New Russia Sanctions: 30 Individuals, 8 Entities

Summary#

These final regulations amend the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 30 individuals and 8 entities to Canada’s Russia sanctions list. The change took effect on May 18, 2023 and was published in the Canada Gazette on June 7, 2023.

What it does#

• Adds 30 individuals and 8 entities to the list of people and organizations that Canadians are barred from dealing with.
• The listed people and groups are described by the government as involved in the forced removal and transfer of children from Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. The government says 19,393 children had been illegally deported as of April 24, 2023, and 361 had been returned.
• Bans dealings include things like moving money, providing services, or transferring property to the listed persons or entities.
• Names will be added to Canada’s consolidated sanctions list so banks and others can screen for them.
• Enforcement is handled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• Penalties for knowingly breaking the rules include fines up to $25,000 or jail up to 1 year on summary conviction, and up to 5 years on indictment.

Who's affected#

• People on the new list (the 30 named individuals and 8 named entities).
• Canadians and anyone in Canada who might otherwise do business with those listed — for example, banks, financial services, importers, lawyers and service providers.
• The federal agencies that enforce sanctions, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• It is unclear whether ordinary Canadians or small businesses will feel direct effects; the government says most listed parties have limited links with Canada.

Why it matters#

• The change expands Canada’s targeted sanctions against people and organizations accused of taking part in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
• For affected people and entities, it means any assets in Canada can be frozen and normal business with Canadians is prohibited.
• For banks and other businesses, it means updating screening systems to block transactions involving the newly listed names.
• The move aligns Canada with allies and aims to increase pressure on Russian actors involved in human-rights abuses.