandemic

As our country continues to fight the #COVID19 pandemic, we encourage members of our community to support local Persian restaurants and grocery stores offering take out foods and delivery options.

 

Please note the Iranian Canadian Congress is only sharing the lists of the businesses that are still operating and has no responsibility about the quality of their services.  

در راستای رعایت قوانین حفظ فاصله اجتماعی و ماندن در خانه، تسهیل دسترسی به خدمات و کالا نقشی مهم در عدم شیوع بیشتر COVID-19 ایفا می‌کند.. كنگره ايرانيان كانادا در همین راستا تصميم گرفت با صاحبان مشاغل مختلف در جامعه ايرانى-کانادایی تماس بگيرد و امكانات سرويس دهى انها در شرايط موجود را جويا شود. داوطلبين كنگره ايرانيان کانادا در تماس با برخی رستورانها و فروشگاههاى ايرانى-کانادایی اقدام به جمع آوری اطلاعات و نوع سرویس های آنان کرده و لیستی تهیه نمودند تا به دنبال آن جامعه ایرانی-کانادایی از خدمات آنها در روزهای قرنطینه مطلع گردند و بتوانند از آن استفاده کنند. این اقدام نه تنها سبب دسترسی آسان‌تر خانواده ها به خدمات و اقلام مورد نیازشان می شود، بلکه می تواند منجر به حمایت از کسب و کار ایرانیان کانادا نیز شود.


صاحبان رستورانها، فروشگاهها و ديگر مشاغلى كه مايلند اسم و مشخصاتشان به اين جدول اضافه شود مى توانند از طریق info@iccongress.ca با ما تماس گرفته و اطلاعات مربوط به كسب و كارشان را با ما در ميان بگذارند. اين تلاش براى تسهيل دسترسى جامعه ايرانیان کانادا به فروشگاهها، رستورانها صورت گرفته و محدود به كلان شهر تورنتو نيست. داوطلبين كنگره ايرانيان در مونتريال و ونكوور در حال جمع اورى اطلاعات هستند كه در اين جدول اطلاعات مربوط به مونتريال درج شده است. كمك كنيد تا با هم روزهاى قرنطينه و در خانه ماندن را راحتتر سر كنيم.


(کنگره ایرانیان کانادا مسئولیتی راجع به کیفیت کالا و سرویس های ارایه شده توسط کسب و کار های ذکر شده در لیست زیر ندارد.)

Aurora Super Shina Grocery Store 9055037462
       
North York Zaffron Restaurant Food & Beverage 4162237070
North York Taftan Kabab #2 Food & Beverage 4162245985
North York Gilaneh Restaurant Food & Beverage 4163909999
North York Ava Esfahan Food Market 6473477065
North York Khorak Supermarket Grocery Store 4162217558
North York Tavazo Dried Nuts #3 Grocery Store 4165518801
       
Richmond Hill Pizza Shab #2 Food & Beverage 9052376443
Richmond Hill Khansalar Restaurant Food & Beverage 9052378010
Richmond Hill Taftan Kabab #3 Food & Beverage 9053131031
Richmond Hill Heeva Fine Foods Grocery Store 9052379588
Richmond Hill Balout Grocery Store 9053138302
Richmond Hill Super Talaie Grocery Store 9058849056
Richmond Hill Tavazo Dried Nuts #1 Grocery Store 9059180494
       
Thornhill Minoo Catering Food & Beverage 4166624639
Thornhill Shatter Abbas Restaurant #1 Food & Beverage 9057315299
Thornhill Super Tehran Grocery Store 9054821770
Thornhill Parsian Fine Foods Grocery Store 9057091400
Thornhill Parsian Grocery Store 9057091400
Thornhill Tavazo Dried Nuts #2 Grocery Store 9057631855
       
Toronto Pizza Shab #4 Food & Beverage 4165514999
Toronto Shatter Abbas Restaurant #4 Food & Beverage 4165518010
Toronto Shatter Abbas Restaurant #2 Food & Beverage 4165909287
Toronto Queen of Persia Restaurant Food & Beverage 4166515500
Toronto Pizza Shab #3 Food & Beverage 4167921826
Toronto Pomegranate Persian Cuisine Food & Beverage 4169217557
Toronto Sina Persian Cuisine Food & Beverage 6473440211
Toronto Darbar Persian Grill Food & Beverage 6473514242
Toronto Meat store(Ali) Meat Shop 4164978918
       
West mount Toucheh Restaurant Food & Beverage (514) 369-6868
       
Montreal Kabab sara Food & Beverage 5149330933
Montreal Super St-Laurent Grocery Store 5143693474
Montreal Bazaar Grocery Store 5148461617
Montreal Supermarche Akhavan Grocery Store (514) 485-4887
Montreal Marche Alborz Grocery store (514) 638-5100
Montreal Marche Saluk Grocery store (514) 731-1000
       
Pierrefonds Akhavan Market Grocery store (514) 4662886
March 29, 2020
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ICC Signs Open Letter Calling for an End to US Sanctions on
Iran During the Coronavirus Epidemic

March 18, 2020
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نامه روابط عمومی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا خطاب
 به صاحبان کسب و کارهای ایرانی-کانادایی

 

شرایط ویژه پیش آمده به دلیل شیوع ویروس کوید-۱۹ کسب و کارهای ایرانی-کانادایی‌ را با دشواری های بسیاری روبرو کرده است. این شرایط دشوار نه تنها مشکلات بسیاری را برای کارآفرینان ایرانی-کانادایی ایجاد میکند بلکه کارمندانی که در این کسب و کارها مشغول کار هستند نیز با مشکلات متعدد روبرو خواهند شد. کنگره ایرانیان کانادا اعتقاد دارد که حمایت از کسب و کارهای ایرانی-کانادایی به پویایی و پیشرفت جامعه ما کمک خواهد کرد.

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از دولت کانادا و دولت های استانی میخواهد که با اختصاص بودجه ویژه و اضطراری اقدامات لازم را برای حمایت از کسب و کارهای کانادایی به ویژه کسب و کارهای کوچک انجام دهند.

در روزهای اخیر دولت فدرال و دولت های استانی برنامه خود برای اختصاص بودجه های ویژه و برخی اقدامات مثبت برای حمایت از بیزینس ها را اعلام کرده اند. کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از این اقدامات استقبال میکند اما حمایت از کسب و کارهای کوچک و کارمندان و کارگران نیاز به اقدامات بیشتر و اقدامات عملی و فوری دارد.

همچنین کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از کارآفرینان ایرانی-کانادایی و متخصصان و کارشناسان دعوت میکند که پیشنهادات خود را درباره راه های ممکن برای حمایت جامعه ایرانی از کسب و کارهای ایرانی-کانادایی در این زمان ویژه ارائه دهند. اولویت ما حفظ سلامت جامعه ایرانی-کانادایی و سلامت جامعه بزرگتر کانادا است. رعایت اصول و توصیه های بهداشتی مسئولان استانی و کشوری اولویت اصلی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا است. همزمان ای سی سی آماده بررسی راه کارهای پیشنهادی شما برای حمایت از بیزینس های ایرانی-کانادایی از طریق همکاری و حمایت جامعه ایرانی است.

لطفا پیشنهادات خود را همراه با اطلاعات تماس از طریق ایمیل برای ما ارسال کنید.
‏info@iccongress.ca

- روابط عمومی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا

 

March 13, 2020
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ICC Asks Canada & Red Cross to Help Iran During COVID19 Crisis

March 08, 2020
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Letter from Iranian Canadian Congress to Justin Trudeau on 60th Day Since Flight 752

February 27, 2020
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ICC Demands Government Return Iranian-Canadians
Trapped in Coronavirus-Stricken Iran

February 18, 2020
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ICC Marks 40 Days Since Flight 752 Tragedy

February 17, 2020
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در خواست تعدادی از خانوادگان قربانیان پرواز ۷۵۲

برخی از اعضای خانواده های قربانیان پرواز ۷۵۲ با ما تماس گرفته اند تا متن زیر را با اعضای خود در میان بگذاریم. لطفا پس از خواندن متن آن را با اطرافیان خود نیز به اشتراک بگذارید تا خانواده درجه یک این قربانیان بتوانند به منظور همدلی و همکاری یکدیگر را پیدا کنند.

این دعوتنامه ای برای خانواده درجه یک قربانیان پرواز ۷۵۲ است تا بتوانند در یک گروه اختصاصی که توسط خود این خانواده ها ایجاد شده و نظارت می شود، با هم در تماس باشند. این گروه برای مراوده و سازماندهی موثر ثر میان خانواده ...ها و به منظور همدلی و همکاری ایجاد شده است.

در صورت تمایل لطفا اطلاعات زیر را به آدرس ایمیل planecrash.family@gmail.com ارسال کنید:
۱. نام
۲. شماره تماس
۳. آدرس ایمیل
۴. نام مسافر پرواز
۵. نسبت مسافر با شما

توجه: لطفا اطلاعات تماس تنها یک عضو از خانواده درجه یک (مادر، پدر، خواهر، برادر، فرزند دختر یا پسر)‌ مسافر را ارسال نمایید
 

February 06, 2020
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ICC Demands Government Action to Protect Iranian-Canadians
at the US-Canada Border

January 21, 2020
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کنگره ایرانیان کانادا طومار نژاد پرستانه
«درخواست خروج دانشجوهای ایرانی» را محکوم می‌کند
 

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا طومار نژاد پرستانه «درخواست خروج دانشجوهای ایرانی» را محکوم می‌کند.

هفته گذشته، ازرالوانت، از ربل مدیا، در پاسخ به سقوط هواپیمای ۷۵۲ اوکراینی طوماری نوشت که در آن از دانشگاه‌های کانادا درخواست میکند دانشجو‌های با تابعیت ایرانی را اخراج کند، این در حالیست که پس از سقوط هواپیمای اوکراینی درخشش و نقش دانشجوهای ایرانی در جامعه علمی کانادا پر رنگتر از قبل شد.

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا ضمن ابراز خشم و انزجار جامعه ایرانی-کانادایی از این طومار که توسط رسانه راست‌گ...رای افراطی به منظور فرصت طلبی و بهره برداری از فاجعه سقوط هواپیما منتشر شده، بار دیگر تاکید میکند: ایرانیان کانادا و بخصوص دانشجویان بین‌المللی ایرانی مشغول به تحصیل در کانادا، جز اصلی و تاثیرگذار در پیشرفت علم و دانش کانادا هستند، و ما تا اخرین لحظه از حقمان برای ماندن در کانادا ،خلاف سلیقه مهاجر‌ستیزانی مانند ازرا لاونت، دفاع خواهیم کرد.

بدین منظور کنگره ایرانیان کانادا با تمام قوا بدنبال یافتن گزینه مناسب برای پاسخ به تنفر پراکنی و تبعیض علیه ایرانیان میباشد، گزینه های پیش رو شامل درخواست برای بررسی تبعیض علنی علیه ایرانیان، و سوال از شبکه های اجتماعی برای در اختیار قرار دادن تریبون به نفرت پراکنی و مهاجر ستیزیست. بزودی اطلاعات بیشتر را در این امر مهم به اطلاع شما می‌رسانیم.

 

January 14, 2020
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Iranian Canadian Congress's Message to
Prime Minister Trudeau

January 11, 2020
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IRANIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS STATEMENT
ON NEWS ABOUT FLIGHT 752

January 07, 2020
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ICC VP Asks PM Trudeau, Ministers, to Stand Up for Iranian-Canadians at Canada-US Border

January 03, 2020
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Iranian Canadian Congress's Statement on
Recent Events in the Middle East

November 17, 2020
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The ICC's Statement on Iran Protests

 

January 11, 2020
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January 11, 2020
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January 11, 2020
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Tell PM Justin Trudeau: Thank You for Standing Up for Justice & Peace

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا، طوماری را خطاب به نخست وزیر کانادا، جاستین ترودو، تهیه کرده است تا از ایشان بخاطر همراهی و حمایت از جامعه بزرگ ایرانیان کانادا در این روزهای تلخ، تشکر کند. خواهشمند است از طریق این صفحه، این نامه را به دفتر ایشان ارسال کنید

Please use this tool to thank our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his leadership and work in supporting the Iranian-Canadian community in the ...

