Highlights

  • The Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency has adjusted the levy for Quebec residents selling cull cows in interprovincial trade.
  • CARICOM representatives are granted legal immunities and privileges for the Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa.
  • The Canada Evidence Act now includes provisions related to the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes.
  • New chemical substances and living organisms have been added to the Domestic Substances List after assessment.
  • The Canadian Hatching Egg Producers have set production limits for broiler hatching eggs for 2023 and revised limits for 2024.
  • FINTRAC’s regulations now include a framework for assessing expenses from entities it regulates.
  • EU representatives can enter Canada for official travel using European Union laissez-passers.
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference is designated as a department for administrative and financial purposes.
  • Regulations allow Canadian insurance entities to invest in Permitted Infrastructure Entities.
  • Online broadcasting undertakings must register with the CRTC.
  • Certain sections of the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1, related to AML/ATF measures, will come into force in 2024.
  • The Canada Business Corporations Act will require corporations to submit information about individuals with significant control.
  • Ministerial responsibilities under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act are transferred to the Minister of Indigenous Services.
  • Amendments to the Insurance Companies Act permit investments in infrastructure entities by insurance companies.
  • Amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act enhance Canada’s AML/ATF regime.
  • Mortgage administrators, brokers, and lenders are now subject to AML/ATF obligations.
  • The Representation Orders for federal electoral districts will take effect after the next dissolution of Parliament post-April 2024.
  • Additional lands are incorporated into Rouge National Urban Park.
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference is added to the Schedule to the Security of Information Act.
  • Sanctions are imposed on additional Haitian individuals for corruption.
  • Canada imposes further sanctions on Russian individuals and entities due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Amendment to Levy for Quebec Cull Cow Sales Under Beef Cattle Promotion and Research Plan

The Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency has amended the Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Levies Order. The amendment changes the levy amount to be paid by a resident of Quebec who sells cull cows through interprovincial trade, setting it at $19.05. This change is made under the authority of the Farm Products Agencies Act and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency Proclamation. The National Farm Products Council has approved the amendment, confirming its necessity for the implementation of the promotion and research plan. The Order comes into effect on the day it is registered. [Source]

The Canada-CARICOM Summit 2023 Privileges and Immunities Order grants specific legal capacities and privileges to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its representatives, senior officials, other officials, and experts during the Summit in Ottawa from October 17 to 19, 2023. CARICOM, an organization of 20 countries, will have the legal capacities of a corporation and certain immunities necessary for its function at the Summit, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities.

Representatives of foreign states who are official delegates will have immunity from legal process for their official acts, personal arrest, and detention, as well as inviolability for their papers and exemption from immigration restrictions. Senior officials of CARICOM will enjoy privileges and immunities similar to those of diplomatic agents, excluding duty and tax relief. Other officials of CARICOM and invited international organizations, as well as experts, will have immunity from legal process for their official acts and exemption from immigration restrictions.

The privileges and immunities are designed to facilitate participation in the Summit and are only applicable to the extent necessary for the individuals’ functions related to the Summit. They will be in effect for three days before and after the Summit to accommodate travel. The Order does not provide duty or tax relief and does not impact Canadian small businesses or create administrative burdens. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will ensure the security for the Summit. The Order is effective upon registration and does not require public consultation or impact treaty obligations or Indigenous engagement. [Source]

Amendment to Canada Evidence Act for Inquiry into Foreign Electoral Interference

The Canadian government has amended the Schedule to the Canada Evidence Act to include a new item. This addition, listed as item 23, pertains to the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. The amendment specifies that the protections and provisions of the Canada Evidence Act apply to this inquiry, with the exception of hearings that are open to the public. This Order becomes effective on the day it is registered. [Source]

Canada Expands Domestic Substances List with New Chemicals and Polymers

The Minister of the Environment has amended the Domestic Substances List (DSL) to include new substances that have been manufactured or imported into Canada in quantities above the threshold set by the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). The substances have undergone the required assessment period, and no restrictions have been placed on them. The amendments involve adding specific chemical substances to Part 1 and Part 3 of the DSL, with their respective numerical identifiers and descriptions. These substances include various polymers and chemical compounds used in industrial processes. The Order comes into force on the day it is registered. [Source]

Canada Adds Safe Organisms to Domestic Substances List Under CEPA

The Minister of the Environment has approved the addition of certain living organisms to the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). These organisms have been assessed and are deemed safe for manufacture or import into Canada by the parties who provided the necessary information. As a result, they are no longer subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms).

