Budget 2023 committed to introducing legislation by 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour.
Specifically, the Budget says that “Canada is gravely concerned by the ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs and Muslim minorities in China, as well as by the use of forced labour around the world. Given these concerns, it is important that importers address their supply chain vulnerabilities and ensure their production promotes our shared Canadian values around the world. Budget 2023 announces the federal government’s intention to introduce legislation by 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour. The government will also work to ensure existing legislation fits within the government’s overall framework to safeguard our supply chains.” (Eradicating Forced Labour from Canadian Supply Chains, page 171.)
The CNCA is pleased to see a renewed commitment to introduce supply chain legislation by 2024. However, to be effective at protecting human rights in supply chains, that legislation must:
- require companies to do their due diligence in preventing human rights violations;
- help affected people outside Canada access remedy in Canadian courts; and
- apply to all human rights.
