QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Economic Sanctions
June 17, 2024
Senator Gold, in the past two and a half years, ever since the suspicious death of Mahsa Amini in Tehran, Canada has imposed sanctions on 200 Iranians and 250 Iranian organizations for aiding and abetting the Iranian regime, particularly in its repression of the people or attacks on international peace and security. Beyond announcing the names of the individuals targeted by these sanctions, however, it seems that little or nothing has been done in practical terms, either through the seizure of funds held in banks or deportations from Canada. Where, exactly, do things stand on this issue?
Thank you for the question. The Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations prohibit transactions with individuals or other entities named on the list, which effectively freezes any assets they may have in Canada. Any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada is prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the property of listed persons. Listed persons are also prohibited from entering Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Specific prohibitions are set out in the regulations.
Thank you for reading the regulations, but my question was about whether any assets have been frozen. Have assets been frozen? Have any of the people subject to sanctions been expelled from Canada? We know that $76 million has been earmarked for this program, but have any concrete results been achieved? If you don’t have the answers, could I have a written summary of what meaningful action has been taken on these issues?
Thank you for the question. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Special Economic Measures Act and its regulations. However, one of the roles of the RCMP under this legislation is to collect information on assets in the possession or control of a designated person. I understand that the RCMP regularly issues press releases with information on assets owned or controlled by a designated person that have been seized or restrained.
