Highlights

  • The Canadian government has made several administrative changes, including the reassignment of ministerial duties and the transfer of departmental responsibilities.
  • Regulations and sanctions have been updated, with some being repealed or amended based on stakeholder feedback or to align with international commitments.
  • Sanctions have been imposed on individuals and entities from countries like Belarus, Iran, and Russia due to corruption and human rights violations.
  • The Canadian Grain Commission has decided to maintain existing grain grading standards after consultations.
  • Chicken production quotas have been adjusted for specific periods in 2023.
  • The Canadian Digital Service has been moved to a different department.
  • A self-government treaty with the Whitecap Dakota Nation has been established, recognizing their right to self-governance.

Termination of Assignments for Six Canadian Ministers of State

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister and in accordance with the Ministries and Ministers of State Act, has terminated the assignments of six Ministers of State. The ministers affected are Mary F.Y. Ng, Kamal Khera, William Sterling Blair, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Karina Gould, and Randy Paul Andrew Boissonnault. Their assignments were originally established by Orders in Council between November 2019 and October 2021. [Source]

Canadian Grain Commission Maintains Existing Wheat Grading Standards After Repealing Amendments

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has repealed the Regulations Amending the Canada Grain Regulations, which had previously modified grading standards for certain classes of western Canadian wheat. The repealed regulations had aimed to align primary standards with export standards, specifically concerning minimum test weight and maximum total foreign material. However, after receiving feedback from various stakeholders, including producer groups who preferred the status quo, the CGC decided to maintain the existing tolerances as listed in Appendix A.

The CGC’s grain grading system is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the needs of producers, industry, and customers. The grading modernization project initiated in 2017 identified the need for this review. Despite mixed support for aligning primary and export grade determinant tables, the CGC consulted with the Western Standards Committee and the broader sector before deciding to repeal the amendments.

The repealed regulations were intended to standardize grading specifications across primary and export markets for wheat classes like Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Red Winter, and others. The tolerances for test weight and total foreign material that will continue to be in effect are detailed in Appendix A, with specific values for different grades within each wheat class.

The repeal of the regulations took effect on the day they were made, ensuring that the previous grading standards remain in place for the Canadian grain industry. [Source]

New Production Limits for Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has amended the Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations to set new limits for the production and marketing of chicken for the period beginning on July 30, 2023, and ending on September 23, 2023. The amendments specify the production subject to federal and provincial quotas, market development quotas, and specialty chicken quotas for each province in kilograms. Ontario has the highest production limit, followed by Quebec and British Columbia. The total production across all provinces is outlined, with separate figures for general production, market development, and specialty chicken. These changes are made under the authority of the Farm Products Agencies Act and are approved by the National Farm Products Council, ensuring they align with the marketing plan CFC is authorized to implement. [Source]

New Canadian Chicken Quota Regulations for Fall 2023

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has amended the Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations to set new limits for the production and marketing of chicken for the period beginning on September 24, 2023, and ending on November 18, 2023. The amendments specify the production subject to federal and provincial quotas, market development quotas, and specialty chicken quotas for each province. The total production under federal and provincial quotas is set at 289,175,828 kg, with an additional 7,456,581 kg for market development and 2,294,491 kg for specialty chicken across various provinces. These changes are made under the authority of the Farm Products Agencies Act and are approved by the National Farm Products Council, following the process outlined in the Operating Agreement for quota allocation changes. The new regulations will come into force on September 24, 2023. [Source]

Canada Amends CRTC Directive to Comply with CUSMA and Allow U.S. Home Shopping Channels

The Canadian government has issued an amended directive to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to ensure compliance with the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This amendment requires the CRTC to authorize both unmodified and modified U.S. home shopping television programming services for distribution in Canada, allowing them to negotiate with Canadian distributors. The amendment clarifies that U.S. services can be added to the List of non-Canadian programming services authorized for distribution without needing to originate programming in Canada or predominantly use Canadian resources.

The U.S. had expressed dissatisfaction with Canada’s initial implementation of CUSMA commitments, considering it a barrier to market access. The U.S. raised concerns at various levels, including ministerial discussions and trade reports, suggesting potential formal dispute settlement or unilateral retaliation if not addressed.

The CRTC previously authorized unmodified U.S. home shopping services for distribution but did not allow modified services to be added to the List, instead requiring them to comply with an Exemption Order that included conditions like originating programming in Canada. This approach was not satisfactory to the U.S.

