Haiti sanctions: Two individuals listed

Summary#

These final regulations add two people to Canada’s sanctions list that targets actors linked to corruption and violence in Haiti. The changes to the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations came into force on December 15, 2022 and were published in the Canada Gazette on January 4, 2023.

What it does#

• Replaces an existing entry to name Gilbert Bigio (born 1935) in the list of persons already targeted for serious threats to peace and security.
• Adds a new part that lists two people as individuals responsible for “acts of significant corruption”: Berto Dorcé and Liszt Quitel.
• Prohibits people and companies in Canada, and Canadians abroad, from dealing with or providing financial or other services to listed individuals. This includes freezing dealings in their property and blocking transactions.
• Makes the names available to banks and others via the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List so they can update their compliance systems.
• Notes penalties for knowingly breaking the rules: a fine of up to $25,000, or up to 1 year in jail on summary conviction, and up to 5 years in jail on indictment.

Who's affected#

• The named individuals: Gilbert Bigio, Berto Dorcé, and Liszt Quitel.
• Canadian banks, credit unions and other financial institutions that must screen for and block dealings with listed people.
• Businesses, lawyers, charities, importers/exporters and anyone in Canada (or Canadians abroad) who might otherwise do business with the listed individuals.
• Law enforcement and border agencies involved in enforcing the measures, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• Most ordinary Canadians are unlikely to be directly affected because the measures are targeted.

Why it matters#

• The sanctions aim to cut off money and support believed to help armed gangs in Haiti. That is intended to pressure corrupt actors to stop enabling violence and improve security and humanitarian conditions.
• For affected businesses and banks, the change means updating compliance checks to avoid prohibited transactions.
• For people in Haiti and for international efforts, these are part of a broader push by Canada and allies to reduce the influence of elites who are accused of supporting criminal violence.