 

 

Please sign this petition and join us in thanking our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his leadership and sympathy in supporting the Iranian-Canadian our community in the aftermath of Flight 752. Specifically, thank him for standing up for justice and accountability for the victims of the tragedy, but also for standing up for peace so that such a tragedy will never happen again.

Farsi Translation of Letter:

آقای جاستین ترودو

نخست وزیر محترم کانادا

از طرف جامعه ایرانیان کانادا٬ از شما بخاطر همدردی و هم صدایی با ایرانیان کانادا و کانادایی ها، پس از فاجعه سقوط پرواز ۷۵۲ اوکراینی تشکر می‌کنیم.

ایرانیان کانادا از دولت خود انتظار دارند در برآوردن تقاضای قربانیان و خانواده های آنها مبنی بر پاسخگویی، شفافیت و عدالت مشایعت کند. مقامات ایران نه تنها باید نسبت به کشته شدن انسانهای بیگناه پاسخگو باشند بلکه باید نسبت به اظهارات گمراه کننده ای که در پی این اتفاق تلخ منتشر کردند نیز توضیح دهند. ما از اینکه شما و دولت کانادا موضع مناسب را در این خصوص اتخاذ کرده اید، قدردان هستیم.

ما همچنین سپاسگزاریم از اینکه شما خواستار کاهش تنش ها در منطقه شده اید و به درستی عنوان کردید که "اگر این تنش ها [ بین ایران و آمریکا] وجود نداشتند٬ اگر اختلافات در منطقه [خاورمیانه] تشدید نشده بودند٬ آن کانادایی ها امروز در کانادا کنار خانواده هایشان بودند".

اگرچه نباید مقامات مسئول در ایران به هیچ وجه تبرئه شوند، اما چنانچه آگاه هستید، اولین قربانیان جنگ و درگیری٬ مردم بی گناه هستند. علاوه بر این، همانطور که این واقعه غم انگیز نشان داد، هر تهدیدی که متوجه جان مردم بیگناه در ایران باشد، جان کانادایی ها را نیز در معرض خطر قرار می دهد.

امروز پیوند عمیق میان کانادا و ایران ایجاب می کند که کانادا نقش موثر و مثبتی را برای پیشبرد و تقویت صلح و ثبات در منطقه ایفا کند: نقشی که متاثر از سنت دیرینه کانادا در میانجیگری و دیپلماسی باشد

یکبار دیگر از شما بخاطر حمایت از جامعه ایرانی کانادایی؛ برآوردن تقاضای خانواده های قربانیان مبنی بر پاسخگویی، شفافیت و عدالت؛ و همچنین تلاش برای دستیابی به صلح که مانع تکرار چنین فجایعی شود، تشکر و قدردانی می کنیم

با احترام


From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 11:00:15 a.m. EST
Subject: Tell Justin Trudeau: Thank You For Standing For Justice and Peace

medi --


The days since the tragic events of Flight 752 have been dark for the Iranian-Canadian community. However, the conduct of Prime Minister Trudeau at this time in standing for justice and accountability, as well as in standing for peace in the region, have helped many in our community cope during this difficult time.

As such, please use this link and join us in thanking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his leadership and work in supporting our community in the aftermath of Flight 752. By using this tool, you will  send the following email to Prime Minister Trudeau:

To The Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau

As an Iranian-Canadian and on behalf of the Iranian-Canadian community, we would like to thank you for the leadership, sensitivity, and compassion that you've shown to the Iranian Canadian community and Canadians at large as we cope with the tragic events of Flight 752.

Iranian Canadians are looking to our Canadian government to help provide accountability, transparency, and justice to the victims and their families. Specifically, the Iranian authorities need to be held accountable for not only the lives lost but also for the misleading statements released from Iran following the incident. We appreciate that you and the Canadian Government have committed yourselves to these very principles.

We also commend you, Prime Minister Trudeau, for calling for de-escalation in the region, rightfully noting that “If there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families."

Although the responsible Iranian authorities should in no way be exonerated, it is important to recognize, as you have, that the first victims of war and conflict are innocent civilians. Furthermore, as this tragic incident has shown, the 300,000 strong Iranian Canadian community means that any threat to innocent lives in Iran is also a threat to Canadian lives.

The ties that bond Canada and Iran are deep and they require that Canada take a positive and active role in the region to help foster peace and stability in the region, a role that can draw on the long-standing Canadian tradition of mediation and diplomacy.

Once again, we thank you for the support you have shown the Iranian Canadian community in committing to bring accountability, transparency, and justice for families of the victims as well as working towards a peace that helps ensure that such a tragedy will never happen again.

SIGN HERE


Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/


Find below a letter addressed to Justin Trudeau supporting his calls for justice and accountability for the victims of Flight 752, as well as for standing for de-escalation and peace in the Middle East to prevent this tragedy from happening again. As your constituent, I ask you to support Prime Minister Trudeau to achieve these goals of justice and peace, which are so important to the Iranian Canadian community.

To the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau

As an Iranian-Canadian and on behalf of the Iranian-Canadian community, I would like to thank you for the leadership, sensitivity, and compassion that you've shown to the Iranian-Canadian community and Canadians at large as we cope with the tragic events of Flight 752.

Iranian Canadians are looking to our Canadian government to help provide accountability, transparency, and justice to the victims and their families. Specifically, the Iranian authorities need to be held accountable for not only the lives lost but also for the misleading statements released by Iran following the incident. We appreciate that you and the Canadian Government have committed yourselves to these very principles.

We also commend you, Prime Minister Trudeau, for calling for de-escalation in the region, rightfully noting that “If there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families."

Although the responsible Iranian authorities should in no way be exonerated, it is important to recognize, as you have, that the first victims of war and conflict are innocent civilians. Furthermore, as this tragic incident has shown, the 300,000 strong Iranian Canadian community means that any threat to innocent lives in Iran is also a threat to Canadian lives.

The ties that bond Canada and Iran are deep and they require that Canada take a positive and active role in the region to help foster peace and stability in the region, a role that can draw on the long-standing Canadian tradition of mediation and diplomacy.

Once again, we thank you for the support you have shown the Iranian Canadian community in committing to bring accountability, transparency, and justice for families of the victims as well as working towards a peace that helps ensure that such a tragedy will never happen again.

 
Dec 28, 2019, 12:00 PM

From: ICC President <president@iccongress.ca>
Date: Sat, Dec 28, 2019 at 12:00 PM
Subject: Re your defamatory comments against ICC and ICC board members
To: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>, Medi Shams <infognandprint.ca>
Cc: ICC VP <vp@iccongress.ca>

Re your defamatory comments against ICC and ICC board members

Mr. Shams,

In a recent social media post you mentioned the name of the Iranian Canadian Congress and suggested that the ICC is a supporter of the Islamic Republic or ally of the Islamic Republic. This is a false accusation and you are fully aware that it is incorrect. You are fully aware that the Iranian Canadian Congress is a Canadian non-profit and non-partisan organization that advances the interests of the Iranian community in Canada. ICC has a democratic decision making process and priorities of the organization are decided by the membership through the election of the board members in the Annual General Meetings. Also in several surveys from ICC members and supporters vast majority of them have confirmed their support for the current priorities of the organization. 

The ICC advocates for peace and against sanctions and war on Iran. We have explained our position clearly in media, in panel discussions and in the Canadian Parliament and we have been very clear that sanctions and isolation of Iran only hurt the Iranian people. We have said on many occasions that the damage sanctions cause to Iranian people and to our Iranian community in Canada is the main reason we actively speak against these policies. We have always emphasized that the human rights situation in Iran is a very important concern and that the Iranian government must respect the rights of its citizens in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Your false and defamatory accusations severely impact the reputation of the ICC as a Canadian non-profit organization and severely impact all volunteers working with the ICC including its board members. I ask you to remove all your false accusations, retract your comments and stop making these false and defamatory accusations in future. These false accusations have also put the safety and security of ICC volunteers at risk as individuals who have been misled and believed false accusations such as yours have made threats against volunteers and board members of the ICC

Sincerely, 


 

Soudeh Ghasemi

President

Iranian Canadian Congress

Direct: 647 407 7022

 

 


Mon., Dec. 30, 2019 at 4:44 p.m

From: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>
To: ICC President <president@iccongress.ca>
Cc: Soudeh Ghasemi <vp@iccongress.ca>; Icc4all Info <info@icc4all.com>; Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>; Iccma Info <info@iccma.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2019, 04:44:26 p.m. EST
Subject: Re: Re your defamatory comments against ICC and ICC board members

 

سوده قاسمی عزیز،

ریاست کنگره ایرانیان 

خوشنودی من از دریافت ایمیل شما قابل وصف نیست. تا به حال ده ها ایمیل برای شما و کنگره ایرانیان فرستاده ام و بیاد ندارم که جوابی از شما دریافت کرده باشم. اینرا به فال نیک گرفته و امیدوارم در سال آینده روابط و همکاری جدیدی را در صفا و صمیمیت آغاز کنیم. از فرصت استفاده کرده به تقاضای شما پاسخ و موارد دیگری را نیز مطرح میکنم. با این امید که من هم از طرف شما جوابی داشته باشم. 

1- این اولین تذکر شما در رابطه با موضوع مطرحه در زمان چهارساله صدارت و نیابت شما در کنگره است. من آنرا به اینگونه تعبیر میکنم که تا به حال خلاف احتمالی در زمینه ای که شما آنرا مطرح کرده اید از طرف من سر نزده است. از آنجائیکه من در نحوه تفکر و نوشتار خود از فعالیت های هییت مدیره کنگره تغییری نداده ام، خواهشمندم اطلاعات دقیقتری از موردی که در نظر دارید در اختیار من بگذارید تا بتوانم آنها را تصحیح نمایم. از آنجائیکه میدانید من یکی از فعال ترین اعضای کنگره میباشم و در رابطه با این نهاد موضوعات بسیاری را در سوشیال مدیا و نشریات منتشر میکنم، نمیدانم که کدام یک از آنها باعث رنجش خاطر شما شده است. 

2- واقف هستید که چند سالی میباشد که اینجانب با استناد به این که زبان رسمی یک نهاد زبانی میباشد که در مجمع عمومی از آن استفاده میشود، سعی دارم که زبان فارسی، زبان رسمی کنگره اعلام گردد. از آنجائیکه انگلیسی زبان دوم اکثر ایرانیان کانادا میباشد، مطمئنن اگر هدف، اطلاع رسانی، بوجود آوردن آگاهی، و افزایش مشارکت جمعی باشد، زبان فارسی برای ما ایرانیان موثر و کارا تر خواهد بود.

در ثانی مطلع هستید که اینجانب ایمیل های کنگره و پاسخ های خود را جهت آگاهی اعضای دیگر کنگره منتشر میکنم. از این رو مکاتبه های ما اگر به زبان فارسی صورت بگیرند مطمئنن مورد استقبال و توجه بیشتر اعضاء قرار خواهند گرفت.

به این نکته هم اشاره کرده باشم که بی مورد نبوده که بنا به دستور قاضی، نسخه فارسی "نامه مشترک" و مکاتبات میبایست دراختیار اعضاء قرار بگیرند. 

از اینرو اگر شما هم مکاتبات خود را به زبان فارسی هم همراه کنید مناسب تر خواهد بود.

