International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law No. 3)
This bill would allow Canada to permanently seize frozen assets belonging to foreign governments or officials who violate human rights or commit acts of aggression — and use that money to support victims, such as Ukraine.
Sponsor · James Bezan
Canada holds about $23 billion in frozen Russian assets. This bill could let the government take those funds permanently and redirect them to help Ukraine defend itself and rebuild after Russia's invasion.
The debate · 5 points
Supporters say
- Billions in frozen Russian assets are sitting idle in Canada while Ukraine is actively at war — seizing and redirecting them would give Ukraine real, meaningful support beyond just writing cheques from Canadian taxpayers.
- Legal experts and human rights lawyers argue Canada already has the authority to forfeit these assets, and this bill provides the clear legal framework to do so.
- Holding Russia financially accountable sends a strong message that countries cannot wage illegal wars of aggression without consequences — it turns frozen assets into a real cost for the aggressor.
Critics say
- The government has not yet acted on seizing these assets, which critics say signals reluctance — possibly due to concerns about international legal precedent or diplomatic consequences.
- Some worry that permanently confiscating state assets could set a precedent that other countries might use against Canadian assets abroad in future disputes.
Where do you stand on this bill?
You are reading this in full, for free. An account is what lets you act on it.
A free account lets you record where you stand, see how your MP voted, email them about it, and get a summary of what matches you — daily, weekly, monthly, or not at all.