December 9, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

"Corruption is one of the greatest obstacles to economic and social development. It stands in the way of strong foreign investment and trade, and decays the fabric of society.

"It breeds organized crime, contributes to inequality and has a disproportionate impact on marginalized populations and women. It leaves little room for democracy to flourish and for justice to prevail. Equally disturbing, it threatens human rights and endangers lives.

"All countries must take meaningful action to prevent corruption. When it occurs, they must ensure that it is appropriately investigated and prosecuted.

"The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act gives Canada the ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals responsible for gross human rights violations and significant acts of corruption around the world. We have already imposed sanctions against 70 individuals under this act.

"Today, Canada reiterates its commitment to combat corruption, at home and abroad, in collaboration with other governments, the private sector and civil society actors."