September 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the extension of measures to allow Canadians and persons in Canada to make more humanitarian-related transactions with Syrian institutions that would be otherwise prohibited under the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations.

Today’s announcement pertains to the extension of the General Permit Allowing Specific Activities and Transactions that Are Prohibited Under the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (the “General Permit”) for a period of 6 months. The extension will support the delivery of assistance in Syria during this important period of political transition.

After decades of oppression and 13 years of conflict, the majority of Syrians now live below the poverty line, with millions in need of humanitarian assistance. The extension of the General Permit will allow Canadians, including the Syrian diaspora, civil society, non-profit, and charitable organizations to undertake humanitarian and stabilization activities and make transactions with sanctioned banks, including the Central Bank of Syria.

These measures are consistent with Canada’s commitment to supporting an inclusive and peaceful political transition in Syria, to ensure that the Syrian people have a future where everyone can live with dignity and security.