Canada’s Conservative Party is urging the federal government to officially designate Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, as a listed terrorist entity under Canada’s Criminal Code. Conservative MPs argue that the move is necessary to strengthen national security and align Canada’s terrorism sanctions with those of key international allies.
The call comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the activities of Iran-backed militant groups. Conservatives say Kata’ib Hezbollah has been linked to attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and has played a destabilizing role in the region for years.
Party officials argue that adding the group to Canada’s terrorist list would provide law enforcement agencies with stronger legal tools to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute individuals or organizations providing financial or logistical support to the group. They also say the designation would reinforce Canada’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting national and international security.
The federal government has not yet indicated whether it will act on the request. Public Safety Canada is responsible for reviewing and recommending terrorist listings based on intelligence, legal assessments, and national security considerations. Any decision would require approval through the federal listing process.
Kata’ib Hezbollah is already designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and is subject to sanctions by several countries. The group has repeatedly been accused of carrying out attacks against military personnel and of maintaining close ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), allegations it has denied or disputed.
The Conservatives say Canada’s current terrorist listing framework should reflect evolving global security threats and ensure that organizations accused of supporting or carrying out acts of terrorism face the strongest possible legal consequences under Canadian law. The issue is expected to generate further political debate in Ottawa in the coming weeks.