May 12, 2016

OTTAWA – James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman  tabled today Bill C-267, “Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law).”  This Bill seeks to strengthen restrictive measures against foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.

“I want to make sure that all violators of human rights are held accountable for their actions, and the Sergei Magnitsky Law does just that. This Bill will make amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act,imposing stricter sanctions on all foreign violators of human rights. This legislation will further enable the Government of Canada to quickly sanction individuals that are responsible for events like the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine,” said MP Bezan.

Tony Clement, Member of Parliament for Parry-Sound-Muskoka and the Foreign Affairs critic for the Offcial Opposition stressed the need for this legislation in Canada. “None of the individuals responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky have been brought to justice. They must face repercussions for their actions and sanctioning these individuals is the right thing to do. This is one way that Canada can do its part to sanction those responsible for human rights violations”, said MP Clement.

“This legislation is in line with Canada’s policy to promote democratic principles and human rights. It is important for those that are responsible for the torture and death of Sergei Magnitsky and other human rights violations be held accountable,” said MP Bezan. “Sanctioning these individuals is the right thing to do.”