Residents of Calgary with ties to Iran are living in a state of profound anxiety, fearing for the safety of family and friends caught in the midst of deadly anti-government protests. The situation has created a painful distance for the local diaspora, who feel helpless as they monitor events from thousands of kilometres away.
A Personal Story of Fear and Helplessness
One of those Calgarians is Amir Salami, who relocated his family to Alberta from Iran in 2004. For Salami and many others in the city's Iranian community, the news from their homeland is not just headlines; it is a source of constant, personal dread. They worry daily about the well-being of relatives who remain in Iran, where reports of violent crackdowns on protesters by regime forces have become commonplace.
The emotional toll is significant, as families in Calgary struggle to maintain contact and verify the safety of loved ones amidst internet blackouts and heightened surveillance within Iran. The protests, which have continued for an extended period, have drawn international condemnation for the Iranian government's harsh response.
Canada's Official Condemnation
In a significant diplomatic move, the Canadian government has formally aligned itself with other nations in denouncing the actions of the Iranian regime. On January 12, 2026, Ottawa joined multiple countries in issuing a statement condemning Tehran for its lethal suppression of demonstrators.
This official stance offers a measure of moral support to the concerned diaspora in Calgary and across Canada, affirming that their fears are recognized at the highest levels of government. However, for families like the Salamis, the political statements do little to alleviate the immediate, gut-wrenching worry for individuals on the ground.
The Broader Impact on the Calgary Community
The crisis has reverberated through Calgary's Iranian community, prompting vigils, community gatherings, and efforts to raise awareness. The shared experience of fear has bonded many, but it has also highlighted the profound sense of dislocation that immigrants can feel when their country of origin is in turmoil.
For now, Calgarians like Amir Salami continue to watch, wait, and hope for the safety of those they hold dear, a stark reminder of how global conflicts can deeply affect local communities far from the front lines.
