Three added to Haiti sanctions list

Summary#

These are final regulations that add three people to the list in the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations. The named people — Carl Braun, Jean Marie Vorbe and Marc Antoine Acra — are now subject to Canadian sanctions and are inadmissible to Canada. The regulations were registered on September 20, 2023 and published in the Canada Gazette on October 11, 2023.

What it does#

• Adds Carl Braun, Jean Marie Vorbe and Marc Antoine Acra to the list of designated persons under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations.
• Imposes a broad ban on dealings with those listed: people and businesses in Canada, and Canadians abroad, may not deal in their property or provide financial or related services to them.
• Renders the listed individuals inadmissible to Canada under immigration law.
• The rules took effect on the day the regulations were registered (that is, September 20, 2023).
• Financial institutions will add these names to screening systems; the list will also be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List.

Who's affected#

• The three named individuals: Carl Braun, Jean Marie Vorbe, Marc Antoine Acra.
• Canadian banks and other financial institutions that must screen for and block transactions involving these people.
• Any person or company in Canada, and Canadians or Canadian companies abroad, who might otherwise do business with the listed individuals.
• Immigration officials and anyone involved with border control, since the individuals are now inadmissible.
• Enforcement agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, which have roles enforcing the sanctions.

Why it matters#

• The measures are aimed at people Canada says are tied to serious corruption that fuels instability and violence in Haiti. The practical effect is to cut off these individuals’ ability to use Canadian financial services or enter Canada.
• For most Canadians and businesses the impact is likely small but banks and compliance teams must update screening processes.
• The listing is part of a broader international effort to pressure those believed to be supporting gangs and corrupt practices in Haiti.
• Breaking the rules can carry penalties, including a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to one year on summary conviction, or imprisonment for up to five years on indictment.