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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Canada seeks law to freeze corrupt rulers' assets
OTTAWA -- 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 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.
-- The Canadian Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 4, 2011 A16
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