3- از آنجائیکه تمام راه های تماس با هییت مدیره از میان برداشته شده اند:

- صفحه آی سی فوروم که برای در میان گذاشتن مشکلات و گفتگو در باره آنها بوجود آمده بود در انحصار هییت مدیره قرار گرفته و عملن تعطیل شده است.

- از ماه آگوست 2019 هیچ صورتجلسه ای منتشر نشده است.

- از حضور ناظرین در جلسات هییت مدیره ممانعت به عمل میاید.

- به ایمیل اعضاء پاسخ داده نمیشود.
-  جنابعالی تماس گرفتن با شما را ممنوع ساخته اید

- کامنت های اعضاء در صفحه فیسبوکی کنگره حذف میگردند.

- بعضی از اعضای هییت مدیره از جمله جناب پویان طبسی نژاد، نایب رئیس،  اعضاء را در سوشیال مدیا بلاک میکنند.

دیگر امکانی برای تماس و در جریان قرار گرفتن از فعالیت های هییت مدیره، اگر فعالیتی وجود داشته باشد، نیست. از فرصت استفاده نموده تقاضا دارم با حضور اینجانب در جلسه آتی هییت مدیره به عنوان ناظر موافقت کرده، زمان و مکان آنرا به اطلاع اینجانب برسانید.

 

4- نکته دیگر در رابطه با مقاله ای توهین آمیز به کامیونیتی میباشد که کنگره در صفحه فیسبوکی خود در تاریخ 28 دسامبر به اشتراک گذاشته است. این مقاله که ابتدا به علت مشخص نبودن نویسنده آن مجبور به تماس با سردبیر آن شدم، مشخص است که توسط کسی نوشته شده که اولن اطلاعات دست دوم و نا صحیح در اختیار داشته، در ثانی با پیشداوری و اهداف سیاسی با گرایشات خاص، و در مخالفت با بخشی از کامیونیتی که از مخالفین رژیم میباشند نوشته شده است. همراه بودن این مقاله با عکسی با نام پویان طبسی نژاد یکبار دیگر سوء تفاهماتی را در اذهان عمومی بوجود آورده است. تنش های بوجود آمده که در سوشیال مدیا شاهد آن هستیم این امکان را محتمل میدارد که هییت مدیره با اهداف بخصوصی در تهیه این مقاله همکاری داشته و آنرا به اشتراک گذاشته است. از شما تقاضا دارم که این مقاله را که اهانت آشکاری به کامیونیتی بوده و تفرقه آمیز و تنش زا میباشد را از صفحه فیسبوکی کنگره حذف  و بنا به وظیفه خود به نگارنده و نشریه ای که آنرا منتشر کرده معترض شوید.

در ضمن خواهشمندم من را مطلع سازید که آیا به اشتراک گذاری این مقاله در هییت مدیره مطرح، و در باره آن تصمیم گیری شده است و یا اینکه آدمین صفحه به تشخیص خود این عمل را انجام داده است. در اینصورت خواهشمندم نام آدمین را اعلام نمائید. 

بیصبرانه منتظر پاسخ شما میباشم. در ضمن اگر جهت راه اندازی مجدد صفحه دیالوگ آی سی سی فوروم و یا برگزاری جلسات گفتگو نیازمند به داوطلب هستید، اینجانب و بسیاری از افراد دیگر که با آنها آشنایی دارم آمادگی خود را اعلام میداریم. 

با تشکر - مهدی شمس یکی از علاقمندان و اعضای عادی کنگره ایرانیان

November 17, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

The ICC's Statement on Iran Protests

Please find below the Iranian Canadian Congress's statement on the protests currently occurring in Iran:

Sanctions and economic mismanagement have put tremendous financial pressure on people and the sudden increase in fuel prices has further deepen the economic troubles for Iranian people. We urge the international community to lift these harmful sanctions. 

The ICC strongly believes in the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights including the right to peaceful assembly and condemns all forms of violence. The Iranian government should listen to people’s legitimate demands and respect their rights to peaceful protest as well as their access to the internet.
October 18
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

posted by  | 5sc
October 18, 2019

ICC Condemns Foreign-Linked Smear Campaign Against
Richmond Hill MP Majid Jowhari

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has received multiple reports over the past few days about a smear campaign linked to Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) against Iranian-Canadian MP and Richmond Hill candidate Majid Jowhari. 

MEK is an extremist Iranian opposition group that was listed in Canada as a terrorist entity as late as 2012. According to multiple reports the organization has dubious sources of funding and links to Saudi Arabia

On social media, fake accounts associated with MEK have distributed false information about Mr. Jowhari. Seemingly, the only reason behind the targeting of Mr. Jowhari by the MEK is that, aligned with PM Trudeau's promise in 2015 to re-engage with Iran and reopen the embassies, Mr. Jowhari supported this promise as well and presented the views of his constituents to the Canadian government. Time and again we have also witnessed that the majority of Canadian-Iranians also support diplomacy and peace with Iran and are against policies of sanctions and war. 

The ICC is extremely concerned about the MEK-linked smear campaign against a Canadian citizen running for public office. We are monitoring the situation carefully and will communicate our concerns with Canadian officials. 
   
We once again encourage all members of the Iranian-Canadian community to participate in the federal elections on October 21st and vote for the party or candidates who represent their views. 

October 5
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 

WHERE DO CANADA'S POLITICAL PARTIES STAND ON IRAN?

As part of the ICC's Federal Election Initiative, the ICC has reached out to Canada's political parties and their candidates to discover their policies on the following ICC priority policies: Canada’s Iran Policy, Accreditation of Foreign Trained Professionals, Combatting Racism and Discrimination. The first of this series is Canada's Iran Policy. Below, we describe the policies of each party, either from their own communications with the ICC or through their actions and most recent public statements, focusing on diplomatic relations and the Iran Nuclear Deal or JCPOA.

The Liberal Party: Justin Trudeau

Summary: The Liberal Party and Justin Trudeau promised to reopen the embassies in 2015, but have not fulfilled the promise after 4 years of being elected. Despite the fact that the Prime Minister and most of the Liberal caucus voted for the Conservative Motion condemning Iran and freezing any efforts to re-establish relations with Iran, Liberal MP Rob Oliphant recently said that the Liberal government is still committed to reestablishing relations with Iran on condition that Iran respects “international standards”. Richmond Hill Liberal MP Majid Jowhari sponsored a parliamentary petition instigated by the ICC calling for the government to reestablish relations with Iran in 2016.

Prime Minister Trudeau promised during the 2015 election campaign that he would reopen the embassy if elected. However, he did not deliver on this promise during the first 4 years of his mandate. In a recent interview with the Iranian Canadian Journal former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant said: the Liberals are still committed to diplomacy with Iran however, they expect the Iranian government to respect “international standards”.

In September 2016, Liberal MP Majid Jowhari (Richmond Hill) sponsored a parliamentary petition initiated by the ICC calling for re-engagement with Iran and re-opening of the embassies. The petition gathered nearly 16,000 signatures in few months from across Canada.

June 2018 Conservative Motion Against Iran: Nearly all Liberal MPs, including the Prime Minister, voted for a Conservative motion condemning Iran and calling on the Government of Canada to halt all negotiations for re-establishing diplomatic relations with Iran. Iranian-Canadian Liberal MPs Majid Jowhari and Ali Ehsassi were among the Liberals who were not present during this vote.  Richmond Hill MP Majid Jowhari also released this statement supporting the re-establishment of relations with Iran.

Iran Nuclear Deal and Sanctions: The Liberal government of Prime Minister Trudeau supported the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and lifted most of Canada’s sanctions against Iran upon signing of the agreement and pursuant to the UN Security Council resolution 2231. The Liberal government has also provided $11.5 million in voluntary contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) specifically to support the Agency’s work with respect to its mandate in monitoring and verifying Iran’s implementation of its JCPOA commitments. In a response to the ICC, Minister Freeland’s office said: “our government believes that the JCPOA, which was agreed to with Iran in 2015 and endorsed by the UN Security Council, is essential for ensuring regional and global security.”

The NDP: Jagmeet Singh

Summary: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere, and her successor Guy Caron have consistently supported reestablishing of relations with Iran. They have also supported the Iran Deal and along with the Greens party's Elizabeth May, were the only national party to vote against the Conservative motion calling on the government to abandon relations with Iran. NDP MP Helene Laverdiere presented a petition signed by 15,000 Canadians and instigated by the ICC calling on the government to reestablish relations with Iran.

Iran-Canada Relations: Since the NDP leadership race when the ICC reached out to him, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh supported the reopening of the Iranian and Canadian embassies in Ottawa and Tehran. Further, at the ICC's 2016 Simorgh Gala, Leader Singh reasserted this position, asserting that the government of PM Trudeau needed to follow through on his promise to the Iranian Canadian community.

In 2019, NDP MP Helene Laverdiere presented a petition signed by 15,000 Canadians and instigated by the ICC calling on the government to reestablish relations with Iran.

Iran Nuclear Deal and Sanctions: NDP has expressed its support for the Iran nuclear agreement. NDP critic to Minister of Foreign Affairs Helene Laverdiere called on the Government of Prime Minister Trudeau in the House of Commons to do more along with EU allies to protect the nuclear agreement after Trump’s withdrawal.

June 2018 Conservative Motion Against Iran: When the Conservatives' motion on Iran came to the floor in June 2018, all the NDP members voted against it. 

In a response to the ICC about their policy on Iran the NDP said:

New Democrats believe that Canadian interests are best served by a strong and principled foreign policy based on human rights, multilateralism, and the best interests of global peace and security. We are also very concerned about the current state of international affairs, and, in particular, about relations between neighbouring states in the Middle East and their various allies. At the same time, we also recognize the sovereignty of Iran over their own political, cultural, economic, and social affairs.

We believe that Canada can, and must, be a force for good in this dangerous world. As such, New Democrats believe that the first step in improving relations between our countries is the resumption of normal diplomatic relations, including the re-opening of embassies in both countries, so that both countries can resume constructive dialogue and engagement and so that citizens of both countries can receive timely and effective consular support from their respective governments.

The Conservative Party: Andrew Scheer

Summary: The Conservative Party has consistently opposed relations with Iran. Apart from introducing the 2018 motion condemning Iran and asking the Canadian government to commit to keeping relations severed, the Conservative Party have also opposed the Iran Nuclear Deal or JCPOA.

Iran-Canada Relations: Though we have not received any communications from the Conservative Party (despite numerous requests), their position seems to remain the same as in 2012 when they closed the embassy. Over the past 4 years the Conservatives on numerous occasions criticized the Trudeau government for promising re-engagement with Iran. 

Conservative MP Peter Kent launched a petition against re-opening of embassies, which only gathered 607 signatures.

Former Conservative MP Tony Clement also launched a petition against Iran calling on the Trudeau government to continue listing Iran as a state sponsor of terror.

Aside from introducing the June 2018 motion condemning Iran and asking the government to halt diplomatic negotiations with Iran, the party's leader Andrew Scheer has recently announced that if elected their party will follow the Trump administration’s steps against Iran, including designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

Iran Nuclear Deal and Sanctions: The Conservatives did not endorse the Iran nuclear agreement and criticized the Trudeau government for adhering to the agreement and lifting Canada’s sanctions on Iran after the JCPOA was signed.

 

October 10, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Letter From 6 Canadian Organizations on the Push for War with Iran

Find below a letter from 6 Canadian civil society and pro-peace organizations to Canada's major parties regarding worrying push towards war with Iran on the international stage:

Attention:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Andrew Scheer

Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Erin O'Toole

Leader of the New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh

Foreign Affairs Critic of the New Democratic Party Guy Caron

Leader of the Bloc Quebecois Yves-François Blanchet

Leader of the Green Party of Canada Elizabeth May

Dear Party Leaders

We are a group of Canadian non-profit organizations who are concerned by the growing momentum toward war against Iran by the United States President Donald Trump and who are calling on the Canadian government to take a stand against war on Iran. 

