Even before the U.S. launched airstrikes that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Toronto’s cultural, economic and political ties to Iran meant the city was bound to feel the heat of any escalation between the two countries, say city leaders, as well as business and Iranian community groups. On Wednesday, the Toronto Region Board of Trade hosted a luncheon with former Canadian ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor, who provided members with a first-hand account of how the killing of the Iranian general will likely impact the region’s business environment. “What we’re going to see is a heightened level of uncertainty, a heightened level of concern,” he said. Taylor said the killing of the Iranian general has put businesses on edge. “There are a number of business deals that are in abeyance,” he said. “There are a number of agreements that have been reached that are now on hold.” Toronto has a large Iranian population and is home to a number of Iranian businesses. The city is also a major hub for trade between Canada and Iran. In 2018, trade between Canada and Iran totalled $295 million, according to Global Affairs Canada. The majority of Canada’s exports to Iran are agricultural products, such as wheat, lentils and canola oil. “There’s going to be a lot of anxiety in the Iranian community,” said Toronto city councillor Michael Ford, who represents a ward with a large Iranian population. “There’s going to be some concern about the safety of their family members, who may be residing in Iran at this point in time.” Ford said he has been in touch with members of the Iranian community in his ward and that they are anxious about the potential for reprisals from Iran. “They’re very concerned about the ongoing conflict and its impact on the Iranian community here in Toronto,” he said. Mayor John Tory said the city is working to reassure members of the Iranian community that they are safe in Toronto. “We want to make sure that everybody feels safe and secure in our city,” he said. “We’re going to continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that.” The city is also working to provide support to Iranian-owned businesses that may be affected by the conflict. “We’re going to do everything we can to support the Iranian community and the Iranian-owned businesses in our city,” said Tory. The escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran has also raised concerns about the safety of Canadians travelling to the region. The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory warning Canadians against non-essential travel to Iran. The advisory states that “there is a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention” in Iran and that “Canadians should exercise extreme caution when travelling to Iran.” Taylor said that Canadians who travel to Iran should be aware of the risks involved and that they should take precautions to stay safe. “Be very, very vigilant about your personal security,” he said. “Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of the people who are around you.” Taylor also said that Canadians who travel to Iran should register with the Canadian embassy in Tehran. “That way, we know that you’re there,” he said. “And if something happens, we can reach out to you.”.
Toronto business community feels U.S.-Iran conflict on heels of Soleimani killing
