Introduction of AGM 2023 candidate Dr. Raheleh Tarani
Dr. Raheleh Tarani is a compassionate mental health professional with over 15 years of experience in various treatment and educational settings. She holds a PhD, MSc, and BA in Psychology from reputable universities in Iran, India, and the USA. As a research-oriented professional, she has published and presented various mental health-related research papers at national and international conferences.
Dr. Tarani is a strong advocate for mutual and democratic relationships among countries, believing that diplomacy, rather than coercion, encourages solidarity, peace, fairness, and integration. She sees this approach as the moral path to address injustices within societies and worldwide. Dr. Tarani opposes the expansionism of military blocs and the use of force in the multipolar world that is being formed, as she believes it can have undesirable consequences of separation of inhabitants of this tiny planet, reduction in peaceful production, and a decline in cooperation among humanity to solve fundamental challenges we face.
She is deeply committed to peace, human rights, equity, and providing equal opportunities. Dr. Tarani is against racism and discrimination, and she believes in the vast potential of human beings, recognizing that we can do better if we are healthier and are given equal opportunities.
Dr. Tarani has been heavily involved in political activism since her brother was killed during the Green Movement in Iran. She understands the importance of providing a platform for practicing peaceful, respectful, realistic, and rational dialogue among diverse community members with different ideological goals. As an Iranian Canadian, she believes in protecting the interests of Iranian Canadians and enhancing their performance and problem-solving in Canada.
Dr. Tarani's enriched understanding of diversity and ability to communicate in multiple languages including Turkish, Farsi (Persian), Urdu, Hindi, Panjabi, and Japanese, in addition to fluency in English, enables her to develop strong relationships with diverse populations.
Overall, Dr. Tarani's multifaceted experience and expertise have equipped her with the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of others, both as a mental health professional and as an advocate for social justice and human rights.
Introduction of AGM 2023 candidate Mohammad VahidiRad
My name is Mohammad Vahidirad, but my friends call me Mohammad Rad. I strongly believe that discovering your ego is key to finding your place within society. We are all part of a community, and it is impossible to live without the support and contributions of others.
Women, in particular, represent a crucial source of strength in our society. As an internationally recognized business theorist, planner, and finance expert, I have always emphasized practical application over empty rhetoric. My clients-turned-friends often describe me as a tree of prosperity, full of unique ideas and a keen analytical mind.
While I am a pragmatist at heart, I pride myself on being a dependable friend and advisor. Over the past 20 years of varied business experience, I have gained extensive empirical and academic knowledge that allows me to analyze different market positions and business conditions with ease.
Years ago, I made the decision to immigrate to Canada from Iran, which presented a unique opportunity to expand my business. However, I also learned the importance of staying true to my dreams despite the challenges of adapting to a new country. Dreams are the foundation of our achievements, and it's crucial to hold onto them as we navigate life's twists and turns.
My achievements speak for themselves. I am a member of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Court of Arbitration, the World Chambers Federation (WCF), and the World Chambers Congress (WCC). I am the author of "Business with/from/in Canada" and the translator of the latest business and economic statistics of Canada until the end of 2022 in Iran.
In addition to these accomplishments, I founded the Canada Iran Business Association, the first international association between Iran and Canada under the supervision of the Canadian Foreign Ministry and officially registered in Iran in the private sector. I also established Hodhod Cultural Media, the first Persian language online media in Canada, and served on the Board of the Iranian-Canadian Congress in 2022.
As someone who recognizes the value of education in various fields, I am excited to introduce some of my educational programs for 2022:
"Global Business Strategy": a comprehensive course that covers all aspects of business strategy and its implementation in the global market.
"Leadership and Team Management": a practical program designed to enhance leadership skills and team management abilities.
"Financial Planning and Investment Management": a workshop that provides valuable insights into financial planning and investment management for individuals and businesses.
I am also running for a position that I believe will enable me to make a positive impact in my community. Despite facing adversity, I remain committed to contributing to society in a meaningful way. As an experienced business theorist and finance expert, I have a proven track record of success in various international settings.
My pragmatic approach to problem-solving, coupled with my deep understanding of different business conditions and market positions, makes me an ideal candidate for this position. If you share my vision and values, I humbly ask for your vote. Together, we can create a better future for our community and beyond.
2022:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSBzEXwaAuk&t=2098s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_wfUMH3Dc&t=1004s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EduAcO-XSwc
ICC AGM 2023 nominations
The nomination window for the upcoming ICC election was closed on March 23, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET. The ICC has received emails from the following individuals (ordered alphabetically):
- Ms. Mona Borghei: Ms. Borghei has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Mr. Amir-Hassan Ghaseminejad-Tafreshi: Mr. Ghseminejad-Tafreshi has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year.
- Ms. Zahra (Mona) Ghassemi: Ms. Ghassemi has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Ms. Narges Jamali: Ms. Jamali has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Ms. Saideh (Arezou) Khadir: Ms. Khadir has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year.