The DSL is an inventory of substances that are considered existing in the Canadian marketplace. Substances not listed are new to Canada and must undergo a notification and assessment process to ensure they do not pose risks to the environment or human health. The DSL is updated regularly to include new substances that meet the criteria for addition.

The recent order adds two living organisms by their specific names to Part 5 of the DSL and one organism by its masked name to Part 7. These amendments are administrative and do not introduce new regulatory burdens. They facilitate access to these substances for businesses, as they are no longer subject to the new substances regulations.

The orders to amend the DSL do not have any significant impacts on small businesses, modern treaty obligations, gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), or the environment, as determined by the relevant assessments. Compliance with the orders is monitored under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act: compliance and enforcement policy. Concerns or suspected violations can be reported to the Department of the Environment. [Source]

Canadian Hatching Egg Producers Set Production Limits for 2023 and 2024

The Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (CHEP) have amended regulations under the Farm Products Agencies Act to establish the final limits for broiler hatching eggs for the year 2023 and to revise the limits for the year 2024 for provinces involved in interprovincial and intraprovincial trade. These amendments specify the number of broiler hatching eggs each signatory province is allowed to produce, with the figures for Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta listed in two separate schedules for the respective years. The amendments are designed to support the implementation of the marketing plan that CHEP is authorized to implement. The new regulations come into effect on the day they are registered. [Source]

Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada: Expense Assessment Regulations for Compliance Entities

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada Assessment of Expenses Regulations establish rules for assessing expenses incurred by the Centre in ensuring compliance with parts of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. The regulations define which expenses are covered, which entities are responsible for these expenses, and how the assessment amounts are calculated.

Entities subject to these regulations include banks under the Bank Act, life insurance companies under the Insurance Companies Act, companies under the Trust and Loan Companies Act, and any other entities that made 500 or more specified reports during the fiscal year.

The regulations set out formulas to calculate the base assessment amount for each entity, which depends on the value of the entity’s assets in Canada and is adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, there are formulas to determine the proportional assessment amount, which is based on the number of specified reports made and the value of the entity’s assets in Canada.

For banks, the proportional assessment amount considers the total expenses of the Centre, the total base assessment amounts, the number of specified reports made by all banks, and the total value of assets held by all banks in Canada. For non-bank entities, the calculation is similar but focuses on the number of specified reports they made relative to the total made by similar entities.

Entities that made fewer than 500 specified reports in a fiscal year are not subject to the proportional assessment. The value of assets for subsidiaries that are themselves subject to the regulations is excluded from the parent entity’s asset value for the purpose of these calculations.

The regulations come into force on the day section 170 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 is enacted or on the day they are registered if that occurs later. [Source]

Canada Amends Immigration Regulations for EU Representatives Using Laissez-Passers

The Canadian government has amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to allow European Union representatives and their family members to enter Canada for official travel using European Union laissez-passers. This change is intended to strengthen diplomatic relations with the EU, as the laissez-passer is a secure biometric travel document recognized by many countries. EU representatives on official business will need to obtain a diplomatic/official temporary resident visa, but cannot use the laissez-passer for non-official travel such as tourism, for which they must use their national passport.

Consultations with Canadian air carriers indicated that the impact of this change would be minimal due to the low volume of travelers using the laissez-passer, though a two-month transition period is necessary for airlines to update systems and training materials. The amendments will incur a one-time cost to the Canadian government for implementing the changes, including IT system updates, estimated at $1,971,794 in present value.

