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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-247

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 31, 2022
An Act to amend the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law)
  • This bill, called the Sergei Magnitsky Law, seeks to amend the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. The amendments in this bill include allowing the government to restrict or prohibit certain activities in relation to family members of foreign nationals who are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. It also allows the government to order the seizure, freezing, or sequestration of the property of these family members if it is believed to have been given to them to impede the enforcement of the Act. Additionally, the bill allows the government to order certain entities to provide information necessary for the enforcement of the Act. Parliament would also have the power to amend or revoke certain orders or regulations made under the Act by motion. Lastly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs would be required to report annually to Parliament on actions taken under the Act, resources committ
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill S-247 could be that it strengthens the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) to better protect human rights and fight corruption on an international scale. By allowing the Governor in Council to restrict or prohibit activities in relation to family members of foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, the legislation expands the scope of individuals who can be held accountable for their actions. This can serve as a deterrent for potential violators and send a clear message that Canada will not tolerate such abuses. The provision to seize, freeze, or sequestrate the property of family members who have received such property to impede the enforcement of the Act adds to the effectiveness of the legislation by targeting the assets that may be used to support further corruption and human rights abuses. Moreover, the

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A possible steelman argument opposing this bill could be as follows: While the intention behind the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) is commendable, there are potential concerns with the proposed amendments. Firstly, allowing the Governor in Council to restrict or prohibit certain activities in relation to family members of foreign nationals who are responsible for gross violations of human rights raises the question of potential guilt by association. While it is important to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses, punishing their family members may not be an effective or fair approach. The actions of an individual should not automatically extend to their family members. Furthermore, the power to order the seizure, freezing, or sequestration of property belonging to family members based on suspicion of impeding the enforcement of the Act raises concerns about due process
Senate First Reading
  • May 31, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read