Toronto, ON — April 6, 2026 — A new national survey commissioned by HR Canada Charitable Organization (HRCCO) and conducted by Leger reveals that a majority of Canadians are concerned about the presence of individuals with alleged ties to the Iranian Regime living in Canada.

According to the poll, 54% of Canadians say they are concerned, including 22% who report being “very concerned,” about reports that individuals connected to the Iranian regime may be residing in the country.

By contrast, only 29% say they are not concerned, while 17% remain unsure.

Key Findings

• Concern outweighs lack of concern by nearly 2-to-1 (54% vs. 29%)
• One in five Canadians (22%) are “very concerned”
• Concern rises significantly among older Canadians:
  • 66% of those aged 55+ express concern, compared to 46% under 55
• Concern is higher outside Quebec (57%) than within Quebec (45%)

Growing Public Concern Amid Evolving Security Landscape

The findings come at a time of heightened awareness around foreign influence and domestic security risks, including reports that as many as 700 individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may be present in Canada.

Recent developments in Toronto underscore this shifting environment. As of March 2026, the Toronto Police Service has launched a new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, including “Task Force Guardian,” with a visible deployment of armed officers at high-traffic public spaces, places of worship, and key community locations.

These measures are in response to what police have described as a more complex and evolving security landscape, including concerns around extremism, radicalization, and hate-motivated incidents, echoing the concerns of everyday Canadians. This of course occurs alongside a documented rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, with Jewish communities disproportionately targeted in hate crimes, harassment, and intimidation.

HRCCO Statement

“Canadians are paying attention to the changes in our security landscape,” said Amanda Eskenasi, Director of Education at HR Canada Charitable Organization.

“This data shows that concern about Iranian regime influence is not a fringe issue, it is a majority position. Canadians are responding to what they are seeing around them, including visible changes in our security environment.”

“When police services are deploying counter-terrorism units and increasing armed presence in public spaces – not in reaction to a single event, but because the overall threat environment has changed – that signals something important. Canadians are recognizing that reality.”

Eskenasi added: “This is fundamentally about public trust and safety. Canadians expect transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of who is operating within our borders, especially when credible concerns are raised about foreign regime actors and the potential for domestic radicalization. We are seeing a sharp rise in antisemitism in Canada, and these issues cannot be viewed in isolation. The same environments that enable extremist influence and intimidation often have direct consequences for vulnerable communities.”

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by Leger, Canada’s largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm.

• Sample size: 1,660 Canadians aged 18+
• Field dates: March 20–22, 2026
• Method: Online panel (LEO)
• Margin of error: ±2.4%, 19 times out of 20
• Weighting: Age, gender, region, education, mother tongue, and household composition

About HR Canada Charitable Organization (HRCCO)

HR Canada Charitable Organization’s mission is to advance education and foster understanding by delivering comprehensive courses, lectures, and workshops that confront issues of religious, racial, ethnic, and cultural intolerance, with a particular focus on antisemitism. Through the use of data collection and research, media analysis, and public dissemination, we strive to promote unbiased representation and challenge anti-Jewish discrimination and prejudice in Canada.

Media Contact
Amanda Eskenasi
Director of Education, HR Canada Charitable Organization
amanda@hrccharitable.ca