The amendments are not expected to impact Canadian small businesses, increase administrative burdens, or require a strategic environmental assessment. No significant gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) impacts have been identified. The changes will come into force 60 days after registration, allowing time for air carriers to make necessary updates. Compliance and implementation will be monitored by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. [Source]

Governor General Empowers Electoral Interference Inquiry Commission as Government Department with Prime Minister Oversight

The Governor General of Canada, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has issued an order concerning the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. This order designates the inquiry commission as a department under the Financial Administration Act, which means it will be treated as a government department for administrative and financial purposes. Additionally, the Prime Minister has been designated as the appropriate Minister responsible for this commission, giving the Prime Minister oversight of the inquiry in accordance with the Act. [Source]

Canadian Regulations for Insurance Entities Investing in Infrastructure

The Investments in Permitted Infrastructure Entities Regulations establish conditions under which Canadian insurance entities can invest in Permitted Infrastructure Entities (PIEs). These regulations define PIEs as entities that invest in infrastructure assets or engage in activities prescribed by the regulations. Infrastructure assets are specified as physical assets that support public services, including transportation, water supply, waste disposal, and energy, among others.

Insurance entities can acquire substantial investments or control in PIEs only if a public body is involved with the PIE or its infrastructure assets. A public body is defined broadly to include various levels of government, regulatory bodies, indigenous governments, international organizations, and not-for-profit entities with public mandates.

The regulations stipulate that PIEs must be involved in prescribed activities such as operating infrastructure assets, holding real property connected to an asset, or acting as a general contractor for the asset’s construction or maintenance. Additionally, PIEs must be wholly owned by entities that are not affiliated with the insurance entity, ensuring that investments are held within PIEs.

Insurance entities must invest in PIEs with the purpose of matching their consolidated assets with long-term liabilities. There is also a cap on the aggregate exposure to PIEs, which must not exceed 20% of the insurance entity’s regulatory capital. This cap ensures that insurance entities remain primarily focused on insurance while allowing for measured exposure to public infrastructure assets.

The regulations aim to improve the financial resilience of insurance entities by enhancing their ability to match assets with liabilities and to provide a new source of private capital for public infrastructure projects, contributing to economic growth and addressing Canada’s infrastructure gap. Compliance with these regulations is overseen by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), and no significant incremental costs to insurance entities or the government are anticipated. [Source]

CRTC Online Broadcasting Undertaking Registration Requirements

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has established the Online Undertakings Registration Regulations, which require operators of online broadcasting undertakings to register with the CRTC. Operators must submit a registration return within 30 days of starting their service, providing details such as the undertaking’s name, operator’s contact information, incorporation details, and the broadcasting services offered. If the CRTC finds the registration return incomplete or incorrect, it may request additional information, which the operator must provide promptly. Operators are also required to update their registration information if any changes occur and to request deregistration within 30 days of ceasing operations. All submissions must be made electronically in the format specified by the CRTC. Existing undertakings at the time these regulations come into force have 60 days to comply with the registration requirement. [Source]

Canada Strengthens AML/ATF Measures and Implements Cost-Recovery for FINTRAC Compliance Activities

The Canadian government has set January 1, 2024, as the date for sections 164, 165, and 170 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 to come into force. These sections aim to strengthen Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/ATF) regime. The first order targets the armoured car sector, which has been identified as having a high risk of being used for money laundering or terrorist financing. By July 1, 2024, armoured car companies will be considered reporting entities under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), requiring them to establish compliance programs, apply due diligence measures, and fulfill record-keeping and reporting obligations.

The second order allows the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to implement a cost-recovery scheme for their compliance activities from reporting entities, providing FINTRAC with stable long-term funding and minimizing future resource pressures on taxpayers. This change aligns FINTRAC with other financial regulatory bodies that recover costs from the entities they regulate.

Consultations with the armoured car sector began after the 2021 Budget announcement, with the Department of Finance reaching out to inform them of the upcoming changes. Similarly, the Department of Finance and FINTRAC engaged with various reporting entities to discuss the cost-recovery scheme. Stakeholders generally supported strengthening the AML/ATF framework, although there were concerns about the application of new obligations, the cost-recovery formula, and the administrative burden. In response, the Department of Finance simplified the coming into force dates for related regulations to July 1, 2024, to ease the burden on reporting entities. [Source]

Canada Sets Date for Enhanced Corporate Transparency Laws to Combat Financial Crimes

The Canadian government has set January 22, 2024, as the date for sections 431 to 433 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1 to come into effect. These sections mandate certain corporations governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) to submit information about individuals with significant control (ISC) over the corporation to the appointed Director under the CBCA. Additionally, the Director will be authorized to share this ISC information with investigative bodies, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), or any prescribed entity.