The amended directive is expected to mitigate the risk of economic consequences from a potential U.S. challenge under CUSMA. It may also benefit Canadian consumers by providing more access to consumer goods and potentially lower prices due to increased competition. The CRTC is prepared to implement the amended directive upon its registration, and compliance will be monitored by Canadian Heritage. The impact on Canadian small businesses is considered minimal, and no significant costs are associated with the implementation of the directive. [Source]

Transfer of Anti-Racism Secretariat to Employment and Social Development Department

The Governor General of Canada, advised by the Prime Minister, has enacted an order under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act to transfer the control and supervision of the Anti-Racism Secretariat from the Department of Canadian Heritage to the Department of Employment and Social Development. [Source]

Governor General Authorizes Employment Department to Assist Minister of Citizens’ Services

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has issued an order for the Department of Employment and Social Development to support the Minister of Citizens’ Services in their duties. This is in accordance with subsection 5(1) of the Salaries Act. [Source]

Canadian Government Reorganizes Support for Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

The Canadian government has issued an order that repeals a previous Order in Council and designates two departments to support the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. The Department of Health is tasked with assisting the Minister in responsibilities related to physical activity, while the Department of Canadian Heritage is designated to help with all other responsibilities of the Minister. This order was recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by the Governor General in Council. [Source]

Support for Minister of Small Business and Tourism by Department of Industry Authorized

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has issued an order for the Department of Industry to support the Minister of Small Business and Tourism. This support is to assist the Minister in fulfilling their responsibilities, as authorized under subsection 5(1) of the Salaries Act. [Source]

Canadian Labour Code Adjustments for Air, Rail, Banking, and Broadcasting Sectors

The Canadian government has enacted regulations to modify the application of certain hours of work provisions under the Canada Labour Code for specific classes of employees in industries such as air and rail transportation, banking, and telecommunications and broadcasting. These changes are due to the unique operational requirements of these sectors, which include continuous operations and unpredictable scheduling needs that make it challenging to adhere to standard hours of work regulations.

For the air transportation sector, exemptions and modifications have been made for pilots, flight engineers, flight instructors, and other on-board crew members, recognizing the impracticality of providing standard breaks and rest periods due to the dynamic nature of flight schedules and safety regulations. Similarly, air navigation service employees, including air traffic controllers and technologists, are exempt from certain provisions due to the unpredictability of their work.

In the rail transportation sector, exemptions and modifications address the continuous and interconnected nature of rail operations. Employees responsible for train operation, maintenance, and safety cannot always adhere to prescribed break and rest periods due to the need for rapid response to maintenance issues and the impracticality of stopping trains for breaks.

Banking sector employees who work on a commission basis and set their own hours, such as financial advisors and mortgage specialists, are exempt from the new hours of work provisions, as these would limit their flexibility and potentially reduce their income.

For the telecommunications and broadcasting sector, exemptions and modifications are provided for commission-paid salespeople and those involved in live broadcasting events, where scheduling flexibility is essential due to the time-sensitive and unpredictable nature of the work.

The regulations aim to balance the operational realities of these sectors with the legislative goal of providing employees with work-life balance and more predictable hours of work. Compliance with the modified provisions will be enforced through education, voluntary compliance, or administrative monetary penalties for serious or repeated violations. The regulations will come into force in a staggered manner, with a five-month delay for most sectors and a ten-month delay for the air transportation sector. [Source]

Reassignment of Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat to Minister of Public Safety

The Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat, which was previously under the purview of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, has been reassigned to the jurisdiction of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This change was enacted by an order approved by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and involved an amendment to Schedule I.1 of the Financial Administration Act. [Source]

Transfer of Leaders’ Debates Commission Oversight to Minister of Public Safety

The Canadian Governor General, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has made an amendment to the Financial Administration Act, specifically to Schedule I.1. This amendment changes the ministerial responsibility for the Leaders’ Debates Commission. Previously, the Commission was under the purview of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. With this amendment, the responsibility has been transferred to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. [Source]

Amendment to Financial Administration Act: Change in Ministerial Oversight for Chief Electoral Officer

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has made an amendment to the Financial Administration Act. Specifically, the amendment changes the ministerial responsibility for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer. The previous reference to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities has been removed and replaced with a reference to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This change is reflected in Schedule I.1 of the Act. [Source]

Shift in Ministerial Oversight for Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has made an amendment to the Financial Administration Act, specifically to Schedule I.1. This amendment involves changing the ministerial responsibility for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. The reference to the Minister for International Development has been removed and replaced with a reference to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada. This change signifies a shift in the oversight of the agency from one ministerial position to another. [Source]

Canada Sanctions Lebanese Bankers for Corruption and Money Laundering

The Canadian government has amended the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations to impose sanctions on three individuals from Lebanon’s financial sector. These individuals are accused of corruption, including embezzlement of public funds and laundering money through European accounts and real estate. The sanctions prohibit Canadians and people in Canada from dealing with the property of these individuals or facilitating any related financial transactions. The listed individuals are also deemed inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The amendments aim to express Canada’s condemnation of significant acts of corruption and to encourage accountability and transparency in Lebanon’s banking sector. The sanctions are part of Canada’s commitment to combat corruption and uphold human rights internationally.

