Guatemala Sanctions Permit Authorization

Summary#

This is the Special Economic Measures (Guatemala) Permit Authorization Order (SOR/2024-24, P.C. 2024-131) registered on February 15, 2024 and published in the Canada Gazette on February 28, 2024. It gives the federal government power to issue permits that allow activities otherwise restricted or banned under the Special Economic Measures (Guatemala) Regulations.

What it does#

• Authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue permits to allow specified activities or transactions that would otherwise be restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures (Guatemala) Regulations.
• Applies to permits for any person in Canada and to any Canadian outside Canada.
• Does not list the specific activities or the criteria for permits in this short notice. The related Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement appears alongside the regulations (see SOR/2024-23) for more detail.

Who's affected#

• Canadians and people or companies in Canada who might want to carry out activities tied to Guatemala that are currently restricted.
• Canadians living or working abroad who would need a permit to do the same activities.
• Businesses and organizations involved in trade, aid, legal services, or other dealings with Guatemala that could require an exemption.
• It is unclear from this notice which exact activities or groups will be granted permits; that detail is in the regulations and supporting analysis.

Why it matters#

• This order does not change the sanctions themselves. Instead, it creates a way for the government to grant case-by-case exceptions through permits.
• That can matter for humanitarian efforts, ongoing business contracts, legal obligations, or other situations where a strict ban would cause harm or unintended consequences.
• People and organizations dealing with Guatemala should watch for permit rules and guidance so they know when an exemption might be available.