Minister Anand announces amendments to sanctions related to Syria
News release
February 18, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is amending sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (Syria Regulations).
The amendments lift broad economic prohibitions that were linked to the former Assad regime that had been in place since May 2011. These changes include easing restrictions related to the import and export of goods, investment activities and the provision of financial and other services, including those linked to telecommunications monitoring and petroleum-related transactions.
The amendments also remove 24 entities and one individual from the Syria Regulations to reduce barriers to economic activity and to enable transactions with state-affiliated entities in key sectors critical to Syria’s recovery.
At the same time, Canada has introduced two new listing criteria under the Syria Regulations to enable the designation of individuals and entities involved in gross and systematic human rights violations, as well as those undermining Syria’s peace, security and stability.
To this end, new sanctions have been imposed on six individuals responsible for gross and systematic human rights violations in Syria and/or activities undermining the peace, security or stability of Syria. Four of the newly sanctioned individuals are being listed because of their involvement in the March 2025 wave of sectarian violence in Syria. The remaining two individuals are being listed because they were responsible for the financing of the Assad regime’s chemical and ballistic missile weapons programs. Sanctions will also remain in place against individuals and entities closely associated with the former Assad regime who were listed between 2011 and 2017.
Today’s announcement builds on previous measures taken by Canada to temporarily ease certain sanctions in order to facilitate humanitarian-related and other transactions in Syria.
Canada encourages continued efforts by the Syrian transitional government to achieve an inclusive political transition.
Canada will continue to implement measures against those responsible for human rights violations, the repression of civilians and actions that undermine peace, security and stability in Syria.
Quick facts
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Since the fall of the Assad regime, Syrians have embarked on a new chapter but significant challenges remain as they work toward establishing a stable future.
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Between 2016 and 2025, Canada committed more than $4.7 billion in funding for Syria and countries hosting Syrian refugees, including Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. This funding includes significant humanitarian, development and stabilization assistance.
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32 Syrian entities and 229 Syrian individuals are currently sanctioned by Canada under Schedule 1 of the Syria Regulations. These sanctions include senior officials of the former Assad regime and close associates and family members of Assad. The entities listed in the Syria Regulations include state-affiliated entities and bodies, as well as entities owned or controlled by listed individuals or linked to repression, arms proliferation or financial support for the Assad regime.
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