The Canadian government has firmly rejected a bid by the Taliban to assume control of Afghanistan’s embassy and consulates in Canada, according to a federal official.
Global Affairs Canada spokesman Jason Kung stated that the Trudeau administration did not even acknowledge the Taliban’s letter sent in 2022.
Marilyne Guèvremont, another official from Global Affairs, emphasized that Canada does not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government and has no intention of doing so. She affirmed that Canada will not entertain or accredit any foreign representatives appointed by the Taliban nor establish formal relations with the Taliban de facto authorities.
This decisive response underscores Canada’s refusal to legitimize the Taliban regime, which seized power through military means in 2021. It also highlights the unique status of Afghanistan’s Canadian embassy and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.
Despite the regime change in Afghanistan, diplomats from the previous elected government continue to serve at the Canadian missions. An embassy spokesperson, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that these diplomats have had no communication with the current Afghan government since August 2021. They have not sought nor received funding from the Taliban, forcing them to downsize staff and rely on fees from consular services provided to the growing Afghan diaspora in Canada. This includes issuing driver’s licenses required for obtaining one in Canada.