The enforcement of these sanctions will be carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment. The names of the sanctioned individuals will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to assist with compliance.

The regulatory impact analysis acknowledges that while the sanctions may have some minor compliance costs for Canadian businesses, they are unlikely to have significant economic impacts due to the limited connections between the sanctioned individuals and the Canadian economy. The amendments are aligned with actions by Canada’s allies and do not require a strategic environmental assessment or have significant direct impacts on vulnerable groups. [Source]

Transfer of Pacific Economic Development Agency Oversight to President of the King’s Privy Council

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has authorized the transfer of responsibilities from the Minister for International Development to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada. This transfer pertains specifically to the powers, duties, and functions related to the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, as facilitated by the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act. [Source]

Designation of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities as Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has made changes regarding the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act. Specifically, a previous Order in Council has been repealed, and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities has been designated as the Minister responsible for the purposes of the Act. This designation means that the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities will now oversee matters related to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. [Source]

Appointment of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities as Responsible for National Housing Act

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has made a new designation regarding the National Housing Act. The Order in Council previously in effect has been repealed, and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities has been appointed as the Minister responsible for the purposes of the National Housing Act. This change means that the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities will now oversee the administration and implementation of the Act. [Source]

Changes to the National Housing Strategy Act: Repeal of Order and New Ministerial Designation

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has made two significant changes regarding the National Housing Strategy Act. Firstly, a previous Order in Council, specifically P.C. 2021-948, has been repealed. Secondly, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities has been designated as the responsible Minister for the purposes of the National Housing Strategy Act. [Source]

Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Appointed to Oversee Non-Canadians Residential Property Purchase Ban Act

The Canadian government has issued an order designating the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities as the responsible minister for the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act. This change comes after the repeal of a previous order that may have designated a different minister for this role. The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, a federal minister, will now oversee the implementation and administration of the Act, which restricts the ability of non-Canadians to purchase residential property in Canada. [Source]

Transfer of Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat to Minister of Public Safety

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has authorized the transfer of control and supervision of the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat from the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This administrative change is enacted under the provisions of the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act. [Source]

Change in Responsibility for Canada Elections Act to Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has issued an order that revokes a previous Order in Council and designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible Minister for the purposes of the Canada Elections Act. This change means that the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness will now oversee matters related to this Act. [Source]

Designation of Minister of Public Safety as Responsible for Canadian Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act

The Canadian government has issued an order that designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible minister for the purposes of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. This change comes as a result of the repeal of a previous Order in Council. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is now the designated authority for matters related to the implementation of this Act. [Source]

Change in Oversight of Electoral Boundaries Readjustment in Canada

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has issued an order that revokes a previous Order in Council and designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible minister for the purposes of the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. This change means that the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness will now oversee matters related to the adjustment of electoral boundaries in Canada. [Source]

Repeal of Order in Council P.C. 2021-943 and Designation of Minister for Electoral Boundaries Act Responsibilities

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has made two decisions: first, to repeal a previous Order in Council, specifically P.C. 2021-943, and second, to designate the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible minister for the purposes of the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Suspension Act, 1994. [Source]

Canadian Government Designates Minister of Public Safety as Responsible for Referendum Act

The Canadian government has issued an order that revokes a previous Order in Council and designates the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the responsible minister for the purposes of the Referendum Act. This change is based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. [Source]

Canadian Government Reassigns Responsibility for Canada Small Business Financing Act to Minister of Small Business and Tourism

The Canadian government has issued an order that revokes a previous Order in Council and designates the Minister of Small Business and Tourism as the responsible minister for the Canada Small Business Financing Act. This change means that the Minister of Small Business and Tourism will now oversee the administration and execution of the Act. [Source]

Canada Designates Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities as Responsible for Physical Activity and Sport Act

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has made an order under the Physical Activity and Sport Act. This order revokes two previous orders from 2018 and 2021 and designates the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities as the responsible minister for the purposes of the Act. This means that the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities will now oversee matters related to physical activity and sport as defined by the Act. [Source]