This move aims to enhance corporate transparency and is in line with Canada’s international commitments to the G7, G20, and the Financial Action Task Force regarding beneficial ownership and corporate control transparency. Since June 13, 2019, CBCA corporations have been required to maintain an ISC register. The forthcoming amendments will further require these corporations to report changes in ISC information annually, upon incorporation, amalgamation, and continuance.

The implementation of these sections is expected to aid law enforcement and federal tax authorities in investigating illegal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. The legislative changes have undergone parliamentary review and have been subject to consultations with stakeholders, including transparency organizations, business and professional associations, and investigative bodies. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to engage with stakeholders and the public throughout the implementation process. [Source]

Enforcement Date Set for Budget Implementation Act 2021 Provision

The Canadian government has set July 1, 2024, as the date for Section 159 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 to come into force. This decision was made by the Governor General on the advice of the Minister of Finance and is detailed in the statutory instrument SI/2023-60. The implementation of this section is pursuant to subsection 176(1) of the Act. [Source]

Transfer of Ministerial Responsibilities under First Nations Financial Transparency Act to Indigenous Services Minister

The Canadian government has issued an order to transfer ministerial responsibilities under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to the Minister of Indigenous Services. This change is facilitated by subsections 368(2) and 369(2) of the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, which are set to come into force the day after the order is made. The First Nations Financial Transparency Act, effective since March 27, 2013, mandates First Nations to provide audited financial statements and schedules of remuneration for chiefs and councillors to their members and to publish these documents online. The Act also requires the responsible minister to publish these documents on the department’s website and outlines ministerial authority regarding administrative measures and legal remedies for non-compliance.

Originally, the Act assigned responsibility to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. However, the creation of two new departments—Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Indigenous Services—necessitated a provisional transfer of responsibilities to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, with the intention of later transferring them to the Minister of Indigenous Services. This provisional measure was to avoid operational disruptions during the fiscal year transition. The transfer to the Minister of Indigenous Services was delayed due to challenges in separating responsibilities and establishing distinct internal services between the two new departments. Now that the appropriate processes are in place, the transfer of responsibility is proceeding.

The order is technical and does not alter the First Nations Financial Transparency Act’s requirements. Consultations have been conducted with relevant departments and First Nations organizations, which have not expressed concerns, as the order does not change the reporting requirements for First Nations. Previous engagements indicated a preference among First Nations for the Act to be replaced with a framework that emphasizes accountability to their members. [Source]

Canadian Insurance Companies Permitted to Invest in Public Infrastructure

The Canadian government has enacted legislative amendments to the Insurance Companies Act, allowing federally regulated life and health insurance entities to invest in a new category of “permitted infrastructure entities” (PIEs). These amendments aim to enable these insurance companies to make substantial or controlling equity investments in public infrastructure, which was previously restricted. The changes are designed to improve the financial resilience of these entities by allowing them to match long-term liabilities with long-term, predictable investments in infrastructure projects.

The amendments define PIEs as entities that invest solely in infrastructure assets or engage in other prescribed activities, with “infrastructure asset” being a physical asset that supports public services delivery. The Governor in Council is also granted new regulatory powers to prescribe permitted physical assets, PIE activities, and conditions for investments in PIEs.

This move is part of a broader strategy to address Canada’s infrastructure gap, which is seen as a limitation to economic growth and quality of life. The government’s Investing in Canada Plan and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) are key components of this strategy, with the CIB’s mandate recently expanded to include private sector-led infrastructure projects that support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Order applies only to life and health insurance entities incorporated under federal law, not those under provincial jurisdiction. It aligns with Canada’s international trade agreements by treating Canadian and foreign-owned entities equally.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions will oversee the prudential regulation of these investments. The insurance entities themselves are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act’s investment regime.

