Canada limits N. Korea contact

The federal government has imposed more sanctions and restrictions on North Korea, including a "controlled engagement policy" that limits Canada's diplomatic contact with Pyongyang.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced the new restrictions on Thursday in Ottawa, saying Canada is taking a "principled stand against those who recklessly commit acts of aggression in violation of international law."

"North Korea’s aggressive actions represent a grave threat to international security and are particularly troubling with regard to stability in northeast Asia," Cannon told reporters. "North Korea must take tangible steps in improving its behaviour and complying with its obligations under international law."

The controlled engagement policy limits Canada's official bilateral contact with Pyongyang to regional security concerns, human rights issues and the humanitarian situation in North Korea, as well as inter-Korean relations and consular issues, Cannon said.

The new economic sanctions will include a prohibition on imports from and exports to North Korea, but will allow for "humanitarian exceptions," the minister said.  

The measures also include a ban on new investment in North Korea by Canadians, as well as a ban on financial services and technology transfers, including technical data, to the country.

North Korean-registered ships and aircraft will also be prohibited from docking or landing in Canada or passing through Canada, Cannon said.

Canada has boosted sanctions since an international panel concluded a North Korean torpedo sank the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan in March, killing 46 sailors.