- Mr. Mani Mobini: Mr. Mobini has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Ms. Asoudeh Novin: Ms. Novin has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Ms. Laleh Rouhani: Ms. Rouhani has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Mr. Medi (Mehdi) Shams: Upon reviewing Mr. Shams membership history, it was realized that his membership expired in June 2021, and he has not renewed his membership since then. Thus, he is currently not a member of the ICC and does not meet the nomination criteria as outlined in the ICC by-laws. Also, Mr. Shams did not provide a picture of a government-issued ID, as requested in the nomination announcement and did not respond to a follow-up email asking him to submit this document.
- Ms. Raheleh Tarani: Ms. Tarani has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
- Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad: Mr. Vahidirad has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year.
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Mr. Arvin Zokaei: Mr. Zokaei has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws.
According to the ICC by-laws, candidates, who do not meet the criterion of being a regular member with good standing for at least one year prior to the election, can request for an exemption from the members. To facilitate such a request, members will be asked if they are in favour of granting such an exemption in this election on the election ballot. If approved by the members, candidates who are an ICC member but do not meet the 1-year requirement, i.e. Ms. Ghassemi, Ms. Borghei, Ms. Jamali, Mr. Mobini, Ms. Novin, Ms. Rouhani, Ms. Tarani and Mr. Zokaei will be exempted, and if elected, can serve as an ICC director.
Having said the above, the following eleven candidates will run for the upcoming ICC election (ordered alphabetically):
- Ms. Mona Borghei
- Mr. Amirhassan Ghasseminejad-Tafreshi
- Ms. Zahra (Mona) Ghassemi
- Ms. Narges Jamali
- Ms. Saideh (Arezou) Khadir
- Mr. Mani Mobini
- Ms. Asoudeh Novin
- Ms. Laleh Rouhani
- Ms. Raheleh Tarani
- Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad
- Mr. Arvin Zokaei
The ICC election committee
Update: The following four candidates have resigned from candidacy for the upcoming ICC election:
1- Narges Jamali
2- Mani Mobini
3- Laleh Rouhani
4- Arvin Zokaei
Upcoming ICC AGM 2023 and Invitations to Nominations
The ICC board of directors is pleased to announce that the next ICC annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on April 9 from 1 PM ET (10 AM PT). The meeting will be held on a videoconferencing platform.
An online election will also be held for the 7 available seats in the ICC board of directors. We encourage all interested members to consult with Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws for nomination eligibility, and if eligible, declare their nomination by sending an email to [email protected]. The deadline for sending nomination emails is March 23 , 2023, at 11:59 pm ET. The email must include and attach the following:
- A confirmation by the nominee that he or she has nominated himself or herself, or that he or she has been nominated by others and has accepted such nomination, for election to the ICC board of directors;
- A confirmation by the nominee that he/she meets the eligibility criteria, as set out in Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws;
- A government-issued ID; and
- A synopsis of the nominee’s background/biographical sketch and the reasons they wish to serve as a director on the ICC board of directors (maximum 300 words in English. Farsi is optional. This information is to be provided in a MS Word or pdf file format). A passport size photo of the nominee in digital format is also optional. Information and the photograph provided by the nominees will be posted on the ICC website.
Please note that only ICC members who have joined/renewed their membership by March 30, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET will be entitled to attend the upcoming AGM and vote in the election. For any membership questions, you may contact [email protected].
- In the upcoming election, members will choose seven new board members. The election will be held online, starting and ending prior to the AGM. Members will receive a link through email to participate in the election after March 30th. Election results will be announced in the AGM.
- The ICC board of directors has selected an election committee, consisting of three ICC members, to oversee the election process. These individuals are: Mr. Kayhan Razavi, Mr. Habib Ghaffari, and Mr. Reza Sohrabi.
Support for Khoy Earthquake victims
Since the first hours after the earthquake happened in Khoy,Iran, the Iranian Canadian Congress have reached out to several organizations to figure out the best possible ways for Iranian-Canadians to donate and support the victims of the earthquake in Iran. The ICC only works with registered Canadian charities that are helping the earthquake victims through their partnering NGOs and charities in Iran.
PARADISE CHARITY GROUP
Registered Canadian Charity. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations above $20. Please contact them with your full name, address and the receipt of your donation to get the tax receipt.
