Canada issues advisory on doing business with Myanmar-related entities

April 13, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada today issued an advisory for Canadian companies doing business with Myanmar-related entities.

The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully, conduct their activities in a responsible manner and adopt voluntary best practices and internationally respected guidelines.

The coup initiated by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) on February 1, 2021, against the democratically elected Government of Myanmar has led to a systemic campaign of repression through the lethal use of force, including mass arbitrary detentions, restrictions on access to information, and the right to freedom of opinion and expression, association and assembly.

In response to the coup, the Government of Canada, in coordination with the United Kingdom and following similar measures by the United States, announced sanctions against 9 Myanmar military officials under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations, which bring the total number of individuals sanctioned by Canada to 54 and the total number of entities sanctioned to 44. These measures send a clear signal that Canada unequivocally condemns the overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government by the military and the egregious use of force against protestors. Canada underscores its commitment to work with the international community to uphold human rights and democracy.

The Government of Canada recommends that companies active in Myanmar assess their operations, take any appropriate action to comply with Canadian sanctions measures and export controls, and uphold high standards of human rights and responsible business conduct.

Further information is available in the advisory on the Global Affairs Canada web page.