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Media Advisory: One year ago the Government of Canada announced the creation of a corporate ombudsperson. It’s time to fulfill its promise.
17 January, 2019January 17, 2019 marks one year since the Government of Canada announced it would create an ombudsperson’s office to independently investigate allegations of abuse by Canadian companies operating overseas. But a year later, the position remains vacant. Canada must take action, appoint a strong ombudsperson, and grant the office robust investigatory powers that include the power to compel documents and testimony. Canada made a clear commitment last January to be a global leader in business and human rights. Canada must keep its promise.
Mining affected communities ask, “Where is Canada’s Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise?”
28 November, 20182018 has been another dangerous year for human rights defenders seeking justice in cases involving large extraction companies, including Canadian companies. At the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights this week, mining affected communities from Guatemala and Papua New Guinea are asking “where is Canada’s Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise?”
UN report tells Canada to do more to combat human rights abuse by business overseas
19 June, 2018CNCA press release: “The report’s recommendations on the ombudsperson hit the nail on the head … It says the ombudsperson must be well resourced and completely independent from government. She must have all the powers necessary to fully address human rights abuse, including the power to summon witnesses and compel the production of documents.”
PRESS RELEASE: At Last, Communities Impacted by Canadian Corporations Overseas will be Heard: Government Creates Human Rights Watchdog
17 January, 2018OTTAWA, January 17, 2018 – The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) is greatly encouraged by the Minister of International Trade’s announcement of the creation of a Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise. The human rights ombudsperson will investigate complaints concerning the overseas operations of Canadian companies and will issue public findings on allegations of harm. The office will make recommendations for redress; regarding corporate eligibility for government services; and with respect to policy and law reform.
UN tells Canada: time for action on business and human rights
05 June, 2017OTTAWA, June 1, 2017 – United Nations experts are urging the Canadian government to step up efforts to prevent and remedy human rights abuse by corporations.
“Rights without effective remedies do not mean much in practice,” warned members of the UN’s working group on business and human rights in a statement issued today at the close of a 10-day fact-finding mission to Canada. Among a slate of recommendations, they urged the government to strengthen access to remedy in Canada for people and communities affected by Canadian businesses worldwide.
PRESS RELEASE: Canadian Network expresses concern that Federal Budget does not mention Human Rights Ombudsperson
22 March, 2017The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) is concerned and disappointed that the 2017 federal budget failed to announce the creation of a human rights ombudsperson for the extractive sector.
Communities, workers, and indigenous peoples outside of Canada whose human rights are impacted by Canadian extractive companies have few options to have their voices heard and their problems remedied. They continue to wait for the Canadian government to address the international corporate accountability gap and to advance human rights around the globe.