Global Affairs Canada (GAC) published new guidance clarifying the application of the deemed ownership provisions under Canada’s economic sanctions legislation. The guidance, updated on 13 October 2026, addresses the thresholds for establishing control over an entity, including through aggregated ownership by multiple designated persons, board appointment rights and the exercise of influence. It also provides illustrative scenarios involving indirect ownership structures and potential proxies for designated persons. Background Canada’s deemed ownership provisions were introduced into…
At the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Carney announced a further expansion of its sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (Regulations), effective June 12, 2026. The measures form part of Canada’s continuing effort to constrain Russia’s military operations and to condemn recent attacks on Kyiv. The amendments list new individuals, entities and vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet and repeal obligations held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in relation to delisting applications. Expansion…
On April 25, 2026, Canada published a new consultation in the Canada Gazette, Part I on April 25, 2026, concerning a proposed Order Amending the Export Control List (Amendments) under the Export and Import Permits Act. These amendments seek to continue to expand Canada’s unilateral controls under Group 5, Item 5506 of the Export Control List (ECL) in order to respond to growing risk of diversion for uses contrary to Canadian national security interests. The…
As 2026 brings new compliance challenges and opportunities, Baker McKenzie’s Canadian international trade team is here to help you stay ahead. We are launching our annual series of insights that unpack 2025’s biggest developments and spotlight the trade issues set to define 2026, bringing the clarity needed to navigate the evolving trade landscape. This article focuses on Canada’s export controls regime. When multilateral agreement under the Wassenaar regime began to break down, Canada and its…