The amendments were introduced following industry requests during the financial sector statutes review from 2016 to 2018 and subsequent consultations. The industry has expressed support for the new regulations, which were also subject to public comment before being finalized. [Source]

Enhancements to Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations

The Canadian government has enacted regulations to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, focusing on enhancing the country’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/ATF) regime. Key changes include:

  1. A cost recovery framework for the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), allowing it to recover expenses from entities it regulates, aligning it with other financial regulatory bodies like OSFI and FCAC.

  2. The armoured car sector is now subject to AML/ATF regulations, requiring companies to develop compliance programs, verify customer identities, keep records, report certain transactions, and adhere to ministerial directives.

  3. Mortgage lending entities, including brokers, lenders, and administrators, are now required to comply with AML/ATF obligations, mitigating risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in the real estate sector.

  4. Strengthening correspondent banking relationships by requiring Canadian financial entities to assess the risk of their correspondent banking relationships and conduct ongoing monitoring based on their level of risk.

  5. Increasing penalties for non-compliance with cross-border currency reporting to make them more proportionate and dissuasive, in line with international standards.

  6. Streamlining the process for sending administrative monetary penalty (AMP) documents to reporting entities by allowing electronic delivery without the need for a redundant paper copy.

  7. Enhancing the Money Services Business (MSB) registration framework by requiring additional information from MSBs to better assess potential risks.

  8. Technical amendments to address inconsistencies and clarify reporting obligations for entities.

These regulations aim to deter and detect financial crimes, protect the integrity of Canada’s financial system, and align with international AML/ATF standards. The changes will incur costs for affected entities but are expected to provide significant benefits, such as improving Canada’s financial system’s reputation and making it a less attractive target for illicit activities. The regulations will be enforced by FINTRAC and other relevant authorities, with a transition period provided for entities to comply with the new requirements. [Source]

Canada Expands Anti-Money Laundering Rules to Include Mortgage Sector and Virtual Currencies

The Canadian government has amended the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Regulations to include mortgage administrators, brokers, and lenders as entities that must comply with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing obligations. These entities are now required to report cash transactions of $10,000 or more, as well as similar transactions in virtual currency, to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), unless the funds come from a financial entity or public body.

Additionally, these mortgage-related entities must keep detailed records of large cash and virtual currency transactions, receipts of funds in connection with mortgages, and information about their clients, including the nature of the client’s business or occupation. They are also required to verify the identity of persons and entities involved in such transactions.

Financial entities entering into correspondent banking relationships with foreign financial institutions must conduct risk assessments and periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing measures. They must also assess the reputation and regulatory oversight of the foreign institutions.

The regulations also require certain professionals and entities, including real estate brokers, developers, and dealers in precious metals and stones, to take measures to determine if their clients are politically exposed persons or their family members or close associates, and to monitor these business relationships.

Violations of these regulations are classified into different levels of severity, with corresponding penalties for non-compliance. The amendments aim to strengthen Canada’s financial system against illegal activities by expanding the scope of oversight and reporting requirements. These changes will come into force one year after their publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II. [Source]

New Canadian Electoral Districts Effective After April 2024

The Proclamation declares that the Representation Orders, which outline the redistribution of federal electoral districts, will come into effect upon the first dissolution of the Canadian Parliament after April 22, 2024. This change is in accordance with the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act and the Preserving Provincial Representation in the House of Commons Act. The Representation Orders are a result of a comprehensive review process to ensure that the population is fairly represented in the House of Commons, taking into account shifts and growth in the population. The new electoral boundaries defined by these orders will be used in federal elections following the specified date. [Source]

Expansion of Rouge National Urban Park with Additional Lands from TRCA

The Order Amending the Schedule to the Rouge National Urban Park Act formally incorporates additional lands into Rouge National Urban Park, following their transfer from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to Parks Canada in 2018. These lands, totaling 4.7037 km², are located within the City of Markham, south of highway 407, and include the Bob Hunter Memorial Park area, leased farms, and a portion of Little Rouge Creek. The amendment aligns with the park’s objectives to protect nature, culture, and agriculture.

