Moldova Sanctions Permit Authorization

Summary#

The Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Permit Authorization Order (SOR/2023-110) lets the government give official permission — “permits” — to do activities that the related sanctions rules normally ban. The order was registered May 30, 2023 (P.C. May 29, 2023) and published in the Canada Gazette on June 21, 2023.

What it does#

• Authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue permits that allow a person or group to carry out a specified activity or transaction that is otherwise restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations.
• Does not list the specific kinds of permits or the criteria for granting them in this short order. The supporting analysis is noted to appear with the related regulations (see the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement referenced in the Gazette).

Who's affected#

• People and entities who would be stopped by the Moldova sanctions but might seek an exemption — for example, exporters, banks, lawyers, service providers, humanitarian groups, or individuals with business or personal ties to Moldova.
• Anyone in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada who needs a permit to complete a transaction that the sanctions otherwise block.
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will decide whether to grant permits.

Why it matters#

• It creates an official way to make exceptions to sanctions tied to Moldova. That matters in practical terms when a blocked transaction is needed for humanitarian aid, legal obligations, diplomatic reasons, or other special cases.
• The order does not explain what will be allowed or how decisions will be made, so people affected may need to watch for guidance or apply for permits if they think they need one.