After leaving the Iran Deal (or JCPOA), the Trump administration has systematically inflamed tensions in a push for war. We even learned that Trump called for a military strike on Iran on June 20th, only to cancel it at the last minute. 

We have seen this story before. The same individuals who led the world to war against Iraq are now trying to do the same against Iran. Canada needs to stand up for peace and work with our allies to support the Iran Deal. 

As such, we ask that Canada:

  1. Speak publicly against the Trump administration's push towards war against Iran;

  2. Support the Iran Deal by joining our European allies in allowing Iran to circumvent unilateral US sanctions which have harmed the Iranian people by depriving them of medicine and other vital goods;

  3. Act as an intermediary between Iran and the United States in order to prevent war and broker a peace plan

We hope that you agree that this matter is extremely urgent and important. We therefore ask you to respond to these issues as soon as possible.

Sincerely, 

The undersigned organizations:

  • The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW)

  • Canadian Peace Congress (CPCon)

  • Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)

  • Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) 

  • Association of Progressive Palestinian Canadians (APPC)

October 9
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

The ICC Launches Its Election Centre!

The 2019 Federal Election is coming up and the ICC has launched the ICC Election Centre to answer all of your questions!

Wondering how to vote at advanced polls? Wondering how to check if you're registered? Wondering how to vote as a student?

Then check out the ICC's Election Centre here for these answers and more!

October 5
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

ICC ELECTION CENTRE

WELCOME TO THE ICC'S ELECTION CENTRE!

As part of the ICC's effort to increase Iranian-Canadians' political awareness and involvement in advance of the Federal Election, we are happy to provide this page for the Iranian-Canadian community to use as a resource to learn how to vote and get involved.

How Do I Vote (in Person)?

If you want to vote on Election Day or on Advance Polling days, you should make sure to check if you are registered to vote by clicking here

If you want to vote before October 15th, you may click on this link to find one of 500 voting locations near you.

Can I Vote by Mail?

As a Canadian citizen, you may vote by mail, but you must register to do so before October 15th at 6PM. Click here for more information.

Can I Vote in Person at My Local Elections Canada Office?

If you are not able to vote on Election Day or on any of the advance polling days, you have the right to vote in person before October 15th at your local Elections Canada Office. The regular hours are 9:00AM to 9:00PM Monday to Friday and Noon to 4PM on Sundays. Click here to find your local office.

How Do I Vote in Advance Polls?

If you are registered with Elections Canada at your current address, you should have received your voter registration card in the mail. Click here to find more information on registration and click here to find more information on advance polling.

I'm a Post-Secondary Student. How Do I Vote on Campus? Where Does My Vote Get Counted?

As a student, you have access to over 115 Elections Canada campus locations. Click here to find these locations.

Also as a student, your vote gets counted at "your primary place of residence". Usually, this is where your ID lists as your address. Find more information here.

How Do I Find Out More About Canadian Federal Politics?

The ICC is preparing a series of events and resources to help the Iranian-Canadian community inform itself in advance of the Federal Election. The first is our Community Roundtable on the Federal Election on October 13th at 3 PM at the North York Civic Centre's Committee Room #3. Find our Facebook event here!

Wondering where Canada's political parties stand on Iran? Check out the ICC's summary of the three major national parties' positions here!

The ICC also has a series of priority policies developed after a series of consultations that it is communicating to politicians and candidates. Find them here and stay posted for more information about them.

 

 

October 5
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 5, 2019, 04:21:39 p.m. EDT
Subject: Join Us In Toronto October 13th: Community Federal Elections Roundtable

 

medi --

In advance of the Federal Election, the Iranian Canadian Congress is hosting a Community Roundtable at 3-5PM on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Committee Room #3 of the North York Civic Center, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto.

Topic: Canadian Federal Elections 2019 -- Who should we vote for?

This session will be a discussion among community members. We invite Iranian-Canadian supporters of all Canadian political parties to participate and tell us why we should vote for their party. If you are still undecided, come to this event and share with us your priorities and issues you care about in this federal election. 

To speak at this roundtable, you do not need to register beforehand. Just prepare your comments and come to the event on October 13th to participate in this open discussion about the federal elections.

 

What: Community Roundtable: Federal Elections 2019

When: Sunday, October 13, 2019, 3-5PM

Where: North York Civic Center, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto - Committee Room #3 

RSVP at Facebook Event Link Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/681676448908167/

We look forward to seeing you there!

ant to know more about the Canadian Federal Election and how to vote? Check out the ICC's Election Centre here!


Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/ 

September 30
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>

To:iccelectionscommittee2019@gmail.com

Cc:Icc4all Info,Iccma Info

Sep. 30 at 5:29 p.m.

Dear Marvin J. Huberman

It’s a joy to have finally a fair election in the Iranian-Canadian Congress (ICC) under your scrutiny. At the same time, it is sad to realize that a successful and well-educated community needs an outsider to enforce the basic rules.

My name is Medi Shams, an ICC member since 2012. I would like to bring your attention to the following past and present issues and ask for your clarification.

I participated in 2013, 2014, and 2016 ICC elections as a candidate. In 2014 the ICC board of directors introduced the requirement of a Police Certificate for candidates. As I believed this was a wrong interpretation of the ICC’s by-laws, I didn’t provide the requested certificate and I could participate in the election. The same scenario repeated in the 2016 election. Last year I was eliminated from the election as for the third time I didn’t provide a police certificate as I believe it shouldn’t be required.

The second issue that I would like to bring your attention is the requirement of a short biography from the candidate that the board of directors made mandatory to be in English last year. This was also a new arbitrary change that I opposed and I don’t think should be applied.

I believe these arbitrary rulings found their ways in a democratic organization such as ICC by those who have in mind their political agenda related to Iran and to discourage public participation. Your attention to this sensitive point is crucial for the community engagement in our only democratic organization ICC.

The third issue is related to this year's election. As you may know, recently two board members, Bijan Ahmadi and Hooman Shirazi resigned on the 15th and 23rd of August. Curiously, only the resignation of Bijan Ahmadi is announced by the board on the ICC website and social media. Despite that Bijan Ahmadi resigned before Hooman Shirazi, Shirazi was replaced by an appointed member Amir Moazzami and this contrary to what is recommended by the ICC by-laws. The by-law recommends that the appointed member should be a runner-up in the last election. You may notice on the 2018 final election report there were four non-elected candidates recognized by the election committee as runners. I believe the appointment of two of these individuals as a replacement for the two resigned board members could affect the election.

The fourth and the last point is regarding the text of an e-mail that you recently sent to the current and past members of the ICC that is not shared on the website. There are important points in this email that I believe should be on the website not just for the records, but also for people who currently visit the site and may participate in elections.

I would appreciate it if you could bring some clarification on these matters.

Regards,

Medi Shams who has the intention to run in this year's election.

 

September 30
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ICC

USE THIS ONLINE FORM TO REGISTER FOR MEMBERSHIP OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP. 

ICC members are the backbone of the organization. The most important step for anyone who is interested to get involved in the ICC is to sign up for the annual membership. Using this simple online form you can sign up for ICC membership. The annual fee for regular members (18 and older) is $10. Once you fill out the form and pay the membership due you will receive a confirmation email including receipt of your payment. After submitting the membership form to verify your identity you might be asked by the Board Secretary for your valid government issued photo ID. Your annual membership has to be renewed in 12 months from the date of registration.  

If you encounter any difficulty with the online form or if you'd like to register in person with the board secretary, please email us at  iccelectionscommittee2019@gmail.com

Important Notes:

- According to the Ontario Corporations Act, any person can ask for the membership registry, which includes members' addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers, as long as they provide a signed affidavit as required by the section 307 of the Act. 

- Every person must register and pay her/his membership fee. Do not fill out this online membership registration form for someone else.  

Pre-paid credit cards cannot be used for membership payment. 

- There are only two valid methods for ICC membership registration: signing up through this online form or registering in person with the secretary of the ICC board. For in person registration please send an email to: iccelectionscommittee2019@gmail.com 

. The ICC does not accept membership registration through any other method.

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP

ICC youth membership is available for those between ages of 14-18. There is no annual membership fee for youth members. Youth members are encouraged to join the Youth Engagement Committee where they can work with their peers on related projects and volunteer for different organizations. If you are at least 14 years old and below 18, click here to join as a youth member.

 

September 22
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

UPDATE FROM THE CANADIAN RED CROSS ON IRAN FLOOD RELIEF

Earlier this year from mid-March to April Iran was hit by unprecedented rainfall and floods that impacted approximately 10 million people in all of the country’s 31 provinces. 

 

In response, the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) immediately contacted the Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Minister of International Development requesting assistance for the flood victims in Iran. 

 

Shortly thereafter, the Canadian Red Cross launched a campaign to raise donations for the flood victims in Iran and provided a dedicated platform for the Iranian Canadian Congress to raise donations as well. Based on the final report from the Canadian Red Cross, $150,000 was raised for providing emergency assistance to flood victims in Iran. 

 

According to the latest report published by the Canadian Red Cross the funds were used towards the following items:

  • 296,000 people were provided with emergency shelter.
  • 29,000 people received health interventions, including psychosocial support. 
  • 216,000 food parcels were delivered to people impacted by the floods. 

Click here to check out the latest report from Canadian Red Cross about their work in Iran.

 

The Canadian government also provided additional $250,000 to support Canadian Red Cross campaign for Iranian flood victims. 

 

We would like to once again thank all those who supported this campaign to help provide emergency assistance to flood victims in Iran. 

 

September 20
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Important Message From ICC and Independent Monitor

Please click on this link for an important message from the Iranian Canadian Congress and the Independent Monitor

 

https://mailchi.mp/…/important-information-2019-agm-and-ele…

 

MONITOR LETTER

Documents Pertaining to the ICC's Annual General Meeting and Legal Application

Please find below the documents referred to in the email to ICC former and current members from independent monitor Marvin J. Huberman.

Joint Statement

Joint Letter - English

Joint Letter - Persian

Legal Application Documents

Application Record

Responding Application Record

Reply Application Record

Cross Examination Transcript -- Pouyan Tabasinejad

Cross Examination Transcript -- Soudeh Ghasemi

 

 

September 20
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From:
 Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2019, 10:40:19 p.m. EDT
Subject: Important Information - 2019 AGM and Election

 
Important Message Regarding the ICC
2019 AGM and Election

My name is Marvin J. Huberman. I am a lawyer and a commercial arbitrator. On September 9, 2019, I was appointed by the Superior Court of Justice to be the independent monitor overseeing the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the ICC and the election of the Board of Directors.

I would ask you all to visit this website set up by the ICC and to review the joint letter (in both English and Persian). It has very important information on a number of topics, including: 1) the court application initiated by Mr. Payami, Ms. Hadi, Ms. Shahabi and Mr. Moin in March 2019 and the settlement reached in September 2019; 2) my role as independent monitor; and, 3) the upcoming Annual General Meeting and board of directors election to be held Sunday November 3, 2019. Please note that anyone who wishes to review the documents filed in court by the parties in this lawsuit are also available at the same website.

For those that are not currently members of the ICC who wish to join I will be sending out an email early next week showing you how to join the ICC through its website. 

Please click the following link if you wish to unsubscribe from this list and you will no longer receive emails regarding the ICC.  

Sincerely

Marvin J. Huberman, LL.B., LL.M., FCIArb, FAIADR

September 14
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

CHANGES IN ICC BOARD

In the last month, there has been a new change in the ICC board of directors. Hooman Shirazi, who was elected onto the ICC board in 2017, announced his intention to resign from the board.