Rouge National Urban Park, situated in the densely populated Greater Toronto Area, is Canada’s first national urban park. It spans 79.1 km², making it significantly larger than Central Park in New York or Stanley Park in Vancouver. The park overlaps Toronto, Markham, Pickering, and the Township of Uxbridge.

The addition of these lands to the park’s Schedule is part of the ongoing process to fulfill commitments laid out in land assembly agreements with various municipalities and the TRCA. The lands have been managed as part of the park since their transfer, contributing to Canada’s conservation goals.

Extensive consultations during the park’s establishment involved First Nations, interest groups, and thousands of Canadians, as well as municipal and provincial governments. The park’s management plan was developed through this collaborative process. The park’s expansion is supported by various stakeholders, including agricultural and environmental groups, recognizing the importance of ecological integrity and the role of farming within the park.

The Order does not significantly impact monitoring or enforcement activities, as Parks Canada already administers the lands. The financial commitment for the park’s establishment and ongoing management ensures investments in conservation, restoration, and visitor experience.

The park serves as a gateway to Canada’s protected areas, especially for newcomers settling in cities. It also preserves agricultural heritage and engages with First Nations, enhancing their connection to the landscape and providing educational opportunities about their history and culture.

The Order does not impose new costs on small businesses, including agricultural tenants, and is aligned with federal commitments to schedule the lands under the park’s Act. A strategic environmental assessment for the park’s management plan indicates predominantly positive environmental impacts.

Once in force, the Order allows Parks Canada to administer the lands under the Rouge National Urban Park Act, ensuring protection for the park’s resources. Compliance and enforcement will continue with the existing law enforcement resources. [Source]

Amendment to Include Electoral Interference Inquiry in Security of Information Act Schedule

The Governor in Council, based on the belief that the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions is primarily concerned with security and intelligence, has approved an amendment to the Schedule to the Security of Information Act. This amendment, recommended by the Prime Minister, adds the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions to the Schedule. The Order comes into effect on the day it is registered. [Source]

Canada Imposes Sanctions on Three Haitian Individuals for Corruption

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to impose sanctions on three additional Haitian individuals believed to be engaging in significant acts of corruption. These individuals are accused of leveraging their influence and resources to commit acts such as money laundering, obstructing justice, and embezzling public funds. The sanctions include a broad dealings ban, making these individuals inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The sanctions are part of Canada’s response to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti, characterized by severe humanitarian issues, insecurity, and political paralysis. The crisis is exacerbated by Haitian elites and gangs who engage in violence and corruption. The sanctions aim to pressure those contributing to the instability and culture of impunity in Haiti.

The regulatory amendments are consistent with Canada’s policy objectives to promote human rights and combat corruption and impunity. They also align with international efforts, including actions by the United Nations Security Council and coordination with the United States, to address the crisis in Haiti.

The sanctions are expected to have minimal impact on Canadian businesses and are unlikely to negatively affect vulnerable groups in Haiti. Instead, they are intended to target the individuals responsible for corruption and to support the Haitian population, particularly women and girls who face human rights abuses.

The enforcement of these sanctions will be carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. The Canada Border Services Agency will also play a role in enforcement. The names of the sanctioned individuals will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to assist with compliance. [Source]

Canada Expands Sanctions on Russia Targeting Child Transfers, Disinformation, and Nuclear Sector

Canada has amended its Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to impose additional sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. These sanctions target 42 individuals and 21 entities, including those involved in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, Russian disinformation agents, and entities within Russia’s nuclear sector that support the invasion of Ukraine.

The individuals and entities are now subject to a broad dealings ban, which effectively freezes their assets and prohibits transactions with them. This move is part of Canada’s efforts to impose economic costs on Russia for its aggression and to align with international partners in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The sanctions specifically address human rights abuses related to the transfer of Ukrainian children, the spread of Russian state-sponsored disinformation, and the support provided by Russia’s nuclear sector to the invasion. The sanctions are designed to undermine Russia’s military capabilities and pressure it to cease actions that increase the risk of nuclear incidents, particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The enforcement of these sanctions falls under the authority of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. The amendments are part of Canada’s broader commitment to assist Ukraine, which includes military aid, economic support, and efforts to counter disinformation. [Source]

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