Canada tightened the sanctions Friday on Syria, targeting President Bashar al-Assad's wife, mother, sister and sister-in-law a week after the European Union made a similar move.

The four Assad relatives were among 12 people and two oil companies added to an existing Canadian blacklist now totaling 127 people and 41 entities.

Under Canada's seventh round of Syria sanctions, those cited will be subject to an asset freeze and a prohibition on economic dealings.

John Baird, the country's foreign minister said in a statement:

Canada's position is clear: Assad must go.

"These latest sanctions target in particular those who profit from their association with the regime and those closest to Assad, including his wife Asma.

"Assad's family may be kept shielded from the misery of the average Syrian, but they will not be immune from international will."