ICC President Ms. Soudeh Ghasemi, upon learning of Mr. Shirazi’s resignation and the difficulties this this empty seat posed to the organization and the reaching of quorum, received recommendations to fill the vacancy (those who ran in the previous election withdrew their candidacy and were not technically runners-up, as confirmed by legal counsel), as per Section 12 of the ICC bylaws:

For the vacancy of a director who is not also an officer, all vacancies shall initially be filled by appointing the runner-up in the immediately preceding election and if such runner-up is not willing or available to accept the appointment, by appointing the next willing and available individual among the unsuccessful candidates in the preceding election with the highest number of votes. Should no such candidate be available or willing to accept the appointment, then within 21 days of the vacancy the members of the board of directors, except the president, may submit names of candidates to fill the vacancy, provided each candidate meets the qualifications for serving on the board. The board president shall, within 30 days of the vacancy, and after consultation with the other officers, appoint one of the submitted candidates to fill the vacancy.

Ms. Ghasemi received the name of Amir Moazzami, a volunteer with the ICC, through a recommendation by the board. She accepted this recommendation and Amir Moozzami was appointed to fill Mr. Shirazi’s position on the board until the upcoming AGM. 

We welcome Mr. Moazzami to the board and thank him for filling the position.

 

September 04
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

IRANIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS (ICC) DISAPPOINTED AT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO PETITION SIGNED BY NEARLY 16K IRANIAN-CANADIANS

On August 21st, 2019, Foreign Minister Freeland responded to the ICC's Parliamentary petition e553. This petition was signed by over 15,000 Canadians and asked for Prime Minister Trudeau to fulfill his promise to Iranian Canadians and reestablish diplomatic relations with Iran. 

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) is deeply disappointed with the Canadian government’s answer to the ICC’s petition and strongly believes that the current policy of the government does not protect the safety of Canadians abroad as the “top priority for Government of Canada” as indicated in the response letter. 

Canadian officials have said that they are concerned about consular cases in Iran, including Iranian-Canadian Maryam Mombeini who is banned by Iranian authorities from leaving the country. However, many Iranian-Canadians and experts -- including Dr. Homa Hoodfar, who was imprisoned in Iran --  have repeatedly explained that having an embassy in Iran will help Canadian citizens who need consular support at times of emergency. 

In July 2017, Foreign Affairs Minister Freeland herself pointed out to the importance of establishing relations with Iran in order to be able to advocate for consular cases of its citizens or permanent residents in Iran. She said: “It's important for us to have lines of communication for many reasons. One of them being, we have some difficult consular cases in Iran and to have any hope of solving them we need to be able to talk to the government of Iran... It's essential to have relations, diplomatic relationship, to have a conversation not only with countries who are your friends and who share your values but also with the countries with whom you disagree. So we are definitely on the path to re-engage with Iran...”

Despite the Liberal government’s policy shift on this important issue for our community, the ICC’s position remains the same as we still strongly believe that the best way to advance the interests of the 400,000 Iranian-Canadians and to protect Iranian-Canadians in Iran including Maryam Mombeini is to have diplomatic relations with Iran. Therefore, we continue to advocate for re-engagement with Iran and look forward to working with the new government to resolve this long-standing issue for our community.

 

August 20
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

ICC Wishes Bijan Ahmadi The Best In His Future Endeavours

Members and Supporters of the Iranian Canadian Congress,

We'd like to inform you that Bijan Ahmadi has decided to leave the ICC Board of Directors on Aug 15, 2019. Bijan has served the ICC as a volunteer in different positions since 2015. After he was elected to the board by members of the ICC in 2015, he served as the PR director. In 2016, he was appointed by the board as the President of the ICC and served for two years in this position, afterwards serving as a board member and adviser. Bijan was steadfast in his dedication to the mission and the mandate of the ICC and he dedicated countless hours as a volunteer to further the goals of the ICC and the Iranian-Canadian community.

 

Under his leadership, the organization grew its reach and audience network from approximately 2000 people to currently over 20,000 people nationwide. He led the transformation of the ICC into a strong advocacy organization that's known by many Canadian politicians and political parties as an organization that stoutly defends the rights of Iranian-Canadians.

On leaving the organization, Bijan said:

"I am leaving the ICC board due to personal and professional reasons and because of projects I am getting involved with in other non-profit organizations. Some of these projects are related to the upcoming federal elections. These projects are not necessarily aligned with the work of the ICC and therefore I believe it's best that I leave the board. I am confident that the present board will continue to lead the ICC to greater heights. Without a doubt I will remain dedicated to the organization as an active member"

We thank Bijan Ahmadi for his leadership and work for the ICC and wish him best of luck in his future endeavours.

 

 
 
August 09
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook


From:
 Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>

To: khaniki.mo@gmail.com <khaniki.mo@gmail.com>; Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>; Bijan Ahmadi <ahmadibi@gmail.com>; ICC President <president@iccongress.ca>

Cc: Iccma Info <info@iccma.ca>; Icc4all Info <info@icc4all.com>; Shahram Tabe <shahramtabe@yahoo.ca>

Sent: Friday, August 9, 2019, 06:42:45 p.m. EDT

 

Subject: Iranian Canadian Congress admin identity request

 

Dear Soudeh Ghassemi, ICC President

You may be aware that ICJ commenced against me a legal proceeding on July 22, 2019. On different locations on social media Iranian Canadian Congress/Admin commented and/or replied to people. Two of ICC current board of directors, Bijan Ahmadi and Mohsen Khaniki, are among the plaintiffs. It is primordial for my case to know the identity of the Iranian Canadian Congress (admin). As I have to file my statement of defence in a very short time I would appreciate your fast reply. Failure to disclose the requested information constitutes cooperation with the plaintiffs and will have legal consequences.

Mehdi Shams - ICC member

August 01, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 1, 2019, 12:05:27 p.m. EDT
Subject: Update from the ICC Board

Dear Members of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), 

We understand that there are many questions that ICC members are having about the organization, particularly the annual general meeting (AGM) and when it will be held. We want to inform you that we will provide more information about the ongoing legal application with which the ICC is involved and the upcoming AGM very soon. 

The ICC board is committed to holding AGM 2019 at the earliest possible date. We also assure our members that the board is doing all it can and to the best of its ability to preserve the interests of the organization and its members. 

Sincerely, 

The Board of Directors of the Iranian Canadian Congress


Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/

 

July 19, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 
From: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>
To: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>; ICC Secretary <secretary@iccongress.ca>; ICC President <president@iccongress.ca>; ICC Treasurer <treasurer@iccongress.ca>; Bijan Ahmadi <ahmadibi@gmail.com>; Sholeh Khalili <sholeh.khalili@gmail.com>; Hooman Shirazi <shirazi.hooman@gmail.com>
Cc: Iccma Info <info@iccma.ca>; Icc4all Info <info@icc4all.com>; Shahrvand News <news@shahrvand.com>; Iranstar Info <info@iranstar.com>; info@shahrema.org <info@shahrema.org>; Salamtoronto Info <info@salamtoronto.ca>; Mohammad Tajdolati <tajdolati@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2019, 05:03:04 a.m. EDT
Subject: Re: Petition: Canadian Leaders Must Condemn the MEK

 

هییت مدیره (سابق) کنگره ایرانیان

دیگر واقعن بس است.

متاسفانه باید اعلام دارم که هر چه بیشتر میگذرد از رفتار افرادی که این نهاد را بصورت غیر قانونی در انحصار خود قرار داده اند، و هر روز لطمات بیشتری بر آن وارد میسازند، بیشتر و بیشتر شرمسار میگردم.

1-    تقاضا دارم اعلام کنید که آیا این ایمیل را فقط به 91 عضو کنگره فرستاده اید و یا اینکه با تمام کسانی که ایمیل آنها را در اختیار دارید تماس گرفته اید؟

2-    آیا شما به نمایندگی 91 عضو این کنگره این پتیشن را تهیه و ارسال نموده اید و یا اینکه ادعای سخنگویی از طرف کامیونیتی را دارید؟

3-    از آنجهت که در مراجع قضایی کانادا عدم قانونمندی شما به اثبات رسیده، و در برگزاری مجمع عمومی در محدود زمانی تعیین شده کوتاهی کرده اید، شما، هییت مدیره سابق این نهاد مشروعیت خود را از دست داده اید. در نتیجه استفاده از نام و امکانات این نهاد غیر قانونی بوده و پیگرد قانونی خواهد داشت.

4-    اینجانب مهدی شمس یکی از اعضای این نهاد از طریق این ایمیل به شما اخطار قانونی میدهم که هر فعالیتی که با نام این نهاد صورت بگیرد تعرض به حقوق اینجانب بوده و حق اقدامات قانونی علیه شما را برای خود محفوظ میدارم.

5-    در ضمن وظیفه خود میدانم که با دولتمردانی که شما در این پتیشن مخاطب قرار داده اید تماس گرفته و آنها را از وخامت وضعیت این نهاد، غیر قانونی بودن شما، و شرایط نا امنی را که برای همه ما مهاجرین ایرانی در کانادا بوجود آورده اید مطلع سازم.

مهدی شمس – یکی از 91 عضو کنگره ایرانیان

June 28
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

ICC VP TO MINISTERS: STOP FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN CANADIAN ELECTIONS BY PRO-WAR GROUPS INCLUDING MEK

 

The following letter was sent to the Minister of Democratic Institutions Hon. Karina Gould and the Minister of Public Safety Hon. Ralph Goodale from the ICC VP Pouyan Tabasinejad on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), warning them about foreign interference by pro-war groups including the cult group MEK:

Honourable Ministers Karina Gould and Ralph Goodale,

 

I am writing this letter to you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a non-profit and non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to defending the interests of the Iranian Canadian community, a population estimated at 300,000 across the country.

 

This letter is to inform you of a coordinated effort by foreign governments and foreign funded organizations to disrupt and influence Canadian politics and political discourse. We have come to these conclusions after a series of events came to light after they were uncovered by journalists. It is our position that these efforts constitute election interference in advance of the federal election in October, and that this effort must be immediately investigated and addressed by the Ministries for Democratic Institutions as well as that for Public Safety.

 

Firstly, as the ICC wrote earlier this month, activists connected to a formerly designated foreign terrorist organization Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) engaged in a coordinated effort to prevent award-winning pro-peace Iran analyst and former Georgetown professor Trita Parsi from testifying before the Canadian Parliament. This not only included emails and other communications to members of the committee from noted MEK affiliates and figures such as Shahram Golestaneh (head of Iran Democratic Association, a noted MEK front in Canada), but also a massive Twitter campaign targeting Canadian politicians.

 

It should be noted that numerous outlets have uncovered the MEK's ability to engage in coordinated campaigns using thousands of fake accounts to manipulate social media platforms, and the effort to disinvite Dr. Parsi seems to follow these patterns. We also note that the MEK is noted as being funded extensively by foreign governments, especially Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the committee and the chair Anita Vandenbeld decided to succumb to this pressure and disinvited Dr. Parsi less than 24 hours before his testimony. Our efforts to gain an understanding of the thinking of the committee on this have not been answered to date. Since then, it has become clear that foreign-funded organizations and fake social media accounts were an integral part of the campaign to push Dr. Parsi out, as shown below.

 

Secondly, it has come to light recently that the Trump administration has provided millions of dollars in funding to an organization which has attacked pro-peace American activists, journalists, independent analysts and human rights advocates critical of Trump’s policy in the Middle East. This foreign funded project was also involved in the campaign to influence the witness list in the Canadian Parliamentary Committee on International Human Rights and, most recently, the disinvitation of Mr. Parsi from the committee. Also concerning for us is that this organization, Iran Disinformation Project, may have also amplified attacks on Canadian activists and civil society organizations.

