(Ottawa/unceded territories of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, 17 December 2024) Yesterday the federal government released new details on pending legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains:
The 2024 Fall Economic Statement announces the government’s intent to introduce legislation to create a new supply chain due diligence regime, requiring government entities and businesses to scrutinize their international supply chains for risks to fundamental labour rights and take action to resolve these risks. A new oversight agency will be created to ensure ongoing compliance.
The CNCA sees potential in these measures and will review the new legislation in its entirety, once tabled. We nonetheless hold firm that the scope of the legislation should cover all human rights and not be limited to labour rights only.
Aidan Gilchrist-Blackwood of the CNCA reacted:
Our network recognises the important work of grassroots activists and trade union leaders to end labour abuses. This law could make a big difference in the lives of many people. However, human rights are indivisible and interrelated. It is impossible to effectively prevent many labour violations without also protecting other human rights. The CNCA will continue to advocate for a comprehensive law aimed at preventing all human rights abuse throughout the global operations and supply chains of Canadian companies.
ENDS