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News release: Government of Canada turns back on communities harmed by Canadian mining overseas, loses trust of Canadian civil society
11 July, 2019Today all fourteen civil society and labour union representatives of the government’s Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct Abroad (Advisory Body) tendered their resignations. The unanimous decision to resign is due the erosion of civil society and labour unions’ trust and confidence in the government’s commitment to international corporate accountability.
Canadian Government Reneges on Promise to Create Independent Corporate Human Rights Watchdog
08 April, 2019Media 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.