Introduction of AGM 2026 candidate Bahamin Pour Reza
Over the last year, I have engaged with the Iranian Canadian Congress
Board of Directors, advocating for greater transparency, accountability,
respect for the Congress's bylaws, and a stronger commitment to serving
the interests of the Iranian Canadian community. Unfortunately, I
witnessed a growing gap between these principles and the Board’s actions.
As a result, I decided to run in the 2026 election.
My goal is to help strengthen democratic governance within the Congress,
reduce the influence of narrow political and economic interests, and
reclaim the organization’s credibility and reputation. I believe the
Iranian Canadian community deserves a Congress that represents all voices
fairly and one that its members can truly be proud of.
WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM
Introduction of AGM 2026 candidate Arghavan Emami
Arghavan Emami was born in Tehran, Iran and is currently resident of BC, Canada. She got her BSc degree in Electrical Engineering in Iran and her MSc and PhD in the field of channel modeling of advanced communication systems, in Canada. She is recipient of numerous postgraduate scholarships during her PhD program, and has contributed in academic community by various scientific journal publications in her field of research. She also has about 15 years of experience in Telecom Industry.
Arghavan is passionate about volunteering in charities, helping unprivileged people to have a better life, and promoting peace through activities against war, occupation, sanction, racism and Islamophobia. She has voluntarily helped and supported many Iranian newcomers to have an easier and smoother transition.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading Iranian poems, swimming, playing badminton, and hiking.
Read moreStatement by the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) on the Treatment of Iran’s National Football Team During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) expresses its deep concern regarding the treatment of Iran’s national football team, players, officials, and supporters during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Sport has long served as a bridge between peoples, cultures, and nations. International sporting events should be spaces where athletes are judged by their performance on the field; not by political tensions, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or geopolitical disputes. Unfortunately, reports emerging from the tournament suggest that Iran’s national team has faced extraordinary logistical, administrative, and political obstacles that have not been applied equally to other participating nations.
According to multiple media reports, Iranian players and officials have faced visa restrictions, travel disruptions, the denial of entry to members of their delegation, forced cross-border travel arrangements, and limited access to the same accommodations and recovery opportunities afforded to other teams. Iranian players and coaching staff have publicly stated that these conditions have negatively affected their preparation, well-being, and ability to compete on equal terms.
ICC is equally troubled by reports of hostility directed toward the Iranian national anthem, the Iranian flag, and Iranian supporters. While individuals have every right to peacefully express political opinions, collective hostility toward athletes and fans based solely on their nationality undermines the principles of fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect that international sport is meant to uphold.
The Iranian national team does not represent a monolithic political viewpoint. It consists of athletes who have dedicated their lives to representing their country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, players should not become targets of discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment.
We therefore call upon FIFA, tournament organizers, and host authorities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico to:
1. Ensure that all participating teams are treated fairly and consistently.
2. Guarantee equal access to travel, accommodations, training facilities, and recovery opportunities.
3. Protect players, officials, and supporters from discrimination and harassment.
4. Uphold FIFA’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and the non-politicization of sport.
5. Ensure that all fans can safely and peacefully support their teams without intimidation.
The Iranian Canadian Congress firmly believes that disagreements between governments should never result in the unequal treatment of athletes or ordinary people. The World Cup should be a celebration of human excellence, international friendship, and the unifying power of sport.
At a time when divisions around the world are deepening, we urge all stakeholders to reaffirm the principles of dignity, equality, and respect for all participants.
Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)
Prime Minister response to ICC President's letter
On May 12th, 2026, Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada sent the following response to Mona Ghassemi, President of ICC:
Mona Ghassemi, sent the letter below to the Prime Minister on 3rd of March, 2026:
Petition E-7389: Raise Your Voice for Accountability and International Law
Raise Your Voice for Accountability and International Law
Sign here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7389
Step 2: Confirm in the email you get to register your signature.
A new House of Commons e-petition (e-7389) is calling on the Government of Canada to condemn the deadly attack on a school in Minab, Iran, support independent investigations, and review Canada’s military and arms-transfer relationships connected to the War on Iran.
If you believe civilian lives, international humanitarian law, and accountability matter, regardless of politics, take one minute to sign and share.
Every signature helps bring the issue before Parliament. Please share with friends, family, and your community across Canada.
Read moreRequest for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Concerns Regarding U.S. and Israel Conflict with Iran
Mona Borghei, Vice President of the Iranian Canadian Congress has written a letter to urge the Government of Canada to take a clear and principled position in response to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, including the attack on the Institute Pasteur of Iran, a critical scientific and public health institution.
We respectfully call on your government to unequivocally condemn these acts and to commit to non-participation in this conflict.
Congratulation letter to Avi Lewis, new NDP leader
ICC president, Mona Ghassemi wrote to Avi Lewis, the new leader of NDP Canada to congratulate him on his recent election:
Press release in support of Khadija Barbe, Montreal activist under attack from the far-right for her anti-war position
ICC President letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the US-Israeli War on Iran
Mona Ghassemi, President of Iranian Canadian Congress has written the following letter to Prime Minister, Mark Carney, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand and Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty:
Letter to the leadership of Mères au front in support of Ms. Khadija Barbe
ICC President, Mona Ghassemi has sent the following letter in support of Ms. Khadija Barbe to the leadership of Mères au front:
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/iraniancanadiancongress/pages/4561/attachments/original/1774620950/2026-03-21_Re%CC%81ponse_Me%CC%80res_au_front.pdf?1774620950
Read more