Russian Disinformation Figures and Agencies Sanctioned

Summary#

The federal government registered the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations on July 8, 2022, adding 9 individuals and 2 entities to Canada’s Russia sanctions list. Those added are subject to a broad ban on dealings with people or property in Canada — effectively an asset freeze and ban on business or financial transactions.

What it does#

• Adds 9 individuals (named in the regulation) to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. The list targets people described in the regulatory text as involved in disinformation and propaganda (examples include Vladimir Mikhailovich GUNDYAYEV and Ekaterina Sergeevna ANDREEVA).
• Adds 2 entities to the list: REGNUM News Agency and Roskomnadzor.
• Makes it illegal for people in Canada, and for Canadians abroad, to deal in property of, enter into transactions with, provide services to, or otherwise make goods or funds available to the listed persons and entities.
• The amendments took effect on July 8, 2022 (the day the regulations were registered).

Who's affected#

• Anyone in Canada and Canadians outside Canada who might do business with the newly listed people or entities.
• Banks and other financial institutions, which must screen for and block transactions involving the listed names.
• Businesses that apply for permits to do otherwise-prohibited transactions with the listed parties — they may face extra restrictions or denials.
• The listed individuals and media organisations themselves, whose Canadian-linked assets and dealings are now targeted.
• Enforcement bodies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency will oversee compliance and enforcement.

Why it matters#

• In practical terms, the listing means assets in Canada tied to the listed people or entities can be frozen, and Canadians are forbidden from doing business with them. That limits their ability to use Canada for financing or operations.
• The measure is meant to reduce the spread of Russian state-sponsored information and to align Canada with allies responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• There are criminal penalties for knowingly breaking the rules: a fine up to $25,000 or up to one year in jail on summary conviction, or up to five years on indictment.
• Because these are targeted listings (people and specific entities), the government says broader harm to Canadian businesses and the economy should be limited. The full list of names will be published in Canada’s consolidated sanctions list for banks and others to use (the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List).