Addressing Canada’s Insufficient Efforts in Combating Forced Labor and Slavery in Supply Chains

Introduction:

Dwyer, the Executive Director of the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA), emphasizes the need for Canada to pass a law that holds companies accountable for preventing human rights abuses, including forced labor. He highlights the importance of access to remedy through Canadian courts and states that there should be consequences for harm or reckless actions. The CNCA advocates for comprehensive mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, similar to the Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act (Bill C-262). In addition, Obokata expresses concerns about the effectiveness of the CORE (Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise) and recommends granting it statutory powers to compel cooperation from companies. The CNCA calls on the Canadian government to fulfill its promise to enhance the CORE’s powers to independently investigate human rights abuse allegations. It is crucial for Canada to address the United Nations’ call to facilitate access to justice and remedy for individuals harmed by Canadian companies operating globally.

Full Article: Addressing Canada’s Insufficient Efforts in Combating Forced Labor and Slavery in Supply Chains

Canada Urged to Enhance Human Rights Protections for Global Operations

The need for Canada to pass legislation compelling companies to prevent human rights abuses, including forced labor, while ensuring access to remedy through Canadian courts is being emphasized by advocates.

The Call for Comprehensive Legislation

The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) is advocating for comprehensive mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation. They support the Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act (Bill C-262) as a model legislation that aligns with their goals.

Empowering the CORE

Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). Initial assessment reports of complaints brought before the CORE were issued four years after its establishment, causing frustration. To address this issue, recommendations have been made for the CORE to be granted statutory powers to compel witnesses and documents. This will ensure better cooperation from companies, with clear consequences for non-compliance.

The CNCA is urging the Government of Canada to fulfill its 2018 promise to enhance the CORE’s powers to independently investigate allegations of human rights abuse. This could be achieved through an Order in Council as a temporary measure while more comprehensive legislation, like Bill C-263, is passed.

Canada Falling Behind

The comments made by human rights advocates reflect longstanding calls from the United Nations for Canada to enhance access to justice and remedy for individuals harmed by Canadian companies operating globally. It is crucial for Canada to take action in order to meet international standards and protect human rights.

Summary: Addressing Canada’s Insufficient Efforts in Combating Forced Labor and Slavery in Supply Chains

The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) is urging Canada to pass a law that compels companies to prevent human rights abuses, including forced labor, and provides access to remedy through Canadian courts. The CNCA supports comprehensive mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, similar to the Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the CORE, the body responsible for investigating allegations of human rights abuse. The CNCA is calling on the government to enhance the CORE’s powers and ensure access to justice for individuals harmed by Canadian companies operating globally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Canada isn’t doing enough to prevent forced labour and slavery in supply chains

Q1: What is the significance of preventing forced labour and slavery in supply chains?

Forced labour and slavery in supply chains have severe ethical and humanitarian implications. It involves exploiting vulnerable workers, violating their rights, and perpetuating a cycle of modern-day slavery. By preventing these practices, we can uphold human rights, promote fair and ethical trade, and contribute to building sustainable and responsible supply chains.

Q2: How prevalent is forced labour and slavery in Canada’s supply chains?

Unfortunately, forced labour and slavery in Canadian supply chains still exist, although the extent is not accurately known. Various industries such as agriculture, apparel, construction, and manufacturing have been identified as sectors where these practices are more likely to occur. The complex and global nature of supply chains makes it challenging to trace and uncover instances of forced labour and slavery.

Q3: What are the reasons behind Canada’s insufficient efforts in eradicating forced labour and slavery?

Several factors contribute to Canada’s inadequate efforts in preventing forced labour and slavery in supply chains. Some of these include:

• Lack of comprehensive legislation and regulatory frameworks specifically targeting forced labour and slavery in supply chains
• Insufficient supply chain transparency and traceability, making it difficult to detect and address instances of exploitation
• Inadequate enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance
• Limited awareness and understanding among businesses and consumers about the prevalence and consequences of forced labour and slavery

Q4: What steps has Canada taken to address forced labour and slavery in supply chains?

Canada has taken some measures to tackle forced labour and slavery in supply chains, but they are considered insufficient by many experts and activists. These steps include:

• Enacting the Modern Slavery Act, which only applies to federally regulated businesses and lacks robust enforcement mechanisms
• Requiring certain government contractors to self-report on measures taken to prevent forced labour and human trafficking
• Participating in international initiatives like the United Nations Global Compact and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime

Q5: What can Canada do to improve its efforts in preventing forced labour and slavery in supply chains?

Canada can take several steps to enhance its actions towards eradicating forced labour and slavery in supply chains. These include:

• Strengthening and expanding legislation with clear guidelines and penalties for non-compliance
• Introducing mandatory due diligence and disclosure requirements for businesses to ensure supply chain transparency
• Investing in resources and infrastructure to effectively monitor and identify instances of forced labour and slavery
• Increasing collaboration between government, businesses, civil society organizations, and international bodies to collectively address this issue
• Raising awareness among consumers and encouraging responsible purchasing decisions to create market pressure for ethical supply chains

These FAQs shed light on the challenges Canada faces in preventing forced labour and slavery within its supply chains and highlight the need for comprehensive measures to address this pressing issue.