The Honourable John Baird

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Pearson Building, Tower B

5^th Floor

125 Sussex Dr.

Ottawa ON  K1A 0G2

Dear Minister Baird:

Earlier this May, I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Baha’i community in my riding.  They asked me to convey their thanks to the Canadian government for its continued advocacy on behalf of the Baha’i, and for its consistent calls for the government in Iran to uphold the basic rights and freedoms of the Baha’i community living within its borders.

As you know, the Baha’i face brutal persecution by the regime in Tehran, exemplified by the arrest in 2008 and continued imprisonment of the Yaran, auspiciously on charges of espionage.  Since that time, numerous other Baha’i have been arrested or imprisoned simply because they are a religious minority.

I hope you will use any future opportunities to reaffirm Canada’s solidarity with the Baha’i, and our steadfast commitment to promoting and upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled.

Sincerely,

Bruce Stanton, M.P.

Simcoe North