Federal government introduces bill to freeze assets of corrupt regimes

Canada is taking aim at dictators with legislation that would allow the government to freeze the assets of people tied to corrupt regimes like Libya.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Regimes Act on Thursday, saying Canada wants to support all countries that seek to shun tyranny and embrace democracy.

“Recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa have shown the world how important it is to have legislation in place to allow for a quick response to ensure that foreign dictators cannot hide their ill-gotten wealth in our country,” he said.

The legislation would allow the federal government to quickly freeze and seize assets of despots and members of corrupt regimes upon official request.

Such requests would require proof that the assets were acquired illegally by people in important positions in foreign states that are in turmoil. The measures would have to be in the international interest.

The new Tunisian government formally asked Canada last month to freeze the family assets of ousted president Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. But the Canadian government has said it was hampered by several legal factors.

Unlike the freeze on Libyan assets this month, there had been no United Nations sanctions levied on Tunisia after the uprising there.

“Where you have a situation where it is not in the international interest to punish a particular regime, but you are trying to assist, I believe this will be one more tool,” Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said.

The new legislation would also give Canada the authority to seize any property individuals may own.

Nicholson said the government is talking with the opposition parties to get the legislation passed as soon as possible.

“I’m hoping that there will be a consensus that this is a good idea, an important idea,” he said.

Several members of Ben Ali’s family are believed to be in Canada after fleeing a popular uprising last month.

Among the most prominent property owners is Ben Ali’s son-in-law, Mohamed Sakher El Materi, who was listed as the owner of a $2.5-million mansion in Montreal’s wealthy Westmount neighbourhood. Since the uprising started in Tunisia, the house has been repeatedly vandalized by protesters.

Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia this month amid widespread protests against high unemployment and the country’s stifling political climate.

The protesters also took issue with Ben Ali’s autocratic rule and his family’s lavish lifestyle.