A lawmaker says the election of Justin Trudeau as Canada's new prime minister indicates that the Canadian people want the government to modify foreign policy, especially its approach to the Middle East.
Trudeau's Liberal Party swept to power last week following the country's general election, ending nearly a decade of Conservative Party rule under pro-Israel Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Deputy Chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Hossein Sobhaninia praised Canadians for saying no to extremism promoted by Harper, expressing confidence that the development will lead to a change in Canada's foreign policy, ICANA reported on Saturday.
"The election results show that Canadians seek moderation, improved Middle East ties and contribution to the resolution of regional crises."
Pointing to Harper's "biased" position against Iran, he said the previous government was irrationally opposed to the Islamic Republic, always trying to denounce Tehran over alleged human rights abuses and other accusations.
"The new government seems to have a positive view of Iran and its nuclear deal with major powers announced last July." Sobhaninia hoped for warmer relations between Tehran and the Ottawa government, in line with the two peoples' interests.
Harper was widely criticized for his pro-Israel stances. His administration severed diplomatic relations with Iran in Sept. 2012, citing, among other pretexts, what it described as continued threats from Iran to Israel.
Back then, the Canadian government closed its embassy in Tehran and expelled Iranian diplomats from Canada. The two countries maintain interest sections in the embassies of third countries.
