Two Haitians Added to Sanctions List

Summary#

Two people were added to the list of targeted sanctions under the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations. The change took effect when it was registered on March 23, 2023 and was published in the Canada Gazette on April 12, 2023. The listed people are now banned from dealings with Canadians and are inadmissible to Canada.

What it does#

• Adds Nenel Cassy (born on September 20, 1972) and Steeve Khawly (born on January 27, 1967) to Part 2 of the schedule to the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations.
• Prohibits anyone in Canada, and Canadians abroad, from dealing in the property of, transacting with, or providing financial or related services to those listed.
• Makes the listed individuals inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Requires financial institutions and other businesses to screen for the new names and block or report prohibited transactions.
• Lists potential penalties for knowingly breaking the rules: a fine of up to $25,000, or imprisonment for up to one year on summary conviction, or up to five years on indictment.
• Enforcement and listing support are handled by agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. The names will appear on the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List for compliance.

Who's affected#

• Directly: Nenel Cassy and Steeve Khawly, whose property and dealings are now covered by the sanctions.
• Businesses and organizations in Canada that could have dealings with them, especially banks and financial institutions that must update screening systems.
• Canadians and Canadian entities outside Canada who might otherwise transact with these individuals.
• It is unclear from the notice whether this will directly affect other Haitian individuals or businesses beyond those with ties to the two named people.

Why it matters#

• These are targeted sanctions intended to choke off financial and material support for armed gangs and to punish significant acts of corruption tied to those gangs.
• For everyday Canadians, the change mainly means banks and some businesses may add extra screening steps; most people are unlikely to be directly affected.
• For Haiti, the government says the measure aims to pressure powerful people who are believed to protect or enable gangs, with the goal of reducing violence and helping restore security and public order.