Canada imposes additional sanctions against Haitian political elites
News release
November 19 - Djerba, Tunisia - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.
These latest sanctions target 3 additional individuals and impose a dealings prohibition on them, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada.
Canada has reason to believe these individuals are using their status as current or previous public office holders to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through money laundering and other acts of corruption.
These gangs and their supporters continue to terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that includes the resurgence of cholera in Haiti. They are also committing unspeakable violence, including widespread sexual violence, against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services and humanitarian aid.
Today’s sanctions are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons and to weaken and disable Haiti’s criminal gangs. The Government of Canada will consider further sanctions against additional individuals and entities, as well as other measures, to pressure those responsible for the ongoing violence and insecurity in Haiti.
Quotes
“Canada continues to put pressure on armed gangs and their supporters to help the people of Haiti emerge from this crisis and restore peace and security in their country. We will consider additional sanctions against individuals and entities in Haiti and other measures to end the ongoing violence.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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On November 14, 2022, Canada implemented United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution 2653 into Canadian law under the United Nations Act in response the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti. The sanctions imposed a dealings prohibition against a Haitian gang leader.
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On November 4, Canada issued sanctions against 2 additional individuals in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.
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In October, a Canadian government delegation carried out consultations in Haiti with regional partners, the United Nations, CARICOM and other partners.
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In partnership with U.S. armed forces, Canada airlifted a commercial delivery of specialized vehicles to Haiti on October 15.
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On September 21, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s contribution of $20 million to aid reconstruction in Haiti following the 2021 earthquake.
Associated links
Contacts
Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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