 

Lastly, over the past week, The Intercept uncovered the fact that a Twitter account with more than 30,000 followers and whose works were published in mainstream outlets, including 61 times in Forbes alone, was in reality a fake identity run by MEK operatives in Albania. Further, this account was followed, amplified, and was amplified by Canadian politicians and influential commentators on foreign policy, including sitting Senator Linda Frum and influential commentator Terry Glavin. This fake account was also leading the smear campaign against Trita Parsi and was an important part of getting Dr. Parsi disinvited from the House of Commons subcommittee.

 

What we are therefore seeing is the uncovering of a network of operatives, many of whom are connected to the violent cult MEK, funded by and located in foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia, engaging in sophisticated and coordinated disinformation campaigns to shape Canadian politics in advance of the coming federal election by attacking Canadian civil society. Most concerningly, not only are these campaigns extremely adept at manipulating social media; they are actually influencing the real life agenda in Canada's Parliament.

 

We therefore ask you to immediately investigate the above facts as well as any related issues and campaigns conducted by such individuals. The integrity of Canada's democratic institutions must be vigorously defended against such brazen attacks by foreign governments and terrorist organizations.
 
We are eagerly awaiting your reply to these urgent and serious concerns.

Sincerely,
Pouyan Tabasinejad
Vice President
Iranian Canadian Congress
June 24, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2019, 12:23:45 p.m. EDT
Subject: Tell Your MP: No War With Iran!

 
medi
 
As we all know, last week, after months of ripping up the Iran Deal and imposing crippling sanctions on Iran, the Trump administration came within 10 minutes of a military strike against Iran. As a result, the threat of war with Iran is higher than ever.

In response, the Canadian government has stayed silent -- while our allies in the EU and around the world are standing up for peace. In fact, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even stated the other day that he is “concerned with the escalation by Iran, repeating Trump's pro-war line!

Furthermore, at a time when our focus should be on preventing war, some MPs, including Liberal MPs, have sided with Trump and called for more sanctions on Iran!

Obviously, we are all concerned about this. Canada should stand up for peace and diplomacy – not fall in line with Trump and his warmongering.

That is why we're asking you to use this tool to call your MPs and tell them that you oppose war with Iran.

Many of you have participated in our email campaigns before. This time, we need to make sure Canadian parliamentarians hear our voice. That is why we are asking you to call their offices. 

Canada must not only condemn the Trump administration's push for war and try to de-escalate tensions in the region through diplomacy – we must also work with our European allies to support the Iran deal and ensure that Iranian civilians are protected from Trump's crippling sanctions. 

Click here to call your MP and tell them you oppose war: https://iccongress.good.do/CallMPNoWar/


Iranian Canadian Congress
http://www.iccongress.ca/

 

June 18, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 03:12:13 p.m. EDT
Subject: Join us: Rally for Peace. No War With Iran

 
JOIN US: RALLY FOR PEACE. NO WAR WITH IRAN

Over recent weeks many Iranian-Canadians have been concerned as the drums of war are sounding more and more loudly. With Donald Trump’s reckless policies and the warmongers in the White House, more than ever before we need to stand together despite all our differences and call for peace. 

Our message is clear: No War With Iran.

We have been asked by our members to mobilize a rally for peace in Toronto (and possibly Montreal and Vancouver).

We need your help to be able to organize this:

If you agree with holding this rally and will participate, please follow the link below and fill out the form:

https://www.iccongress.ca/NoWar

If you'd like to help in organizing the rally, please make sure you mention in the form that you are available to volunteer.

Share this link with your network:
https://www.iccongress.ca/NoWar

 

Sincerely, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

June 7, 2019
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2019 10:08 AM
To: Arsalan Kahnemuyipour <a.kahnemuyipour@utoronto.ca>
Subject: Defending Your Rights in the Canadian Parliament

Dear Friends, 

 

The mission of the Iranian Canadian Congress is to advance the interests of the Iranian-Canadian community. As part of this mission we monitor the discussions and activities in the Canadian parliament and get involved to defend our community's interests when there is a study or a piece of legislation that can affect our community. In the past 2 years our executives have testified at the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Committee on Citizenship and Immigration and Committee on Canadian Heritage. In 2018, with your help we successful campaigned and defeated the Iran sanctions bill S219 (Non-nuclear Sanctions Against Iran Act) in the Canadian Senate.

During this past month (May 2019) the ICC team submitted two written testimonies to the Canadian parliament:

Trump’s sanctions against Iran violate the rights of Iranian people: On May 9, 2019 Bijan Ahmadi, ICC board member, submitted a written testimony to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Canadian Parliament about the impact of US sanctions on Iranian people. You can read the full text here

Online Hate and Discrimination: Iranian-Canadian peace advocates have been victim of online hate, smear campaigns and Islamophobic tropes. Aligned with our priority to combat discrimination in all forms we have submitted a brief to the House of Commons on Justice and Human Rights outlining examples of online hate in the Iranian-Canadian community and explaining the impact on our people. Especially in this brief our team put together examples from the experience of one of our board members Saman Tabasinejad who faced an Islamophobic smear campaign when she was running as a candidate in the last Ontario provincial election. Read the full text here.  

To continue our work and expand our focus we need your financial support. Please visit our website and donate generously to your organization.

Click here to donate to the Iranian Canadian Congress.

 

Sincerely,

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

 

May 31
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2019, 08:00:30 a.m. EDT
Subject: ICC Legal Committee

 
Dear Friends, 
We are pleased to announce the founding of a new initiative, the Iranian Canadian Congress Legal Committee.

The policy team at the ICC has decided to launch this initiative to fulfill a need in the community for legal services that would otherwise be too costly. The ICC Legal Committee will undertake a variety of activities, including: giving policy advice for the ICC’s policy advocacy, staffing legal clinics, and giving pro bono legal services for Iranian-Canadian individuals and non-profits.

In return for their service, lawyers (and legal professionals) will receive the satisfaction of contributing to the community’s well-being and an opportunity to gain legal experience in interesting and rewarding cases and situations.

So if you or someone you know is a lawyer (or a legal professional) certified to practice in Canada or a law student in Canada, join the ICC Legal Committee by emailing info@iccongress.ca with a short bio and a brief description of your legal expertise.

Sincerely,
Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

 

May 30
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Letter to House Subcommittee on International Human Rights

Here is a letter from ICC VP Pouyan Tabasinejad to members of the Canadian Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights:

Honourable members of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, 

This month starting on May 13th, a series of events occurred that amounted to nothing less than the politicization of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights.

Firstly, even before this week, the committee showed a bias in their witness selection, heavily favoring pro-sanctions and pro-war advocates on a study which was made to analyze the human right situation in Iran, which is rapidly deteriorating due to unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States. The already precarious integrity of this study was further damaged when one of the few pro-peace voices -- Trita Parsi, a noted expert on Iran and pro-peace advocate -- had his invitation rescinded by the committee less than 24 hours before he was scheduled to testify after a coordinated action to bring pressure to bear on committee members. Furthermore, we were extremely concerned to learn that this rescinding was instigated at least in part by individuals associated with the MEK organization and its front in Canada, the “Iran Democratic Association,” as media outlets suggested that Shahram Golestaneh, a noted MEK affiliate, sent a letter to the chair of the committee asking for Dr. Trita Parsi to be removed.

Secondly, we are extremely disappointed to see that committee members are allowing the committee to act as a platform to attack Canadian civil society organizations with transparent falsehoods. At the committee and at the instigation of MP Michael Levitt, Shaparak Shajarizadeh stated yesterday that the "Iranian Canadian Council" had attacked her on social media. Based on her social media posts after the testimony, Ms. Shajarizadeh meant the "Iranian Canadian Congress". This assertion is absolutely false; at no time has the ICC ever written anything about Ms. Shajarizadeh (in relation to her committee testimony or at any other time). Whether Ms. Shajarizadeh has been misled, misquoted, or knowingly engaging in such falsehood, we believe that this is the direct result of the politicization of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights.

Testimony at the committee should not be a political issue; all legitimate points of view should be heard and allowed to speak. We note that at no point has the ICC attempted to remove witnesses who presented before the committee, even when they are as divisive and illegitimate as the FDD's Mark Dubowitz, noted advocate of war and sanctions against Iran, who has repeatedly been invited to present before the committee, nor Maryam Rajavi the head of the MEK cult, an organization that was listed as a terrorist group in Canada till 2012. We ask that all sides of the issues at hand act with similar restraint and respect for a diversity of opinions and views in order to prevent the further politicization and erosion of legitimacy of the committee's work. Specifically, we look to the committee members and the chair, Anita Vandenbeld, for leadership on this issue. 

Sincerely, 

Pouyan Tabasinejad

Vice President

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

May 30
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Are You A Lawyer? Volunteer for the ICC Legal Committee

Here is an announcement from the Iranian Canadian Congress:

We are pleased to announce the founding of a new initiative, the Iranian Canadian Congress Legal Committee.

The policy team at the ICC has decided to launch this initiative to fulfill a need in the community for legal services that would otherwise be too costly. The ICC Legal Committee will undertake a variety of activities, including: giving policy advice for the ICC’s policy advocacy, staffing legal clinics, and giving pro bono legal services for Iranian-Canadian individuals and non-profits.

In return for their service, lawyers will receive the satisfaction of contributing to the community’s well-being and an opportunity to gain legal experience in interesting and rewarding cases and situations.

So if you or someone you know is a lawyer (or a legal professional) certified to practice in Canada or a law student in Canada, join the ICC Legal Committee by emailing info@iccongress.ca with a short bio and a brief description of your legal expertise.

 

May 16
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2019, 10:01:07 p.m. EDT
Subject: Action Alert: No War With Iran

 
Dear Members and Supporters of the Iranian Canadian Congress,
Over the past few weeks many Iranian-Canadians have been concerned as the drums of war are sounding more and more loudly. Donald Trump’s reckless policy against Iran is moving US closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East. This time with Iran!

It is crucial for our leadership in Canada to stand up for peace and dialogue. Unfortunately, Canada has thus far been missing in action on this important issue. Please contact your parliamentarians and ask them to support peace and diplomacy with Iran. Our message is simple: "No Sanctions, No War!"

Click here to email your MPs and tell them: No Sanctions, No War!

We need to stand together and advocate for peace.

Please share the following link with your network: http://iccongress.ca/iran

 

همراه هم و یک صدا بگوییم: نه به تحریم، نه به جنگ! گروه های حامی تحریم و جنگ تلاش میکنند با فشار و لابی سیاسی در اتاوا، دولت کانادا را نیز با سیاست های دولت ترامپ علیه ایران همراه کنند. همراه هم ما ایرانیان مخالف تحریم و جنگ میتوانیم صدای خود را به گوش مجلس و دولت کانادا برسانیم. اینجا را کلیک کنید و متن پیشنهادی را برای نمایندگان خود ارسال کنید و از آنها بخواهید از صلح و دیپلماسی با ایران حمایت کنند

 

- Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

 

May 13
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2019, 02:35:12 p.m. EDT
Subject: Action Alert: No Sanctions, No War

 

ACTION ALERT: NO SANCTIONS, NO WAR!

 

Over the past few weeks many Iranian-Canadians have been concerned as the drums of war are sounding more and more loudly. Donald Trump’s reckless policy against Iran is moving US closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East. This time with Iran!

It is crucial for our leadership in Canada to stand up for peace and dialogue. Unfortunately, Canada has thus far been missing in action on this important issue.

Furthermore, pro-sanctions and pro-war lobby groups have been active in Ottawa, pushing for Canada to follow Trump’s policy against Iran.

We need to stand together and advocate for peace.

Please contact your parliamentarians and ask them to support peace and diplomacy with Iran. Our message is simple: "No Sanctions, No War!"

Use this simple tool to contact your Member of Parliament and Senators and tell them that you expect them to stand up against war and sanctions. Let's stand together and do our part today.

Click here to email your MPs and tell them:

No Sanctions, No War!

