Canada Cracks Down on a Repressive Foreign Government

The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations (SOR/2025-1) were enacted under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to severe and ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela. The amendments specifically address the actions of Venezuela’s government under de facto President Nicolás Maduro, whose regime has been linked to gross human rights abuses, including politically motivated persecution, arbitrary detentions, torture, extrajudicial killings, and widespread repression aimed at silencing opposition. Following the contested 2024 presidential election, in which Maduro was declared the winner despite widespread allegations of fraud, the Venezuelan government escalated its repression, targeting protestors, political opponents, and individuals speaking out against the electoral process. This repression, documented by international human rights bodies, has resulted in violence, arbitrary detentions, and abuses against civilians, including children and persons with disabilities.
In response, Canada has expanded its sanctions regime against Venezuelan officials, adding 14 individuals to the list of designated persons under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations. These individuals, who include senior members of the Venezuelan government, intelligence services, and military, are accused of engaging in activities that directly or indirectly support the Maduro regime’s human rights violations. The regulations prohibit any Canadian individual or entity, both domestically and abroad, from engaging in financial transactions or providing services to these listed individuals. In addition, those designated under the sanctions are rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The sanctions are part of Canada’s broader strategy to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and encourage respect for human rights and democratic processes. Canada has been actively involved in international efforts to condemn Venezuela’s actions, including co-sponsoring resolutions at the United Nations and the Organization of American States. By imposing these sanctions, Canada seeks to send a clear message that those responsible for undermining democracy and committing human rights violations will face consequences. The amendments, which came into effect immediately upon registration, are intended to increase pressure on the Maduro regime to halt its repression and respect the will of the Venezuelan people.
Furthermore, these sanctions aim to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to supporting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Venezuela. The regulations also allow designated individuals to apply for removal from the list, but only if the Minister of Foreign Affairs determines there are reasonable grounds for doing so. This regulatory move is part of Canada’s broader foreign policy to counter human rights violations and support international norms around democracy and governance.
Canada (SOR/2025-1) January 29, 2025