In a Canadian House of Commons “take note” debate marking the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Iran’s seven former Baha’i leaders, Scott Reid MP described Iran's persecution of Baha'is as "one of the great tragedies of modern times." Opening the debate, Deepak Obhrai – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs – said that Iran's refusal to respect human rights obligations is a "violation not just of universally recognized norms and standards but of those enshrined within its own constitution.” A “take note” debate is an opportunity to discuss an issue of special concern, often in a non-partisan spirit.