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.…
On August 28, 2025, Canada announced amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations (the “Regulations”) sanctioning Russian collaborators in Moldova. The amendments list an additional sixteen individuals and two entities under the Schedule of the Regulations and took effect on August 28, 2025. These sanctions are announced in the context of Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections, which will be held on September 28, 2025, and are aimed at individuals who are stated to have been actively participating in…
On June 27, 2024, Canada announced the addition of seven individuals and five entities to the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations (the “Regulations”). The amended Regulations entered into force on June 24, 2024. The amended Regulations impose a dealings prohibition against the individuals and entities listed, effectively freezing any assets they hold in Canada. Specifically, the Regulations prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from: Individuals listed are also rendered…