Unfortunately, the earthquake that happened in the Khoy region has caused many problems for the people in this area in winter; problems such as a lack of shelter, lack of heating equipment, food and etc. At this stage, the goal is to buy food, heating equipment, blanket, and food baskets. Paradise charity is ready to collect your donations and deliver them to the earthquake victims;
For more information, you can contact the following numbers:
Ms. Tahsinzadeh: 9057370487 Ms. Afsharian: 4168973940
How to pay:
Please write in the description for Earthquake
Intract (Etransfer): [email protected]
Donation by credit card: https://paradisecharity.org/donate
Account numbers:
Be sure to email us a photo of the deposit receipt along with an explanation of the earthquake
Scotiabank
Transit# 45922
Account# 0072311
RBC Bank
Transit# 00888
Account# 1017086
ICC statement on 3rd anniversary of downing of flight PS752

2022 جلسه عمومی گفتگو با هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا چهارشنبه 16 نوامبر
ویدیوی کامل جلسه عمومی گفتگو با هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا چهارشنبه 16 نوامبر 2022 ساعت 8 شب به وقت شرق کانادا (5 عصر به وقت ونکوور) که از طریق پلتفرم مایکروسافت تیمز برگزار شد
https://youtu.be/n7RpNsTqjFU
توضیحات دکتر مسلم نوری درباره محدودیت های کنگره ایرانیان کانادا و نحوه ثبت این سازمان در جلسه عمومی گفتگوی آنلاین با هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا
https://youtu.be/d2JBU6DMrzs
گزارش دکتر امیرحسن قاسمی نژاد درباره نتایج آخرین نظرسنجی از اعضای کنگره ایرانیان کانادا در جلسه عمومی گفتگوی آنلاین با هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا
https://youtu.be/zne0wNgzCPA
ICC President Writes to Conservative MPP Goldie Ghamari Regarding Her Defamatory Comments
Here is a letter from the ICC President, Dr. Moslem Noori to Conservative MPP Goldie Ghamari regarding her baseless accusations against the Iranian Canadian Congress.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE DEFAMATORY COMMENT BY GOLDIE GHAMARI,MPP
Ms. Ghamari,
On October 26th, while commemorating 40th day of Mahsa Amini’s horrific death in police custody, you attacked the Iranian Canadian Congress. Specifically, you called us “pro-Islamic Regime lobby group”.
The Iranian Canadian Congress is grassroots, non-partisan, non-religious, and non-profit Canadian advocacy organization, supported by hundreds of members across the country. Your characterization of the ICC as a foreign lobbying group is not only patently false, but also the spreading of misinformation discriminates against a Canadian civic community organization.
Despite your views, ICC has issued 3 statements since September 16th, in solidarity with Iranian people, particularly women, who are demanding change, their fundamental rights, freedom and justice and condemning violence, oppression and targeted harassment of the Iranian people's human rights to peaceful assembly and protest. Many members of Iranian Canadian Congress have taken part in various demonstrations across Canada in solidary with Iranian people in Iran.
When we see our volunteers threatened, our board members harassed, and our organization’s name used as a slur in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, we must stand and say Enough. This irresponsible behavior in the past few weeks, has incited harmful behaviour that resulted in vandalism of certain Iranian Canadian centers, verbal attacks, physical abuse and cyberbullying against individuals such as MP of Richmond Hill, Majid Jowhari, as well as other organizations in our community.
At a time when our community should be coming together, it is disheartening to listen to an elected official fueling the already tense situation in our community, rather than trying to bring people together. Therefore, we ask you to retract your comments and apologize to the ICC.
If you have any questions about our organization's activities and positions in the future, we ask you to approach us directly rather than directing accusations against us.
Sincerely,
Moslem Noori
President
Iranian Canadian Congress
Iranian Canadian Congress requests to Investigate Corrupt Officials and Embezzlers from Iran
Iranian Canadian Congress requests to Investigate Corrupt Officials and Embezzlers from Iran
TO:
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Honourable David Lametti,
Minister of Public Safety Honourable Marco Mendicino,
Minister of National Revenue Honourable Diane Lebouthillier,
With the start of the protests in Iran, the Iranian Canadian community has renewed its request to the Canadian government to investigate cases of individuals who have accumulated extreme wealth through corruption and embezzlement in Iran and have fled to Canada. The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) had previously expressed its concern about such cases in a letter to the Canadian government and launched a petition, supported by thousands of our community members, asking the government to open an investigation on the cases of embezzlers, such as Mahmoud Reza Khavari, using the full power of the Canadian law including but not limited to anti-money laundry laws.
Despite such requests on several occasions, Iranian Canadians have never received any response, nor has the government taken any tangible action on this issue. The inaction of the Canadian government on these cases has allowed individuals who have enriched themselves from corruption to evade justice and has damaged the Iranian Canadians’ trust in the government's willingness to stand up for the rights of the Iranian people.
As such, we call on the Canadian government and the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of National Revenue to do the right thing and finally respond to the request of our community by immediately launching investigations through responsible agencies about the cases of these embezzlers and corrupt individuals. We are confident that such an action will be well received by our community and will reinforce Canada’s position to stand with the Iranian people at this difficult time.
Our government and law enforcement agencies must prevent Canada from becoming a safe haven for corrupt money and corrupt individuals. Our government must act now!
Sincerely,
Moslem Noori
President, Iranian Canadian Congress
ICC condemns the terrorist attack in Shiraz
The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) condemns the terrorist attack in Shiraz, Iran.
15 people including a woman and two children have been killed and more than 20 people have also been injured on Oct 26, 2022.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish speedy recovery for those injured.