New Russia Sanctions: 23 Individuals, 5 Entities

Summary#

The final rule SOR/2026-80 updates the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations by adding 23 individuals and 5 entities to Canada’s Russia sanctions list. The amendments were registered on May 8, 2026 and published in the Canada Gazette on May 20, 2026, and they took effect on the registration date.

What it does#

• Adds 23 individuals and 5 entities (specific names are listed in the regulation) to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
• Prohibits people in Canada and Canadians abroad from dealing with the listed persons’ property, entering into transactions with them, providing them services, or otherwise making goods or funds available — unless a special permit or narrow exception applies.
• Renders the listed people inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
• Keeps in place a process by which listed persons may apply for removal from the list through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Signals that enforcement and compliance duties fall to agencies such as Global Affairs Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Notes criminal penalties for knowingly breaking the Russia Regulations: on summary conviction a fine of up to $25,000 or up to one year in jail (or both); on indictment, imprisonment for up to five years.
• Explains permits for special cases are possible but are issued only in exceptional circumstances.

Who's affected#

• The 23 individuals and 5 entities named in the amendments — the list includes people described as holding roles related to children’s services and youth military/education programs, and facilities linked to those activities.
• Canadian banks and financial institutions, which must screen for and block dealings with newly listed names and report suspected evasion to FINTRAC.
• Businesses, universities or organizations that might otherwise engage with the named people or entities (although the government says known links to Canada appear limited).
• Anyone in Canada or Canadians abroad who might try to send money, goods, services, or enter transactions with the listed persons.
• Immigration officers and border authorities, because listed people are typically inadmissible to Canada.

Why it matters#

• These additions are Canada’s response to alleged unlawful deportation, forcible transfer, indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children. Listing aims to increase pressure on those believed to be involved and to signal international condemnation.
• For most Canadians the effects are indirect: banks will update screening, and a few businesses may need to check whether proposed dealings are permitted. The government says direct economic impacts on Canadian firms should be minimal.
• For the named people and entities, the measures mean frozen access to Canadian-based property or services and barred entry to Canada.
• The measure is part of coordinated international sanctions efforts intended to support Ukraine and push for the return and protection of affected children.