Canada continues to uphold strict sanctions and terrorism designations against the Syrian government and multiple armed factions operating there, even as some countries in the region take steps to normalize their ties with Damascus.
Ottawa’s approach remains closely aligned with that of key Western partners, including the United States and the European Union, which continue to regard President Bashar al-Assad’s administration as a source of instability in the Middle East.
Syria and Terrorism Designations
The United States has kept Syria on its State Sponsors of Terrorism list since 1979, citing long-standing support for Hezbollah, Palestinian armed factions, and other groups Washington classifies as terrorist organizations.
Canada does not operate an identical “state sponsors” list, but it has treated Syria as a terror-linked state under various domestic measures. In 2012, Ottawa moved to classify Syria as a state supporter of terrorism under legislation designed to help victims of terrorism pursue civil claims.
In parallel, Canada has imposed sweeping sanctions and restrictions on Syrian officials, entities, and sectors, targeting those it accuses of supporting repression, war crimes, and terrorism. These measures remain in force.
Sanctions and Targets
Under its Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations and related frameworks, Canada has frozen assets, restricted dealings, and imposed travel bans on senior Syrian officials, military officers, and regime-linked business figures.
Canadian authorities still list dozens of individuals and entities connected to the Assad government, and they say they continue to review and update those designations in coordination with allies.
In addition, Canada maintains a list of terrorist entities under its Criminal Code. The roster covers multiple factions operating in Syria, including precursor and splinter groups linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as well as the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS) and other al-Qaeda-affiliated organizations.
Changing Regional Relations, Unyielding Western Policy
Despite Canada and its Western allies largely maintaining existing sanctions regimes, the broader diplomatic landscape around Syria has been shifting since 2023.
Syria has been readmitted to the Arab League after more than a decade of suspension, and states such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have moved to re-engage with, or fully restore relations with, Damascus.
Those governments argue that engagement could help manage refugee flows, combat cross-border drug trafficking, and shape a political settlement to the conflict.
By contrast, Canada, the United States, and the European Union insist that broad sanctions and terrorism-related designations should stay in place until there is meaningful progress on a UN-backed political process, credible accountability for atrocities, and a demonstrable break with support for terrorist groups.
What Would It Take to Change Course?
Canadian officials have repeatedly framed sanctions and designations as tools to pressure the Syrian government, not permanent fixtures.
Analysts say any move by Ottawa to ease these measures would likely depend on several factors:
- Verifiable steps by Damascus to end support for organizations on Western terrorism lists.
- Concrete progress toward an inclusive political transition under UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
- Substantial improvements in human rights conditions and humanitarian access inside Syria
For now, there is little sign that these conditions are close to being met.
Canada’s policy, anchored in counterterrorism and human rights concerns, remains closely aligned with that of Washington and Brussels, even as Arab capitals test a different approach to dealing with Assad.
