Bill C-219 Magnitsky Law Act
Bill C-219 An Act to Amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Special Economic Measures Act
Short Title: International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law No. 3)
Bill Type: Private Member’s Bill
Bill Sponsor: James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman)
Status: At Second-Reading in the Senate
Latest activity: First-Reading in the Senate — October 20, 2026
Passed by the House of Commons — October 8, 2026
Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
WHO GAINS POWER
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs must publish an annual report outlining Government measures to advance human rights and support prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders internationally. The first report is due within 12 months after the provision comes into force
- Sanctions now explicitly cover transnational repression — foreign states targeting dissidents, journalists and diaspora communities on Canadian soil
WHO LOSES POWER
- Transnational repression becomes an explicit ground for imposing sanctions under both sanctions Acts
- The Minister must apply for forfeiture of seized or restrained private property within 24 months and dispose of forfeited property within 30 days. These deadlines do not apply where legal proceedings are ongoing
WHO GAINS MONEY
- No new victim-compensation entitlement or fund is created by this Bill
WHO LOSES MONEY
- Owners of seized or restrained private property face a mandatory forfeiture application within 24 months, subject to the ongoing-proceedings exception. Forfeited property must be disposed of within 30 days, subject to the same exception
- Summary-conviction offenses under either sanctions Act can carry a Fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both
THE CATCH
- ⚠️ Transnational repression becomes an explicit ground for sanctions, but the Bill does not make sanctions automatic whenever such conduct occurs