Canada-Belarus relations
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Bilateral relations
Formal diplomatic relations were established between Canada and Belarus in April 1992. Canada's overall relations with Belarus have remained relatively modest. Canada is represented in Belarus through the Canadian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
Since the August 2020 presidential election, Canada has been increasingly concerned about the ongoing allegations of gross and systematic human rights violations throughout Belarus and the targeted violence against peaceful protestors, opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has minimal interactions with Belarus and imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in response to enabling Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Canada continues to actively engage with all partners to find a way toward positive change in Belarus, including through advocacy efforts, support for dialogue and mediation, and funding to civil society. Canada is working with international partners, as well as in multilateral forums such as at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Media Freedom Coalition, and Freedom Online Coalition. Canada was one of 17 countries to invoke the OSCE's Moscow Mechanism in September 2020 to investigate human rights violations in Belarus.
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Sanctions
Sanctions have been imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the invasion, and the continued human rights situation in Belarus.
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Trade relations
In 2024, trade with Belarus was very modest owing to broad sanctions imposed on the country as they support Russia in their invasion of Ukraine.
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Partnerships and organizations
Given the current context, Canada has limited engagement with Belarus in multilateral forums.
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