January 25, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions against Syria’s Assad regime in concert with like-minded countries:
“We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to isolate this reprehensible regime.
“Assad and those supporting him must get the message that peace-loving nations of the world are working together to end the regime’s oppressive rule.
“These latest measures include an assets freeze on, and a prohibition on dealings with, 29 additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime.
“We are also providing for new exemptions to minimize the impact on ordinary citizens.
“We welcome the Arab League observers’ report and the League’s proposal to have Assad move aside, paving the way for free elections; the League’s actions are all the more important given the inability, to this point, of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the crisis in Syria.
“We strongly support Arab League efforts to achieve a peaceful transition of power, and we urge the UNSC to back this effort.
“We remain committed to working with our international partners to bring pressure to bear on the Assad regime.
“Sanctions imposed by like-minded partners, including the United States, the European Union and the Arab League, are having an impact by isolating the regime.
“Canada stands with the Syrian people in their efforts to secure for themselves a brighter future. We look forward to a new Syria that respects the rights of its people and lives in peace with its neighbours.”
From December 15, 2011, to January 14, 2012, Canada implemented a voluntary evacuation of its citizens in Syria and expedited efforts to help them leave the country as soon as possible. Canada continues to urge all Canadians in Syria to leave immediately, while commercial means are still available.
For more information, please visit Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations.
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A backgrounder follows.
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Effective immediately, the additional individuals and entities announced today, and named below, will be subject to an assets freeze and a prohibition on economic dealings. With these new measures, the total number of designated persons rises to 108 individuals and 38 entities.
- Dier ez-Zor Petroleum Company
- Ebla Petroleum Company
- Dijla Petroleum Company
- Industrial Bank
- Popular Credit Bank
- Saving Bank
- Agricultural Cooperative Bank
For more information on Canada’s sanctions against Syria, please see Syria.
On May 24, 2011, Canada announced targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and some designated individuals and entities in response to the ongoing violent crackdown by Syrian military and security forces against Syrians peacefully protesting for democracy and human rights. These measures, which remain in place, were a blend of administrative measures and actions taken under the authority of the Special Economic Measures Act and were consistent with initiatives taken by like-minded partners, including the United States and the European Union.
On August 13, 2011, Canada expanded sanctions by seeking to freeze the assets of four additional individuals and two additional entities associated with the Syrian regime and to ensure that those people believed to be inadmissible to Canada would be prevented from travelling to Canada. Measures implemented by Canada included a prohibition on dealing in the property of listed individuals and entities—including the provision of financial services and making property available for their benefit—and travel restrictions.
- Travel restrictions: Canada ensured that persons associated with the Syrian government who are believed to be inadmissible to Canada are prevented from travelling to Canada.
- An asset freeze: Canada imposed an asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people.
- A ban on specific exports and imports: Canada placed a ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls. These items include arms, munitions, and military, nuclear and strategic items that are intended for use by the Syrian armed forces, police or other governmental agencies.
- A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.
The measures announced are consistent with Canada’s foreign policy priority to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world. Canada stands with the Syrian people in their calls for a brighter future for Syria.
A news release announcing the May 24 sanctions can be found at PM announces sanctions on Syria.
For more information on the August 13 announcement, please visit Statement by Minister Baird on Situation in Syria.
On October 4, 2011, Canada imposed the following additional measures:
- A prohibition on the importation, purchase or transportation of petroleum or petroleum products from Syria.
- A prohibition on new investment in the Syrian oil sector.
- A prohibition on the provision or acquisition of financial services for the purpose of facilitating the importation, purchase or transportation of Syrian petroleum or petroleum products.
- A prohibition on the provision or acquisition of financial services for the purpose of investing in the Syrian oil sector.
For information on the October 4 announcement, please visit Canada Expands Sanctions Against Syria.
On December 23, 2011, Canada further expanded its sanctions against the Syrian regime. Those measures prohibit all imports, with the exception of food, from Syria; all new investment in Syria; and the export to Syria of equipment, including software, for the monitoring of telephone and Internet communications. Canada also imposed an assets freeze and prohibited economic dealings with additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime.
For information on the December 23 announcement, please visit Canada Further Expands Sanctions Against Syria.
