In a move hailed as a significant diplomatic advancement for Kurdish interests, the Kurdish Diaspora Confederation has announced the formal reactivation of the Canada–Kurdistan Friendship Group within the Federal Parliament in Ottawa.

The revival of the cross-party parliamentary group marks a concerted effort to strengthen Kurdish visibility and political influence within Canadian institutions, according to Kurdish officials. The announcement was made with the participation of Shifa Barzani, General Coordinator of the Kurdish Diaspora at the Barzani Headquarters, highlighting the international dimension of the initiative.

"This step is crucial for building stronger international partnerships and expanding understanding and support for the Kurdish cause abroad," a statement from the Kurdish Diaspora Confederation noted.

Leading the group’s new phase is Canadian Member of Parliament Tom Kmiec, a long-standing and vocal advocate for Kurdish rights and national issues. He succeeds MP Ziad Aboultaif, who was credited during his tenure with fostering sincere and constructive ties between Canadian lawmakers and Kurdish representatives.

The Confederation stated it will work closely with the reactivated group to enhance Kurdish engagement in Canada, emphasizing that the platform provides a direct channel to promote Kurdish interests at federal decision-making levels.

"Reviving this group is a strategic opportunity to ensure Kurdish voices are heard in Ottawa and to advance mutual interests through parliamentary diplomacy," the Confederation added.

The group’s renewed launch follows a slight delay; plans for its members to participate in a meeting of international parliamentarians in Duhok last month were postponed due to the Canadian Parliament’s intensive deliberations over the 2026 federal budget.

First established in 2016 with the involvement of more than 20 parliamentarians, the Canada–Kurdistan Friendship Group’s revival is widely viewed as an important step in reinvigorating formal diplomatic dialogue and cooperation between Canadian legislators and Kurdish representatives.