(Ottawa/unceded Algonquin territory, October 29) Global Affairs Canada is currently undertaking a review of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, October 29.
For over a decade, the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) has advocated for an independent Ombudsperson with real powers to investigate the abuses and harms caused by Canadian companies operating abroad. Drawing on this experience, we have provided our recommendations in a 2-page briefing available here.
Canadian companies operating abroad or importing goods into Canada are associated with widespread and egregious human rights abuses, including forced labour, serious environmental damage and killings. This is contributing to a global ecological and social crisis.
Nonetheless, the CORE lacks essential powers to investigate complaints and compel witness testimony. As a result, it is unable to take meaningful action and impacted communities risk wasting their time if they file a complaint. In our submission, we call on the government to ensure the CORE is able to investigate all complaints transparently and in a timely fashion.
According to CNCA director Shane Moffatt:
“The CORE has a vital role to play in holding Canadian corporations accountable for their actions overseas. Trade Minister Mary Ng needs to ensure it has the power to fully investigate complaints. People harmed by Canadian companies deserve an Ombudsperson who can get to the bottom of human rights abuses and prevent further harms.”
“As one of the authors of the multi-stakeholder CSR Roundtable Report (2007), MiningWatch Canada joined with mining industry representatives in calling on the Government of Canada to establish an Ombudsperson. The need for this office is as great as ever, but it must finally be granted the investigatory powers the government initially committed to and be provided independence from the government.” – Catherine Coumans, Research Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada
“The CORE must have real investigative powers to address the harms caused by corporations operating abroad. Without such accountability, women—who already face systemic discrimination and violence—will continue to suffer disproportionately from exploitative practices like land grabs, forced labor, and environmental damage. Empowering CORE is essential for safeguarding human rights and advancing women’s economic and social well-being globally.” – Jean Symes, Deputy Executive Director, Inter Pares
ENDS
Note to editors:
The CNCA’s submission to Global Affairs Canada is available here.
For more information, please contact:
Shane Moffatt, Director, Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability
smoffatt@cnca-rcrce.ca; 416-432-7145
