Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on Wednesday, February 18, a relaxation of sanctions imposed on Syria since the era of the former Syrian regime, while simultaneously imposing new sanctions on six individuals.
The changes include easing restrictions related to the import and export of goods, investment activities, and the provision of financial services, among others, including those tied to communications monitoring and oil-related transactions.
Canada also removed 24 entities and individuals from its Syria listings to reduce obstacles to economic activity and enable transactions with state-affiliated entities in key sectors vital to Syria’s recovery, according to a statement published by the Canadian government.
New sanctions
In return, Canada introduced two new criteria for listing individuals and entities involved in “gross and systematic” human rights violations, as well as those who undermine peace, security, and stability in Syria, as it put it.
Canada imposed new sanctions on six individuals, without naming them, saying they are responsible for what it described as “gross and systematic” human rights violations in Syria and activities that undermine peace, security, and stability in the country.
Four of the newly sanctioned individuals were listed for their involvement in the coastal events that erupted in March 2025.
The remaining two were listed for their responsibility for financing the chemical weapons and ballistic missile programs of the deposed Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Canada noted that sanctions will also remain in effect on individuals and entities closely associated with the Assad regime who were listed between 2011 and 2017.
It encouraged the Syrian government to continue its efforts toward an inclusive political transition.
Based on previous measures
The Canadian government noted that Wednesday’s announcement builds on previous measures Canada took to temporarily ease certain sanctions to facilitate humanitarian and other transactions in Syria.
On December 5, 2025, Canada’s Foreign Ministry announced it had removed Syria from its list of foreign states that support terrorism under the State Immunity Act.
It said at the time that these steps came in the wake of efforts by the Syrian government to bolster stability in Syria and build an inclusive and secure future for its citizens.
Canada’s ambassador in Damascus, Gregory Galligan, welcomed what he described as progress Syria has made in political and economic reform.
For its part, the Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed Canada’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, considering the move supportive of economic recovery and reconstruction efforts and beneficial to regional and international security and stability.
Alghabra appointed as Syria envoy
On 8 February, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Omar Alghabra, member of parliament for Mississauga Centre, as Canada’s new special envoy to Syria.
Trudeau said, according to the statement on the official website of the Canadian prime minister, that the decision came after decades of atrocities committed by the now-ended Assad regime, and that a new chapter in Syria has begun.
“During this transitional period, Canada will continue to stand by the Syrian people in their pursuit of a just and inclusive society,” he added.
As special envoy, Omar Alghabra will advise the prime minister and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on Canada’s efforts to support the Syrian people in meeting their urgent needs and moving toward an inclusive and peaceful future.
He will also consult with a range of “stakeholders,” including subject-matter experts, regional actors and international partners, to promote inclusive governance and ensure the protection of human rights, according to the prime minister.
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