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On March 2, 2016, Foreign Affairs Minister Dion made the following statement:

“Canada supports ‎imposing additional sanctions on North Korea, in accordance with Resolution 2270, adopted today by the United Nations Security Council. The Government of Canada will take further steps, as necessary, to implement the new elements of the UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in Canadian law.

“This resolution, co-sponsored by Canada, sends an unequivocal message that the international community is resolved to halt North Korea’s reckless and illegitimate pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

“Canada strongly denounces North Korea’s continued provocative actions in defiance of its international obligations, including a fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range missile launch last month.

“Going forward, coordinated international pressure will be needed to compel North Korea to abandon its current course and to resume dialogue aimed at finding a peaceful diplomatic and political solution.”

What we know s that Canada will implement additional sanctions pursuant to the United Nations Act that will include the latest measures agreed at the United Nations.  There are existing sanctions under the United Nations Act, the Special Economic Measures Act and the Export and Import Permits Act.  North Korea is on Canada’s Area Control List.

The placement of North Korea on Canada’s Area Control List is Canada’s most severe sanction.

The unilteral sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act and Special Economic Measures (DPRK) Regulations provide for the following:

  • a ban on all exports;
  • a ban on all imports to Canada from North Korea;
  • a ban on all new investment in North Korea;
  • a ban on the provision of financial services to North Korea and to persons in North Korea;
  • a ban on the provision of technical data to North Korea, and
  • a ban on the docking and landing in, and transiting of, Canada by North Korean ships and aircraft.

The UN sanctions follow security council resolutions.