MAGNITSKY BILL, SPONSORED BY SENATOR ANDREYCHUK, PASSES FINAL STAGE IN THE SENATE
Ottawa, Ontario – On October 17, 2017, Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), received final approval in the Senate of Canada.
“Bill S-226 places a discretionary tool at the government’s disposal to apply sanctions against foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, significant acts of corruption and gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” said Senator Andreychuk, who is the sponsor of Bill S-226. “Through the application of asset freezes and travel bans, Canada will no longer be used to enable or shelter foreign nationals responsible for these violations.”
Bill S-226 is inspired by the harrowing case of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who sacrificed his life in the pursuit of exposing corruption in Russia. “Mr. Magnitsky’s case exemplifies the tragic consequences that often occur when positions of power and privilege are manipulated for the purposes of personal gain,” continued Senator Andreychuk. “He is but one example of the tragedy that befalls countless political dissidents and human rights defenders around the world.”
Bill S-226 was unanimously adopted by the Senate of Canada in April 2017.“I wish to thank James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, for his sponsorship of the bill in the House of Commons.”
Following the unanimous adoption of amendments in the House of Commons, the bill was returned to the Senate for agreement earlier this month.
“I wish to note especially Minister Chrystia Freeland’s support of the importance of Bill S-226 and its facilitation.”
“The adoption of this legislation in both Houses of Parliament reaffirms Canada’s commitment to the protection and promotion of justice, human rights, and the rule of law. I am pleased that Canada finally has the means to promote these standards at home.”
Bezan Celebrates Unanimous Support for Magnitsky Law
October 17, 2017
Ottawa, ON – Today, the Canadian Senate unanimously adopted Bill S-226, Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law). The Bill’s sponsor in the House of Commons, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman issued the following statement:
“The unanimous support for Bill S-226 in both chambers of Parliament demonstrates to the world that Canada continues to be a global leader in protecting human rights.Senator Raynell Andreychuk has worked tirelessly on this legislation in the pursuit of international justice. Canadians can be proud of the measures put in place by Parliament to defend our sovereignty from cultures of corruption and criminality.
“Individuals that are responsible for gross violations of human rights and corruption should not be able to use Canada as a safe haven. The Sergei Magnitsky Law will provide Canada with the tools to target foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations and significant corruption. The legislation will enable Canada to independently impose sanctions, travel bans, and asset freezes.
“The Senate’s unanimous support for Bill S-226, Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, was the last step before receiving royal assent. I look forward to seeing this Bill become law to ensure that Canada is able to hold the world’s worst human rights violators accountable. This way, we can ensure Sergei Magnitsky’s legacy will continue to live on.”
