Canada amends Syria sanctions, lifts broad economic prohibitions linked to former Assad regime

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada on Wednesday announced amendments to its sanctions regime against Syria, lifting broad economic prohibitions linked to the former Assad regime while imposing new measures targeting six individuals.

"The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is amending sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (Syria Regulations)," said a statement from Global Affairs Canada.

Noting that the amendments lift sweeping economic restrictions in place since May 2011, the statement said the changes ease restrictions on the import and export of goods, investment activities, and the provision of financial and other services, including 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," it added.

At the same time, Canada also introduced two new listing criteria under the Syria Regulations, allowing it to designate individuals and entities involved in gross and systematic human rights violations or actions undermining Syria's peace, security, and stability.

Six individuals have received new sanctions. Four were sanctioned for their involvement in the March 2025 wave of sectarian violence in Syria, while two more were sanctioned for funding 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," the statement said.

Urging the Syrian government to "achieve an inclusive political transition," Canada further pledged to continue implementing "measures against those responsible for human rights violations, the repression of civilians and actions that undermine peace, security and stability in Syria."

Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long grip on power that began in 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed in Jan. 2025.