The Kurdish Diaspora Confederation has announced the reactivation of the Canada – Kurdistan Friendship Group in Canada’s Federal Parliament. Kurdish officials describe the decision as an important diplomatic step that strengthens Kurdish visibility and influence within Canada’s political institutions. They say the move also reflects a growing willingness among Canadian lawmakers to reengage with Kurdish affairs at a parliamentary level.
Shifa Barzani, the General Coordinator of the Kurdish Diaspora at the Barzani Headquarters, attended the announcement ceremony. Her presence highlighted renewed efforts to expand Kurdish outreach abroad and to build stronger international partnerships. According to organizers, her participation also underscored the Kurdish leadership’s commitment to increasing the region’s diplomatic footprint in North America.
Canadian MP Tom Kmiec will lead the group in its new phase. He is well known for consistently supporting Kurdish rights and speaking openly about Kurdish national issues. He replaces MP Ziad Aboultaif, who led the group during its earlier term and played a major role in establishing constructive ties between Canadian parliamentarians and Kurdish representatives. Kurdish officials commended both MPs for their continued support.
The Kurdish Diaspora Confederation said it will work closely with the reactivated friendship group to deepen Kurdish engagement in Canada. It noted that the platform will create important opportunities to highlight Kurdish priorities at federal decision-making levels. The confederation also emphasized that the group can serve as a useful bridge for cultural dialogue, political cooperation, and stronger diplomatic relations.
Members of the friendship group had planned to attend last month’s MEPs meeting in Duhok. However, the group postponed the visit because the Canadian Parliament was engaged in intensive discussions on the 2026 federal budget. Officials said they hope to reschedule the visit once parliamentary obligations ease.
More than 20 Canadian parliamentarians established the Canada–Kurdistan Friendship Group in 2016. Officials now view its reactivation as a significant step toward restoring parliamentary diplomacy and renewing cooperation between both sides. Kurdish officials believe the group will play a key role in strengthening future bilateral relations.
