34 People and TV Zvezda Added to Sanctions

Summary#

These final regulations — Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations — add 34 individuals and 1 entity to Canada’s Russia sanctions list and remove two duplicate listings. The change took effect when it was registered on October 14, 2022 and was published in the Canada Gazette on October 26, 2022.

What it does#

• Adds 34 individuals and 1 entity (listed in the regulations) to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
• The named people and the entity are subject to a broad dealings ban — meaning most financial and commercial interactions with them are prohibited for people in Canada and Canadians abroad.
• Removes two duplicate entries (items 331 and 410) from Schedule 1 to correct the list.
• The listed entity added in Part 2 is TV Zvezda.
• The amendments are enforced under the existing sanctions framework and took effect on October 14, 2022.

Who's affected#

• The 34 individuals and TV Zvezda (the newly listed entity) — their funds in Canada and most business dealings with Canadians are blocked.
• Canadian banks and other financial institutions, which must update screening and monitoring systems to block transactions with the newly listed names.
• Businesses and people in Canada who might have planned transactions or contracts involving any of the named persons or TV Zvezda.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, which have roles in enforcing the rules.
• It’s unclear how many of the newly listed people actually have assets or business ties in Canada; the government says those links are likely small.

Why it matters#

• These amendments extend Canada’s sanctions response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by freezing and blocking dealings with additional individuals and a media entity.
• In practice, that means frozen assets and a prohibition on providing services, money, goods or other economic benefits to the listed people and TV Zvezda.
• The measure aims to curb Russian-state disinformation (the government describes the additions as targeting agents of propaganda) and to stay aligned with allies.
• For most Canadians the impact will be indirect (minor extra compliance work for banks and some businesses). But for the listed people and any business partners they have in Canada, the effects can be immediate and significant.
• Breaching the sanctions can carry penalties, including a fine of up to $25,000 (summary conviction) and possible imprisonment (see the regulations for full details).