Please share the following link with your network: http://iccongress.ca/iran

- Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

 

May 10
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2019, 09:56:14 p.m. EDT
Subject: Trump’s misguided policy on Iran threatens the JCPOA

 

Statement from the Iranian Canadian Congress:

Trump’s misguided policy against Iran threatens the future of the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA)

Last week, the Trump administration imposed further pressure on Iran by removing two civil nuclear cooperation waivers related to purchase of enriched uranium and heavy water from Iran. By removing these two waivers the Trump administration essentially made it impossible for Tehran to continue its full compliance with the JCPOA. As a result and after a year since US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement and imposition of several rounds of maximum pressure sanctions that have caused tremendous damage to the Iranian economy, Iran has decided to reduce its commitments under the JCPOA and provide a 60-day period to EU, Russia and China to help Iran against US unilateral sanctions that are in violation of UNSC 2231.

Trump’s misguided policy on Iran over the past year has undermined this landmark non-proliferation agreement; he has made  unprecedented and dangerous decisions such as designating a formal military branch of Iran’s armed forces, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization. These decisions of the US administration have escalated tensions in the region and have put us on the path to another catastrophic war in the Middle East region.

Now more than ever, it’s important for responsible nations around the world including Canada to work together to prevent a regional military conflict that will have disastrous consequences for the world.

Unfortunately, Canada has thus far been missing in action on this important issue, even while the region would benefit considerably from Canadian advocacy for peace and multilateralism. We therefore call on the Canadian government to start working with our EU partners to help Iranian people in facing US unjust sanctions and to ensure the survival of the JCPOA.



Iranian Canadian Congress

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May 10
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Help protect our community

Here is a letter to ICC members and supporters from the ICC VP Pouyan Tabasinejad:

Dear Friends, 

My name is Pouyan Tabasinejad and I am the Vice President of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC).

Over the past three years, I have been proud to be part of the astonishing growth of the ICC into a staunch and powerful defender of the Iranian-Canadian community. Because of the ICC’s efforts, politicians and officials are learning that the Iranian-Canadian community can no longer be ignored.

However, there are far too many regressive forces inside and outside the community, from the far-right to pro-sanctions lobby groups like the MEK, who do not want the Iranian-Canadian community to be strong and independent. They would like to keep us silent, especially in advance of the federal election in October. 

That is why I am asking you to donate to the ICC. Now more than ever, your donation is needed to help protect our community from those who would like to hold us back, who want to prevent us from advocating for peace and diplomacy with Iran and for ending anti-Iranian discrimination. 

Donate to the ICC using this simple and convenient link, and help us continue to defend your interests.

 Sincerely,

Pouyan Tabasinejad

Vice President
Iranian Canadian Congress

 

May 10
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Trump’s misguided policy against Iran threatens the future of the JCPOA

Here is a statement from the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC):

Trump’s misguided policy against Iran threatens the future of the JCPOA

 

Last week, the Trump administration imposed further pressure on Iran by removing two civil nuclear cooperation waivers related to purchase of enriched uranium and heavy water from Iran. By removing these two waivers the Trump administration essentially made it impossible for Tehran to continue its full compliance with the JCPOA. As a result and after a year since US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement and imposition of several rounds of maximum pressure sanctions that have caused tremendous damage to the Iranian economy, Iran has decided to reduce its commitments under the JCPOA and provide a 60-day period to EU, Russia and China to help Iran against US unilateral sanctions that are in violation of UNSC 2231.

Trump’s misguided policy on Iran over the past year has undermined this landmark non-proliferation agreement; he has made  unprecedented and dangerous decisions such as designating a formal military branch of Iran’s armed forces, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization. These decisions of the US administration have escalated tensions in the region and have put us on the path to another catastrophic war in the Middle East region.

Now more than ever, it’s important for responsible nations around the world including Canada to work together to prevent a regional military conflict that will have disastrous consequences for the world.

Unfortunately, Canada has thus far been missing in action on this important issue, even while the region would benefit considerably from Canadian advocacy for peace and multilateralism. We therefore call on the Canadian government to start working with our EU partners to help Iranian people in facing US unjust sanctions and to ensure the survival of the JCPOA.

 

May 09
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 

From: Pouyan Tabasinejad, ICC VP <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2019, 11:09:21 p.m. EDT
Subject: Help protect our community

 
Dear Friends,

 

My name is Pouyan Tabasinejad and I am the Vice President of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC).

Over the past three years, I have been proud to be part of the astonishing growth of the ICC into a staunch and powerful defender of the Iranian-Canadian community. Because of the ICC’s efforts, politicians and officials are learning that the Iranian-Canadian community can no longer be ignored.

However, there are far too many regressive forces inside and outside the community, from the far-right to pro-sanctions lobby groups like the MEK, who do not want the Iranian-Canadian community to be strong and independent. They would like to keep us silent, especially in advance of the federal election in October. 

That is why I am asking you to donate to the ICC. Now more than ever, your donation is needed to help protect our community from those who would like to hold us back, who want to prevent us from advocating for peace and diplomacy with Iran and for ending anti-Iranian discrimination. 

Donate to the ICC using this simple and convenient link, and help us continue to defend your interests.

 Sincerely,

Pouyan Tabasinejad

Vice President

 

May 01
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 01:46:04 p.m. EDT
Subject: Report from the Canadian Red Cross

 

Canadian Red Cross has raised over $320,000 so far for the Iran Floods Appeal.

 

Dear Members and Supporters of the Iranian Canadian Congress, 

 

At the request of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) and based on the emergency appeal from the International Federation of Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross launched an emergency appeal to raise donations for flood victims in Iran in early April. Based on latest information from the Canadian Red Cross so far they have collected a total of $320,000 for the Iran floods appeal.

Around $70,000 of this amount is from individual donations and $250,000 from the Government of Canada. We would like to thank the Government of Canada for providing this support to the Canadian Red Cross for flood victims in Iran. You can read the request we sent to Minister Monsef on April 10, 2019 here.

Based on info from the Canadian Red Cross the funds will be sent to the International Federal of Red Cross for transfer to Iran. These donations will help the Red Cross teams to provide shelter, basic needs and livelihood support in response to this disaster.

You still have time to donate to the Canadian Red Cross Iran Floods Appeal through the following link: http://www.redcross.ca/Iran/ICC

 

 برای مطالعه گزارش فارسی ژورنال ایرانیان کانادا درباره کمک های جمع آوری شده توسط صلیب سرخ کانادا اینجا را کلیک کنید

 

Sincerely, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

April 22
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 

From: Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>

To: Admin ICC <info@iccongress.ca>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2019, 01:55:05 p.m. EDT
Subject: Re: Membership Issue

 

هییت مدیره کنگره ایرانیان

همانطور که در ایمیل های قبلی ام اعلام کرده ام، من هنوز منتظر هستم که ترتیب ملاقات اینجانب با یکی از اعضای هییت مدیره برای پرداخت ده دلار حق عضویت داده شود. 

با تشکر - مهدی شمس

 

 

 

April 13
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10:42:39 a.m. EDT
Subject: Reminder: Canadian Red Cross Iran Floods Appeal

 
You can now donate to the Canadian Red Cross to help the flood victims in Iran!

The Canadian Red Cross has accepted our request to launch an emergency appeal to raise donations for flood victims in Iran. These donations will help the Red Cross teams to provide shelter, basic needs and livelihood support in response to this disaster in Iran.

Click here to donate to the Canadian Red Cross dedicated fund for the Iran floods

Simply use the form available here on the website of the Canadian Red Cross to donate to the dedicated fund created for helping the flood victims in Iran. All your donations go directly to the Canadian Red Cross.

 

Please share the following link with your friends and family and ask them to donate as well:

http://www.redcross.ca/Iran/ICC

 

کمک مالی خود را از طریق وبسایت صلیب سرخ کانادا به حساب ویژه کمک به سیل زدگان ایران ارسال کنید 
http://www.redcross.ca/Iran/ICC

 

Sincerely, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

April 11
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook
 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2019, 04:02:19 p.m. EDT
Subject: Help Flood Victims in Iran Through the Canadian Red Cross

 

 
Dear Members and Supporters of the Iranian Canadian Congress,

 

The Canadian Red Cross has accepted our request to launch an emergency appeal to raise donations for flood victims in Iran. These donations will help the Red Cross teams to provide shelter, basic needs and livelihood support in response to this disaster in Iran.

Please follow these two simple steps to help the flood victims in Iran through the Canadian Red Cross:

Step 1: Click here to donate to the Canadian Red Cross dedicated fund for the Iran floods

Simply use the form available here on the website of the Canadian Red Cross to donate to the dedicated fund created for helping the flood victims in Iran. All your donations go directly to the Canadian Red Cross.

Step 2: Click here to join the Iranian Canadian Aid Committee to help with raising donations for the flood victims in Iran:

A group of members and volunteers of the ICC have created an independent, non-profit and non-political committee to help in reaching out to the community and raising donations for the Canadian Red Cross Iran Floods Appeal. Their aim is to help raise $200,000 for the Canadian Red Cross for the flood victims in Iran. The long term goal of the Iranian Canadian Aid Committee (IC AID) is to establish a network across Canada that can mobilize our community to help Iranians at times of need and emergency such as natural disasters. If you are interested to join their team and help them raise donations for the flood victims, please visit their website at ICAID.CA and register through their sign up page.

 

Sincerely, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

April 11
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

Response from the Canadian Red Cross

Here is the official response we received from the Canadian Red Cross to the request the ICC sent them for opening an appeal to help the flood victims in Iran.

At the request of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) and based on the international call for assistance the Canadian Red Cross has launched an appeal to assist the flood victims in Iran. Please use the following page on the Red Cross website to donate to them directly: www.redcross.ca/Iran/ICC

 Here is the official response the ICC received to its initial letter:

 Dear Soudeh Ghasemi 

On behalf of the Canadian Red Cross we thank you for your time in contacting us regarding the response to the flash floods in Iran. At this time the Canadian Red Cross has opened a funding appeal in response to the floods to assist the individuals affected across Iran.

Currently the Iranian Red Crescent has been on the forefront of relief efforts, with approximately 17,000 responders assisting over 332,000 individuals and providing temporary shelter to a further 160,000 people.

When an emergency is too severe for local support systems to adequately respond, the global Red Cross response can be quickly activated. There are local volunteers being mobilized across the areas affected by the floods to support the needs of vulnerable communities.  The Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is working to coordinate international emergency relief efforts and get help to people in affected areas as quickly as possible.

Canadians wishing to support those affected can make a financial donation to the Iran Floods appeal by visiting our website at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office. Funds raised through this appeal will enabled the Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide shelter, basic needs and livelihood support in response to this disaster.

In the event that any members of your organization are searching for channels through which to contact family members in Iran we have provided the contact information for the international committee of the Red Cross  restoring family links here below:

 What do I do if I’m looking for family members in the affected area?

If the person you are trying to contact is a Canadian citizen, please contact Foreign Affairs Canada by calling 1-800-605-5499.

People who are looking for family members (who are not Canadian citizens) who have been displaced because of the flooding are encouraged to visit the ICRC Family Links website at

http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/.