New Minister Responsible for Canadian Multiculturalism Act

The Canadian government has issued an order that designates the Minister of State (Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities) as the responsible Minister for the purposes of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. This change comes with the repeal of a previous Order in Council that had designated a different minister for this role. The new designation means that the Minister of State (Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities) will now oversee the implementation and administration of policies related to multiculturalism in Canada. [Source]

Kamal Khera Appointed as Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

The Canadian Governor General, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has assigned the Honourable Kamal Khera, the Minister of State (Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities), to assist both the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Employment and Social Development with their duties. Kamal Khera will hold the title of Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities in this role. [Source]

Harjit Singh Sajjan Assigned New Roles in Canadian Government

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has assigned the Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, who holds the title of Minister of State (Emergency Preparedness), to assist the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness with their duties. In addition to this role, Harjit Singh Sajjan will also serve as President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, as well as being responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. This assignment is made under the authority of the Ministries and Ministers of State Act. [Source]

Randy Boissonnault Appointed to Assist Minister of Canadian Heritage and Named Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has assigned the Honourable Randy Paul Andrew Boissonnault, who holds the title Minister of State (Official Languages), to also assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage with their duties. Consequently, Boissonnault will carry the additional title of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. This assignment is made under the authority of the Ministries and Ministers of State Act. [Source]

Seamus O’Regan Appointed as Minister of Labour and Seniors

The Canadian Governor General, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has assigned the Honourable Seamus Thomas Harris O’Regan, who holds the title Minister of State (Seniors), to also assist the Minister of Employment and Social Development with their duties. Consequently, Seamus O’Regan will be known as the Minister of Labour and Seniors. This assignment is made under the authority of the Ministries and Ministers of State Act. [Source]

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Appointed as Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Quebec’s Economic Development Agency

The Canadian Governor General, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has assigned the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who holds the title Minister of State (Tourism), to assist the Minister of Industry. In her role, she will also be known as the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. This assignment is in accordance with section 11 of the Ministries and Ministers of State Act. [Source]

Transfer of Canadian Tourism Commission Act Responsibilities to Minister of State (Tourism)

The Governor General of Canada, upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has authorized the transfer of powers, duties, and functions related to the Canadian Tourism Commission Act from the Minister of State (Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance) to the Minister of State (Tourism). This transfer is facilitated under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act and reverses a previous transfer made in October 2021. [Source]

Repeal of Order in Council Regarding Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Authority

The Governor General of Canada, advised by the Prime Minister, has repealed an Order in Council concerning the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. This repeal is made under the authority of the Salaries Act, specifically subsections 5(1) and 5(3). The revoked order was initially established on January 13, 2022. [Source]

Whitecap Dakota Nation Achieves Self-Government Through Historic Treaty

The Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate Act is set to come into force on September 1, 2023, except for section 16, which was already in effect upon royal assent. The Act establishes the Whitecap Dakota Nation as a self-governing entity with jurisdiction over a wide range of governance and administrative areas, including land management, membership, and services. It affirms the Whitecap Dakota’s inherent right to self-government as recognized under the Constitution Act, 1982.

The treaty is the result of negotiations that began in 2009, aiming to move the community away from the Indian Act. It covers core governance areas and establishes a government-to-government relationship, with practical mechanisms for cooperation. While the treaty is between Canada and Whitecap Dakota, it complements existing agreements with the Government of Saskatchewan, which is not a party to the treaty but has been involved as an observer. Provincial laws will continue to apply as before.

The treaty was initialed in April 2023, approved by the Whitecap Dakota membership, and signed by both parties in May 2023. The Act was introduced in Parliament and received royal assent in June 2023. The treaty is significant as the first stand-alone self-government treaty with a First Nation in Saskatchewan and could serve as a model for others.

Extensive consultations with the Whitecap Dakota community were conducted throughout the negotiation process. The agreed effective date for the treaty, other than the already effective sections, is September 1, 2023. [Source]

Canada Expands Sanctions on Belarus for Supporting Russia’s Ukraine Invasion and Human Rights Violations

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations to impose additional sanctions on Belarus due to its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing human rights violations within its borders. These sanctions include a dealings ban on nine individuals and seven entities, which are believed to be supporting Russia’s military actions or involved in human rights abuses in Belarus. The individuals are government officials, judges, and family members of previously listed individuals, while the entities include Belarus’s Ministry of Defence, Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and various military manufacturing and technology companies.

The sanctions are part of Canada’s coordinated international response to the situation in Belarus and Ukraine, aiming to pressure Belarus for its role in the conflict and human rights abuses. The measures are designed to align with actions taken by Canada’s allies and communicate a clear message to the Belarusian government that its actions are unacceptable.

