On 24 February 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada announced a further significant expansion of its sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (Regulations), effective February 19, 2026. The measures form part of Canada’s continuing effort to constrain Russia’s military operations. Expansion of Designations The amendments list multiple individuals to Part 1 of Schedule 1, including persons linked to: Russia’s financial and procurement networks; entities supporting military…
On February 18, 2026, the Government of Canada announced amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (“the Regulations”). These amendments lift broad economic prohibitions linked to the former Assad regime that had been in place since May 2011, easing restrictions on trade, investment, and the provision of financial and other services, including telecommunications monitoring and petroleum‑related transactions. The amendments also remove 24 entities and one individual from Schedule I of the Regulations to reduce…
On December 15, 2025, Canada announced further amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (the Regulations). These amendments list an additional 4 individuals under Schedule 1 of the Regulations and took effect on December 12, 2025. All of the newly listed individuals are Iranian senior officials who are stated to have been involved in human rights violations and the facilitation of repressive policies within the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Regulations impose a dealings…
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…