Today marks five years since the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752), a sombre commemoration of indefensible actions. Fifty-five Canadian citizens and 30 Canadian permanent residents were among the 176 people killed in this tragedy. Canada and its partners in the International Coordination and Response Group- Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom-continue to call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to take full responsibility for its actions, including by making reparation for the harm caused by the downing.
This morning, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Ralph Goodale met with family members of victims of the downing of Flight PS752 to remember the victims and reaffirm the government's unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, transparency, and solidarity with the families.
Over the past five years, Canada has taken concrete actions to hold the Iranian regime accountable for the unlawful downing of Flight PS752.
A year ago, the Coordination Group initiated dispute settlement proceedings before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) against the Islamic Republic of Iran for its breach of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (known as the Chicago Convention). These proceedings continue to progress, and the next steps are expected to take place early this year.
This past October, the Coordination Group also completed the next step in its proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when it filed its Memorial and annexes in support of its claims against the Islamic Republic of Iran in relation to its breaches of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation of 1971 (known as the 1971 Montreal Convention).
Through the Canadian-led Safer Skies Initiative, Canada and its international partners are improving safety measures for airlines operating near or within conflict zones. Canada continues to work with ICAO on education and training seminars for states to better implement practical aviation risk management tools during times of conflict. In 2025, Canada and Morocco will co-host the fourth Safer Skies Forum inviting states and aviation stakeholders together to improve conflict zone management.
Canada is also advocating for improvements to ICAO's accident investigation framework to strengthen credibility and transparency, while partnering with ICAO to promote and support the global implementation of effective assistance to victims and their families in the aftermath of an aircraft accident.
In October, Canada also announced a new pathway to permanent residence for the families of those who lost their lives in the PS752 tragedy. This new pathway builds on Canada's previous efforts to support family members with close ties to the country and aligns with its broader pursuit of transparency, justice and accountability for the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones.
Since its launch in 2023, Canada's Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program has supported 68 students who are following in the footsteps of individuals who made significant contributions to their communities and institutions and continuing their legacy.
