Canada imposes additional sanctions against Haitian political elites

November 19 – Djerba, Tunisia – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.

These latest sanctions target 3 additional individuals and impose a dealings prohibition on them, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada.

Canada has reason to believe these individuals are using their status as current or previous public office holders to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through money laundering and other acts of corruption.

These gangs and their supporters continue to terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that includes the resurgence of cholera in Haiti. They are also committing unspeakable violence, including widespread sexual violence, against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services and humanitarian aid.

Today’s sanctions are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons and to weaken and disable Haiti’s criminal gangs. The Government of Canada will consider further sanctions against additional individuals and entities, as well as other measures, to pressure those responsible for the ongoing violence and insecurity in Haiti.