Find below an email that the ICC 's President Soudeh Ghasemi sent to Canadian Government Ministers asking Canada to help Iran during the COVID19 crisis:

Kind Attention:

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development

MP Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Janet Johnson, Vice President Philanthropy Canadian Red Cross 

I am contacting you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-religious organization, established in 2007, to advance the interests of the Iranian-Canadian community.

In recent weeks Iran has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. The country has the third greatest number of deaths from the COVID-19 after China and Italy. According to the latest official statistics, Iran has confirmed 429 deaths and more than 10,000 cases of infections from this global epidemic. Iran has also been the main source of dozens of cases in countries including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The concerning part is that some studies suggest that there are still many more unidentified cases in the country and the situation is expected to become even worse in the upcoming days. 

Iran has published a list of medical items and equipment it urgently needs which you can find attached to this email. Iran has communicated its list of requirements with the International Federation of Red Cross as well asking the international community for support in combating this COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Last week, some European countries along with the World Health Organization (WHO) have reportedly provided both technical and financial support to Iran.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his $1B COVID-19 package that included “ an additional $50 million to help vulnerable countries prepared for and respond to the virus, supporting efforts of the WHO and other partners.” We certainly believe that Iran is vulnerable and should meet the requirements to receive help and support from Canada. We urge the Canadian government to help Iran in its fight with this global pandemic.   

Last year, the ICC had a successful experience with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) in the case of severe flooding in Iran. The federal government also provided aid through the Red Cross. Indeed, that is why we are reaching out again to explore ways in which we could help our government and Canadian Red Cross to, once again, provide support for the Iranian people in this time of emergency. Last time, the Government of Canada generously provided $250,000 to Iran through the International Federation of Red Cross and the CRC also launched a fundraising appeal to help flood victims in Iran. Based on the final report from the CRC, $150,000 was raised through this channel and was sent to Iran as part of the emergency assistance fund. 

We strongly believe there is an urgent need to take similar actions now and the ICC is fully prepared to help the government and the Canadian Red Cross in any way possible, especially when it comes to fundraising within the Iranian-Canadian community in Canada.

Sincerely,

Soudeh Ghasemi

President

Iranian Canadian Congress