the silence imposed by a nationwide internet blackout in Iran was met with a deafening roar across Canadian city squares. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, thousands of Canadians joined a global day of action, standing in solidarity with a two-week-old uprising that has become one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian government in decades.
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With Tehran plunged into a digital darkness since January 8, the Iranian-Canadian diaspora took up the mantle of communication. Protesters in Toronto and Montreal held up smartphones displaying the last images sent from home—grainy videos of street battles and burning barricades—before the regime severed the connection.
- In Montreal: Protesters converged on the U.S. Consulate, their chants for regime change echoing through the downtown core. The traditional “lion and sun” flags waved alongside maple leaves, symbolizing a dual identity united by a single cause.
- In Toronto: The energy at Mel Lastman Square was somber but defiant. “We are their internet right now,” one organizer noted. “If they can’t post their struggle, we will scream it for them.”
- In Vancouver: The Art Gallery became a stage for political expression, with many calling for the leadership of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose recent messages have galvanized the opposition movement.
Snapshot: The Human Toll in Iran
The urgency in Canada stems from the worsening humanitarian situation on the ground. Since the uprising began on December 28, 2025, the cost of resistance has climbed:
| Situation Report | Data as of Jan 11, 2026 |
| Casualties | At least 72 confirmed deaths; actual numbers feared higher. |
| Mass Arrests | Over 2,300 detainees, with many held in undisclosed locations. |
| Blackout | A near-total internet and telephone shutdown entering its fourth day. |
| Strikes | Major markets and industries remain closed across 31 provinces. |
The Push for Action in Ottawa
The protests were not just symbolic; they were a direct plea to the Canadian government. While Prime Minister Mark Carney has formally condemned the violence, demonstrators are pushing for more than just statements. There are growing calls for Ottawa to:
- Expand Sanctions: Target the personal assets of IRGC officials living in or banking with Canada.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Lead an international effort to restore internet access via satellite technology.
- Humanitarian Aid: Provide paths for political refugees fleeing the current crackdown.
“This isn’t just a protest; it’s a revolution,” said a student at the Ottawa rally. “We aren’t just asking for reform anymore. We are asking for a future where we can actually call our families without wondering if it’s the last time we’ll hear their voices.”