The sanctions are enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. The names of the sanctioned individuals and entities will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to assist with compliance. The amendments are part of Canada’s broader commitment to supporting Ukraine, which includes over $5 billion in assistance and coordination with allies to impose sanctions on those complicit in violating Ukraine’s sovereignty. [Source]

Canada Expands Sanctions on Iranian Officials for Human Rights Violations and Destabilizing Activities

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations to impose sanctions on seven additional individuals associated with the Iranian regime. These individuals are believed to be involved in human rights violations and activities that threaten international peace and security. They include senior officials from entities supplying repressive equipment to law enforcement and those involved in producing combat drones used in regional conflicts or by Russia in Ukraine. The amendments aim to pressure Iran to change its behavior and align with Canada’s commitment to holding Iran accountable for its actions.

The sanctions prohibit any dealings with the listed individuals, effectively freezing their assets in Canada and making them inadmissible under Canadian immigration law. The measures are in response to Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses, including the crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the “morality police,” and its destabilizing activities in the Middle East.

The enforcement of these sanctions falls under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to imprisonment. The Canada Border Services Agency also has enforcement authority. The names of the sanctioned individuals will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to assist with compliance.

The amendments are part of Canada’s broader strategy to use diplomatic tools to address Iran’s disregard for human rights and international stability. They also bring Canada’s actions in line with those of its allies. [Source]

Canada Lifts Sanctions on Igor Makarov Following Renounced Russian Citizenship

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to remove Igor Viktorovich Makarov from the list of individuals sanctioned under these regulations. This action was taken because Makarov no longer meets the criteria for inclusion, specifically regarding his nationality, as he has renounced his Russian citizenship and has not resided in Russia since 2013.

The background to these sanctions relates to Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The sanctions aim to freeze the assets of and limit dealings with individuals and entities that support or enable Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Canada’s response to the conflict includes over $8 billion in assistance to Ukraine, encompassing military aid, economic support, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to counter disinformation. Canada has also facilitated immigration streams for Ukrainians and has coordinated with international partners to impose sanctions on over 2,600 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova.

The amendment to the regulations is part of Canada’s ongoing sanctions program, which is enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Violations of the sanctions can result in significant fines or imprisonment. The amendment is intended to ensure that sanctions are applied fairly and responsively, in line with the evolving situation and in coordination with international allies. [Source]

Canada Sanctions Russian Billionaire Igor Makarov in Response to Ukraine Conflict

Canada has amended its Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to include Russian billionaire Igor Viktorovich Makarov due to his involvement in non-transparent energy deals that have financially supported the Kremlin’s aggressive actions, including in Ukraine. These sanctions, which effectively freeze assets and prohibit transactions with listed individuals, align with international efforts to respond to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and its associated human rights violations and war crimes.

The Canadian government has been actively supporting Ukraine with over $5 billion in various forms of assistance, including military aid, economic support, and humanitarian assistance, as well as by facilitating immigration for Ukrainians. Canada’s sanctions are part of a broader international response that includes G7 and European countries, aiming to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically.

The sanctions are designed to specifically target individuals and entities that undermine international peace and security, with the intention of minimizing unintended impacts on vulnerable groups. The enforcement of these sanctions is carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. The amendments are part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to align with actions taken by allies and to contribute to the international pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. [Source]

Canada Amends Sanctions Regulations to Close Citizenship Loophole

The Canadian government has amended regulations under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to prevent individuals and entities listed under Canadian sanctions from circumventing these measures. The amendments modify the definition of “designated person” across 13 SEMA sanctions regulations to include former nationals of the targeted countries, closing a loophole that allowed individuals to avoid sanctions by renouncing their citizenship.

SEMA sanctions can be imposed in response to serious international crises, calls from international organizations, human rights violations, or significant acts of corruption. Sanctions may include bans on dealings with listed individuals/entities and restrictions on trade or financial transactions. Listed individuals are also deemed inadmissible to Canada.

The amendments affect sanctions regulations for Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Moldova, Myanmar, Nicaragua, People’s Republic of China, Russia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela. They clarify that the Governor in Council can list former nationals of these states as designated persons, ensuring that renunciation of citizenship does not exempt individuals from sanctions.

The amendments are part of Canada’s commitment to effective sanctions enforcement, including efforts by the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force to address sanctions evasion. The changes are not expected to have significant environmental effects or impact Canadian small businesses. Enforcement of the regulations is carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to imprisonment. [Source]

Canadian Digital Service Moves to Employment and Social Development Department

The Canadian Digital Service, which was part of the Treasury Board Secretariat, has been transferred to the Department of Employment and Social Development. This change was made on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and authorized by the Governor General in Council, in accordance with the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act. [Source]

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