Canadian Sanctions Against Belarus — SEMA Regulations (2020–present)

Canada maintains targeted sanctions against Belarus under the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations, adopted under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). Canada's Belarus sanctions have been imposed in close coordination with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, with all four jurisdictions frequently announcing parallel measures on the same date.

Legal Framework

The Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) authorises the Canadian government to impose economic sanctions in response to grave breaches of international peace and security, serious violations of international law, or situations where an international organisation has determined that action is necessary. The Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations were adopted in September 2020 following the fraudulent presidential election and subsequent repression.

September 2020 — Initial Sanctions

Canada adopted its first Belarus-specific sanctions on 29 September 2020, shortly after the EU's first package. The initial measures imposed travel bans and asset freezes on Belarusian officials identified as responsible for the electoral fraud and the violent repression of peaceful demonstrators following the August 2020 election.

August 2021 — Major Expansion

On 9 August 2021, Canada significantly expanded its Belarus sanctions in coordination with the US and UK, introducing for the first time sectoral economic measures:

• Restrictions on transferable securities and money-market instruments issued by Belarus's central bank, government and major state banks (Belarusbank, Belinvestbank, Belagroprombank)
• Debt restrictions on instruments with maturity exceeding 90 days
• Insurance and reinsurance service prohibitions
• Import ban on petroleum products of Belarusian origin
• Import ban on potassium chloride (potash) from Belarus
• Prohibition on provision of financial and technical services related to restricted goods

The measures apply to persons in Canada and Canadian citizens operating abroad.

December 2021 — Coordinated Package

On 2 December 2021, Canada added 24 individuals and 7 entities under the SEMA Belarus Regulations, targeting defence companies, state-run tourism operators involved in migrant instrumentalization, and officials responsible for the migration crisis at the EU's eastern border.

Subsequent Rounds

Canada has continued adding individuals and entities in subsequent coordinated rounds with EU, UK and US partners, including:

• Additional officials responsible for the detention and mistreatment of political prisoners
• Military and security figures linked to Belarus's facilitation of Russia's operations in Ukraine
• Companies involved in sanctions circumvention

August 2024 — Fourth Anniversary

On 9 August 2024, Canada joined coordinated action with the EU, UK and US on the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent election, imposing additional designations targeting those responsible for ongoing repression and Belarus's active support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Administration

Canadian Belarus sanctions are administered by Global Affairs Canada. Canadian persons who engage in prohibited transactions with designated parties face criminal penalties under SEMA. The consolidated list of designated persons is published and updated by the Government of Canada.