The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations, SOR/2025-112, registered on March 20, 2025, by the Governor in Council, aim to respond to the ongoing and severe human rights violations committed by the Venezuelan government under the regime of Nicolás Maduro.

The amendments add eight individuals to the list of designated persons under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations, reflecting Canada’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for undermining democratic institutions and perpetrating human rights abuses. The individuals added are high-ranking officials from various branches of Venezuela’s security forces, including the Bolivarian Armed Forces and national police, all of whom are accused of being involved in activities that have supported or contributed to the regime’s systematic violations of human rights, such as arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and acts of state terrorism against civilians.

The amendments represent a continued escalation of Canada’s response to the ongoing repression in Venezuela, which has intensified following the controversial 2024 presidential election. Nicolás Maduro’s decision to illegitimately extend his presidency, despite widespread condemnation from the international community, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. His regime has used extreme tactics to suppress dissent, including silencing opposition through arbitrary arrests, torture, and attacks on journalists and activists. The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has confirmed that the Maduro regime has engaged in crimes against humanity to maintain control over the country. These actions, coupled with severe restrictions on freedom of expression and widespread censorship, have led to a dire human rights situation, forcing many Venezuelans to flee the country in search of safety.

Canada’s sanctions against Venezuela began in 2017 in response to the erosion of democracy and the escalation of human rights abuses under Maduro. These sanctions were aimed at individuals and entities linked to the Venezuelan government, with the goal of holding those responsible for undermining democracy and stability accountable. Over the years, the scope of Canada’s measures expanded, and in December 2024, further sanctions were imposed to address ongoing human rights violations and corruption within the Venezuelan government. The sanctions are part of a broader international effort to pressure the Maduro regime to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and halt its abusive practices.

The sanctions prohibit Canadian individuals and entities from engaging in transactions with the listed persons, effectively freezing their assets and restricting any financial dealings. Furthermore, those on the list are rendered inadmissible to Canada, which is a clear signal of Canada’s stance on the human rights violations perpetrated by the Maduro regime. This move is part of a larger diplomatic strategy that includes Canada’s active participation in international organizations, where it continues to call for respect for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.

Canada (112/2025) May 2, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion