Bill C-219: Sergei Magnitsky International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Act

This bill primarily affects businesses and individuals who deal in international trade, financial services, or have counterparties in sanctioned countries — think import/export firms, banks, investment dealers, insurance companies, and compliance teams at any company doing cross-border business. If you're a Canadian business that moves money, goods, or services involving foreign nationals or entities, you'll need to monitor an expanded list of sanctionable conduct, since the government can now freeze or restrict dealings with people accused of transnational repression or undermining international stability — not just traditional human rights abusers or corrupt officials. The stakes are higher too: getting caught breaching a sanctions order now carries fines up to $100,000 and up to three years in prison on summary conviction. Larger firms with dedicated sanctions compliance programs will need to update their screening criteria and policies, while smaller operators doing any international business should make sure they know who they're dealing with before transacting.