“Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel,” read a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on April 13. “We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.
“These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.
“I am receiving regular updates from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Clerk of the Privy Council as the situation develops. We are in contact with allies, and we will continue to monitor closely.”
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, who recently announced he was planning to take on a new role in the Liberal Party—with a focus on fighting antisemitism and strengthening relations with the Jewish community—also commented on social media:
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s statement focused on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which “coordinates and funds terror throughout the region,” noting its role in the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS 752, on which 55 Canadians were killed on Jan. 8, 2020.
“Canada must stand with Israel, we must work with our allies to hold the Iranian regime accountable and ensure security in the region,” wrote Poilievre. “The Government of Canada must immediately ban the Tehran-controlled terrorist group, IRGC, to protect our people and stop the regime from using our country to raise funds, plan and coordinate.”
Air Canada cancelled a 4:25 p.m. flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv on Saturday “because of government or regulatory restrictions outside our control.” The airline resumed its service of four weekly flights to Israel on April 9, after a six-month hiatus.