Global Affairs Canada (GAC) recently released the first formal guidance (Guidance) on compliance with and enforcement of Canada’s economic sanctions regime. This Guidance was issued alongside further updates to GAC’s Frequently Asked Questions. While the Canadian business community has long awaited formal guidance, many interpretive issues remain unresolved. Background Amendments to Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act were adopted in 2022 and 2023, which introduced an…
On November 12, 2025, Canada announced further amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations). These amendments list an additional 13 individuals and 11 entities under Schedule 1 of the Regulations and took effect on November 6, 2025. These newly listed entities and individuals are stated to enable Russia’s energy sector and hybrid warfare strategies, including suppliers of cyber infrastructure and companies linked to liquefied natural gas operations that help finance military activities.…
While Canada continues to expand its trading relationships through FTAs, the future of its most significant FTA, the USMCA/CUSMA, and its trading relationships with the United States and China remains uncertain. Canadian importers and exporters face continued regulatory changes (e.g. customs valuation amendments, novel sanctions reporting requirements, supply chain reporting) and administrative changes (e.g. CARM, ACE Portal) in a rising protectionist trade environment. The Carney administration has continued to roll out policy and economic initiatives to respond…
On June 16, the Government of Canada announced an aggressive sanctions package, effective as of June 13, 2025, implementing a number of amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the “Regulations”). These amendments designated a further 116 individuals and entities, which Canada has described as follows: Kremlin enablers and oligarchs, persons involved in the development of sensitive dual-use quantum technology, beneficiaries of the illegal war in Ukraine, ‘Shadow Fleet’ enablers, banks and foreign financial…