Canada imposed sanctions on the anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus.

What sanctions are being imposed?

The new measures impose restrictions on key sectors of the Belarusian economy and minimize the access of Belarusian state-owned entities to international finance. Target sectors include transferable securities and money market instruments, debt finance, insurance and reinsurance, oil products and potassium chloride products. These measures are taken in solidarity with those of Canada's international partners.

For what reason did Canada decide to impose additional sanctions?

A year has passed since the rigged presidential election in Belarus in August 2020, which followed a campaign marred by systematic repression of voters, including by the state: sponsored violence against protesters, activists and journalists. Since then, the serious injustices committed by the Belarusian government against its own people have not ceased. The regime led by Alexander Lukashenko continues to suppress the political opposition, and the repression of independent media has only intensified.

The regime has refused to engage in constructive dialogue, and there is no indication that it is ready to seek a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis that has been created. That is why Canada has taken steps today to impose additional sanctions.

Canada believes that the measures imposed will put additional pressure on the leadership of Belarus and send a clear message to the Belarusian people that Canada continues to support them. their continued attempts to live peacefully and without fear of persecution in an open and democratic society.

Brief details

• To date, Canada has imposed sanctions on 72 Belarusian officials and five entities under the special economic measures act because of the Belarusian government's lack of respect for human rights.
• To date, Canada has pledged over $3 million to support civil society organizations that work to promote democracy in Belarus, with a particular focus on women and independent media.
• On July 6, 2021, Foreign Minister Mark Garneau met with Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovska on the sidelines of the Ukraine Reform Conference and confirmed Canada's support for democracy in Belarus.