The regulations impose an asset freeze and prohibit dealings with designated persons, including both individuals and entities. For more information on the regulations, visit the Government of Canada webpage on Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia.
The Law Society of Alberta establishes regulatory standards for Alberta lawyers through the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta and the Code of Conduct. Lawyers are prohibited from assisting clients to engage in illegal conduct. Alberta lawyers are responsible to ensure they comply with all federal and provincial laws, including sanctions issued by the federal government under the Special Economic Measures Act affecting Russian companies and individuals.
Lawyers dealing with Russian companies and individuals, whether in Russia or elsewhere, should determine whether those companies or individuals are on the sanctions list. Lawyers may be required to consider whether and to what extent they can act for the client or if they have a duty to withdraw.
For Alberta lawyers, articling students, law students and their families who may be experiencing stress or distress related to the crisis in Ukraine, a reminder that the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society (Assist) is available to provide support and professional counselling. Call 1.877.498.6898 during business hours to book an appointment. After-hours support is available for those experiencing crisis on a 24/7 basis (follow the prompts).
Pro Bono Assistance
Lawyers in the CBA Immigration Law Section are spearheading an initiative to provide services, without charge, to individuals affected by the crisis in Ukraine. These services include legal consultations and advice for those seeking to take advantage of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)'s facilitative initiatives and programs to bring eligible Ukrainian nationals to Canada. These special measures are detailed on the IRCC website.
