Canada: International Law

Canadian sanctions laws now impose strict compliance obligations on real estate professionals, requiring them to screen parties, verify beneficial ownership, and identify hidden control structures that could expose transactions to regulatory penalties. This article examines how sanctions restrictions apply to property dealings, what red flags signal potential violations, and what practical steps professionals must take to manage risk throughout the transaction lifecycle.

President Trump has signed three Presidential Proclamations imposing additional 50% tariffs on Canadian products across motor vehicles, dairy, and alcoholic beverages sectors, effective August 19, 2026. Unlike previous measures, these tariffs will apply even to goods qualifying for preferential treatment under CUSMA, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Canada trade tensions. The proclamations cite Canadian policies as discriminatory, though the tariffs extend far beyond the targeted sectors to include

President Trump has imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on over 550 categories of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, citing discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce. With the tariffs set to take effect in 30 days unless negotiations yield results, Canadian businesses face significant uncertainty across industries from agriculture to manufacturing, while federal and provincial leaders scramble to coordinate a unified response.