Bill S-226 explained in plain English

Bill S-226 establishes a legal process for repurposing frozen or seized assets of corrupt foreign officials for humanitarian aid and support to displaced persons.

Bill S-226, called the Frozen Assets Repurposing Act, creates a system for Canada to use money and property that has been frozen or seized from corrupt foreign officials and put that money toward helping forcibly displaced people and communities hosting refugees. Currently, Canada freezes assets belonging to foreign officials involved in human rights abuses, corruption, and other serious misconduct under three existing laws. This bill allows courts to release those frozen assets so they can be used for humanitarian purposes—such as helping victims of abuse, supporting refugees and displaced persons, or assisting countries that are hosting refugees—instead of keeping them frozen indefinitely. Here's how it works: The Attorney General or another person approved by the Attorney General can ask a superior court judge to release a frozen asset. The judge can order the money to be paid into court, the property to be sold with proceeds paid into court, or handle it in another way the judge thinks is fair. However, the judge can only do this if the judge is convinced (on a balance of probabilities) that the frozen assets belong to a person who is responsible for serious human rights violations, forced displacement of people, major corruption, or violations of human rights standards recognized in international law. Before releasing the assets, the court must notify anyone who might have a legal claim to the money—including the foreign government or other parties—and can hold a hearing to listen to their arguments. Once money is in court, a judge can distribute it to individuals, organizations, or even foreign governments, as long as the judge believes the money will be used for a fair and appropriate purpose, such as helping victims or refugees. The bill also requires the government to maintain a public registry showing the names and asset values of people whose assets are frozen. Within five years of the law taking effect, Parliament must review how the law is working and consider whether changes are needed.