June 23, 2023

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada has a deep and longstanding commitment to the people of Afghanistan. In the face of a unique and dire situation, Canada’s Criminal Code needed changes to allow international assistance, most importantly humanitarian aid, to reach vulnerable Afghans. Newly passed legislation will enable Canadian organizations to deliver this assistance, while maintaining our strong anti-terrorism laws and protections.
 

The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that legislation to facilitate humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – as well as immigration activities and other government operations – has received Royal Assent and is now in effect. Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, makes important changes to the Criminal Code to allow desperately needed aid to be delivered by Canadian organizations in Afghanistan, as well as and other geographic areas controlled by a terrorist group.

The authorization regime provides for a wider range of activities, including health services, education, assisting individuals in earning a livelihood, promoting human rights, and conducting immigration activities like the resettlement and the safe passage of refugees. Stakeholder briefings to provide details on implementation of the authorization regime will follow in the coming weeks.