Full Breakdown
Disbandment of Task Force for Flight PS752 Victims Raises Concerns
3/26/2026, 4:42:41 AM
Overview of the Disbandment
Global Affairs Canada has disbanded the task force established to coordinate efforts for justice and support for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which was shot down by Iranian missiles on January 8, 2020. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 176 individuals on board, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents. The decision to dissolve the task force was communicated to the families of the victims in early March 2023, shortly after the escalation of conflict in the region due to U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Background and Context
The task force was created in February 2020 to facilitate communication with victims' families and to pursue accountability from Iran through various legal channels, including cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, the task force aimed to assist families in immigrating to Canada and initiated a scholarship program in memory of the victims. Despite its disbandment, Global Affairs Canada asserts that the work will continue through other dedicated efforts within the department.
Concerns from Victims' Families
Kourosh Doustshenas, a spokesperson for the Association of Families of PS752 Victims, expressed disappointment over the task force's closure, noting that the timing was particularly troubling given the ongoing conflict in the region. He highlighted that approximately 15 to 20 families with ties to the victims remain in Iran, awaiting immigration decisions. Doustshenas fears that the dissolution of the task force may complicate communication for families who previously relied on it as a central point of contact.
Official Statements & Responses
Global Affairs Canada stated that the decision to dissolve the task force was based on a significant decline in the volume of support requests from families, suggesting that its mandate could be better achieved through integration into existing departmental efforts. A spokesperson emphasized that "justice and accountability remain the Government of Canada’s priority." However, the department did not clarify whether budget cuts, part of a broader $2.4 billion reduction plan, influenced this decision.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including Doustshenas, argue that the closure of the task force may hinder the support available to families, particularly those who have not engaged with the association. He noted that while the government has offered visa extensions to some families, the evolving demands due to the current war may lead to increased requests for assistance. Doustshenas also pointed out that Prime Minister Mark Carney has not met with the families, contrasting this with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's multiple engagements.
What's Next
As the situation in the region continues to develop, the families of Flight PS752 victims are left navigating their support and justice efforts without the centralized task force. The ongoing legal cases against Iran remain active, but the impact of the task force's disbandment on these proceedings and family support remains to be seen.