 We sincerely thank you and your organization the Iranian Canadian Congress for their support to the Canadian Red Cross. Should you have further questions regarding this funding appeal please do not hesitate to reach out directly

 Best Regards,

Alexandre Rochefort-Boone 
Donor Experience Associate

Canadian Red Cross

 
April 11
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

 

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>
To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2019, 07:00:27 a.m. EDT
Subject: Reminder: Join the Iranian Canadian Aid Committee

 
Dear Friends,

 

A group of members and volunteers of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) have established an independent, non-profit and non-political committee to help in reaching out to the community and raising donations for the Canadian Red Cross Iran Floods Appeal. Their aim is to help raise $200,000 for the Canadian Red Cross for the flood victims in Iran. The long term goal of the Iranian Canadian Aid Committee (IC AID) is to establish a network across Canada that can mobilize our community to help Iranians at times of need and emergency such as natural disasters. If you are interested to join their team and help them raise donations for the flood victims, please visit their website at ICAID.CA and register through their sign up page. 

www.icaid.ca

در صورتی که علاقمند به همراهی برای جمع آوری کمک های بیشتر برای سیل زدگان از طریق صلیب سرخ کانادا هستید، از طریق لینک زیر به کمیته مستقلی که برای این منظور آغاز به کار کرده بپیوندید 
http://www.icaid.ca

 

Sincerely, 

Iranian Canadian Congress

 

April 10
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

ICC: We Request the Government of Canada to Help Flood Victims in Iran Through Canadian Red Cross

Here is a letter from the ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi to the Minister of International Development Maryam Monsef:

The Canadian Red Cross has accepted ICC's request and has launched an appeal for flood victims in Iran. The ICC has also requested the federal government to help. Here is a letter from the ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi to the Minister of International Development Maryam Monsef requesting the Government of Canada to help the flood victims in Iran through the Canadian Red Cross.

Request for Disaster Relief Fund to Help Flood Victims in Iran

Dear Honourable Maryam Monsef,

 

I am contacting you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) regarding the ongoing floods in Iran.

Since March 16 the flash rains have begun in Iran initially in northern provinces and continued the following days in other provinces. At least 23 out of 31 provinces across Iran are affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, and about 1905 cities and villages have been struggling with floods in recent weeks. The disaster, which has so far killed 70 people and injured at least 790 persons, has left aid agencies struggling to cope; and forced 98,000 people to move to emergency shelters. It is reported that the flooding has caused landslides and swept away bridges. Nearly 12,000 kilometers of roads, which is more than a third of the country's network have been damaged; leaving some villages entirely cut off.

On April 7th the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have started an emergency appeal seeking support to help the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to provide shelter, basic needs and protection to the victims of this natural disaster, requesting 5.1 million Swiss Francs funding to assist 30,000 households (150,000 people). Please find attached a Copy of The Emergency Appeal.

As indicated in this report, “The first needs assessment was conducted immediately after the onset of the disaster, assisted by IRCS helicopters and boats. IRCS evaluated at-risk communities, which are sheltered in public evacuation centers such as stadiums, halls, and mosques.” Also, it is indicated that “with technical support from the IFRC, the IRCS will select affected people based on the key principles of impartiality, neutrality, and humanity. In addition, the selection process will follow the Code of Conduct guideline for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in disaster relief”.

The international community has responded to this humanitarian crisis by sending equipment and basic needs.  So far German Red Cross, and Turkish Red Crescent sent special rescue equipment, tents, and basic needs. Red Cross organizations in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, as well as the United Kingdom and the European Union have offered help. Also, countries like Switzerland, France, Kuwait, and Russia are joining the cause by sending humanitarian aids and necessary equipment.

We sent a letter to the Canadian Red Cross requesting their support to help the victims of this natural disaster, by sending aid to provide basic needs, shelter, and protection; and they are currently exploring different options to raise funds to help the victims. Considering the fact that Canada is one of the leaders in the international community for standing up for human rights and offering humanitarian aid, we request the Government of Canada to provide immediate funds to help disaster relief efforts and the flood victims in Iran through the Canadian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Iranian-Canadians have strong family ties in Iran, and they have been anxiously following the news about the floods on a daily basis since the mark of the Persian New Year.

We at the Iranian Canadian Congress have been reached by many community members, who are looking for ways to help their loved ones.  We appreciate the statement released by Global Affairs Canada expressing solidarity with Iranian people in these difficult times. Iranian-Canadians hope their government not only to sympathize with them in their words but also in action. Such action would be greatly welcomed and appreciated by the people of Iran and by over 300,000 Iranians across Canada.

You may find a comprehensive report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies attached. Meanwhile, should you require additional information, we at the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) would be more than happy to assist.  

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be any help, and we truly appreciate your time and consideration in advance.

Kind regards,

Soudeh Ghasemi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress
Tuesday April 9, 2019
April 08
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

From: Iranian Canadian Congress <info@iccongress.ca>

To: medi shams <medishams@rogers.com>
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2019, 02:24:23 p.m. EDT
Subject: ICC: Letter to the Canadian Red Cross

 
Dear Friends,

 

Here is a letter from the ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi to the Canadian Red Cross requesting that they support the flood victims in Iran:

متن درخواست کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از صلیب سرخ کانادا برای کمک به سیل زدگان در ایران

Kind Attention: Conrad Sauvé, President of the Canadian Red Cross

 
I am contacting you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress regarding the ongoing floods in Iran.
 
The flash rains began on March 16 in northern provinces of Iran and continued the following days in other provinces. At least 23 out of 31 provinces across Iran are affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, and about 1905 cities and villages have been struggling with floods in recent weeks. The disaster, which has so far killed 70 people and injured at least 790 persons, has left aid agencies struggling to cope and forced 98,000 people to move to emergency shelters. On April 7th the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have started an Emergency Appeal seeking support to help the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to provide shelter; livelihoods and basic needs to the victims of this natural disaster (Copy of Emergency Appeal). So far German Red Cross, and Turkish Red Crescent have responded by sending equipment and basic needs. Other countries like Switzerland, France, Kuwait are also joining the cause by sending humanitarian aids, and necessary equipment.

 
We would like to ask the Canadian Red Cross to join the  International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help victims of this natural disaster. Based on reports there is a high shortage of emergency relief facilities and equipment in the country, we request that the Canadian Red Cross help the victims, by sending aid to provide basic needs, shelter, and protection. Also, there are thousands of Iranian-Canadians who are looking for ways to help and at the Iranian Canadian Congress, we are ready to help in any way possible. We are ready to help in promoting any fundraising appeal in our community for this cause. Such action would be greatly welcomed and appreciated not only by the people of Iran but also by over 300,000 Iranians across Canada.
We appreciate your time and consideration in advance.
Kind Regards,
Soudeh Ghasemi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)

 

April 08
ICC WEB     ICC Facebook

ICC: We Request the Canadian Red Cross to Help Flood Victims in Iran

Here is a letter from ICC President Soudeh Ghasemi to the Canadian Red Cross:

Kind Attention: 

Conrad Sauvé, President of the Canadian Red Cross,

I am contacting you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress regarding the ongoing floods in Iran.
 
The flash rains began on March 16 in northern provinces of Iran and continued the following days in other provinces. At least 23 out of 31 provinces across Iran are affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, and about 1905 cities and villages have been struggling with floods in recent weeks. The disaster, which has so far killed 70 people and injured at least 790 persons, has left aid agencies struggling to cope and forced 98,000 people to move to emergency shelters. On April 7th the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have started an Emergency Appeal seeking support to help the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to provide shelter; livelihoods and basic needs to the victims of this natural disaster (Copy of Emergency Appeal). So far German Red Cross, and Turkish Red Crescent have responded by sending equipment and basic needs. Other countries like Switzerland, France, Kuwait are also joining the cause by sending humanitarian aids, and necessary equipment.

 
We would like to ask the Canadian Red Cross to join the  International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help victims of this natural disaster. Based on reports there is a high shortage of emergency relief facilities and equipment in the country, we request that the Canadian Red Cross help the victims, by sending aid to provide basic needs, shelter, and protection. Also, there are thousands of Iranian-Canadians who are looking for ways to help and at the Iranian Canadian Congress, we are ready to help in any way possible. We are ready to help in promoting any fundraising appeal in our community for this cause. Such action would be greatly welcomed and appreciated not only by the people of Iran but also by over 300,000 Iranians across Canada. 
 
We appreciate your time and consideration in advance. 
 
Kind Regards,
 
Soudeh Ghasemi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress
  • April 01
     

    Medi Shams <medishams@rogers.com>

    To:Iranian Canadian Congress
    Cc:Iccma Info
    Apr. 1, 2018 at 4:29 p.m.
     
    هییت مدیره کنگره ایرانیان
    خواهشمندم به مراتب زیر توجه نموده و سریعن اقدامات لازم را به عمل آورید:

    1- 
     کناره گیری فوری دو نفر از کاندیداهای انتخاباتی از هییت مدیره.
    - مطمئن شما هم با من عقیده هستید که حضور دو تن از کاندیدا ها در هییت مدیره باعث بوجود آمدن تضاد منافع و نابرابری میان کاندیدا ها خواهد بود.
    2- انتشار فوری بیوگرافی های به زبان فارسی کاندیدا ها
    - مطمئنن آگاه میباشید که الزام ارائه بیوگرافی به زبان انگلیسی جدیدن متداول شده و غیر قانونی میباشد. شاید لازم به اثبات نباشد که زبان مورد استفاده در مجمع عمومی زبان رسمی یک نهاد تلقی میشود، حتی اگر این نهاد در کانادا مشغول به فعالیت است. در ضمن آگاهی داریم که در تمام گردهمائی های کنگره و جلسات هییت مدیره زبان مورد استفاده فارسی میباشد. دو مورد را نیز از یاد نبریم که بخشی از اعضای کامیونیتی و کنگره را سالمندان و افرادی که به زبان انگلیسی تسلط کافی ندارند تشکیل میدهند. حتمن شما هم به خاطر دارید که در مجمع عمومی های سال های گذشته و در جلسات مناظره کاندیدا به عدم سخنگوئی به زبان فارسی اعتراض هائی شده است. عدم انتشار بیوگرافی اینجانب که به زبان فارسی تنظیم شده است به گونه ائی تعرض به حقوق یکی از کاندیدا بوده و غیر قانونی میباشد.    
    3- درخواست ارائه مدارک بعد از انتخابات و فقط از کاندیداهای موفق
    متاسفانه با گذشت زمان عدم اعتماد در کنگره ایرانیان که بیشتر حاصل رفتار های غیر قانونی و تفرقه انگیز هییت مدیره ها میباشند در حال گسترش است. شاهد هستیم که اخیرن با افزایش رفتار های غیر قانونی، هییت مدیره ها سعی دارند با مته به خشخاش گذاشتن و به اصطلاح رعایت مفاد اساسنامه به گونه ائی تصویری از قانونمندی خود در اذهان عمومی بوجود آورند. اخیرن شاهد هستیم که از کاندیدا ها گواهی شهروندی و گواهی عدم سوء پیشینه درخواست میشود. حتی اگر اساسنامه را به گونه ائی تلقی کنیم که ارائه این مدارک الزامی میباشد، درخواست آنها فقط از کاندیدا هائی که در انتخابات موفق میگردند معقول تر به نظر میاید. خواهشمندم به این نکته نیز توجه شده و اقدامات لازم به عمل آید.
    4- ممنوعیت شرکت در انتخابات کاندیدائی که قصد دارد در انتخابات پارلمانی شرکت کند
    از آنجائیکه هییت مدیره بر خلاف اساسنامه انتخابات امسال را یکماه زودتر برگزار کرده و قبل از تشکیل هییت مدیره جدید تصمیم گرفته است که در انتخابات  استانی فعال باشد، پذیرش نامزدی یکی از کاندیدا ها اگر قصد داشته باشد در انتخابات استانی شرکت کند، برخلاف اساسنامه است. بخصوص که یکی از اعضای خانواده این فرد در هییت مدیره کنونی عضویت داشته و کاندیدای انتخاباتی سال آینده کنگره نیز میباشد. به نظر میاید که این افراد با کمک هییت مدیره قصد دارند که این نهاد را به دفتر کمپین انتخاباتی مبدل سازند.  
    5مجاز بودن حضور افراد غیر عضو در مجمع عمومی به عنوان ناظر
    متاسفا