The Canadian government enables this violence through a “US loophole” in our arms export laws, which exempts weapons and weapons components shipped to the United States from human rights risk assessments. All too often, these weapons are then linked to serious abuses by US actors or shipped onwards to third countries. 

Important new legislation has been introduced to close the US loophole. The legislation will soon come to a vote in the House of Commons. On February 17th, CNCA members will join a country-wide movement in a national day of action calling on MPs from all parties to support the No More Loopholes bill. 

Our network unites more than 40 Canadian civil society organizations working to hold Canadian corporations accountable for human rights, labour, and environmental abuses around the world. The choice is clear: for Canada to finally live up to its international human rights obligations, it must take action to end corporate impunity and close the US loophole. 

Learn more, and take action, at: https://armsembargonow.ca/nomoreloopholes/.

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The Bill grants the government sweeping powers to bypass existing laws and regulations in order to fast-track projects in the “national interest”, putting at risk hard-fought environmental and labour rights protections. This sets a very dangerous precedent for corporate accountability everywhere, weakening oversight at a time when Canadian corporations continue to be linked to grave human rights abuses in Canada and abroad, including repeated violations of the rights of Indigenous peoples. Bill C-5 further opens the door to unfettered corporate influence – we can be sure that powerful multinationals are already hard at work lobbying the government to take full advantage.

This bill was rushed through both Houses of Parliament on a very short timeline, violating the democratic process as well as Canada’s obligations to Indigenous rights-holders. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), in a template letter to MPs, noted that Canada’s approach to introducing this legislation has been “inconsistent with the federal government’s commitments to a true nation-to-nation relationship, reconciliation, and its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act”.

The governing Liberal Party’s election platform called for Canada to champion human rights and the rule of law. Bill C-5 is an affront to these commitments. Canadian civil society will be closely monitoring the implementation of the bill and will sound the alarm at signs of abuse.

The CNCA unites over 40 Canadian human rights, environmental, labour, faith, grassroots solidarity and international development organizations, collectively representing over 3 million Canadians.

For more information, see:

• Reaction from Climate Action Network Canada: Environmental and civil society groups react: Bill C-5 becomes law, setting a dangerous precedent
• MiningWatch Canada: The Building Canada Act Is a Shocking Power Grab – And Powerful Political Theatre. What Happens Next?  
• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE): Carney’s “One Canadian Economy” Act is a threat to workers and public services

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The Honourable Maninder Sidhu
Minister of International Trade
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Sidhu,

The Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA) welcomes you to your new role as Minister of International Trade.

We are writing to ensure that the Government of Canada intends to honour its commitment to strengthening and reinforcing the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). In light of the now-vacant post of the CORE, we respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss this matter.

Formed in 2005, the CNCA unites over 40 civil society groups calling for federal law reform to ensure that Canadian companies protect human and labour rights and the environment wherever they operate. Our members include human rights, environmental, labour, faith, solidarity and international development organizations collectively representing more than 3 million Canadians. 

For over a decade, CNCA members advocated for the creation of an office to investigate complaints of abuse linked to the overseas activities of Canadian companies. In 2018, we stood with then trade minister François-Philippe Champagne when he announced the creation of the CORE and he vowed to equip the office with the “tools and resources” required for companies to comply with the complaint process. These tools and resources were never delivered,even afterthen Ombudsperson Sheri Meyerhoffer stated that the office “should be granted the ability to compel documents and testimony from the companies it investigates.”

In 2023, the Standing Committee on International Trade recommended that the government undertake a review of the CORE, to ensure the Ombudsperson’s ability to review complaints “adequately and in a timely manner.” In her response, your predecessor, Mary Ng, welcomed the recommendation and committed to conducting a review “starting in 2024 and over a 6-month period.” The review was launched in September 2024 and the CNCA submitted comments. The government has yet to publish the results of the review. 

We note with deep concern that the term of interim Ombudsperson Masud Husain ended on May 20, 2025, leaving the post vacant. To our knowledge, complainants were not notified in advance, adding to a disturbing lack of transparency surrounding the office. Over the past year, the office has not produced any new quarterly or annual “reports on inquiries and complaints” (despite claiming otherwise), and no new investigations have been announced. In this context, existing complainants are left unexpectedly without an ombudsperson to oversee their file.

Furthermore, pending complainants are left wondering whether the office is taking new complaints – or whether the office will even remain open. We urge you to provide an update on the status of the government’s review of the CORE and its plans for the future of the office. 

The demand for an effective CORE is high, as demonstrated by the significant and growing number of complaints that the office has received over time. Canadians have invested significant time and resources into the creation and maintenance of this necessary mechanism. Last year, Mary Ng acknowledged the “important role that the CORE plays as part of Canada’s broader responsible business conduct policy framework” and the “public interest in the activities of the office.” 

As you assume your new responsibilities as Minister of International Trade, we encourage you to equip the CORE with the promised tools and resources and ensure that complainants are treated with respect, including through prompt handling of their complaints. We would greatly appreciate meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss this further. 

We look forward to your reply to this letter.

On behalf of the CNCA,

Aidan Gilchrist-Blackwood
CNCA Network Coordinator

The CNCA Steering Committee:

Cc:

• Adam Chambers, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North and Conservative Shadow Minister for International Trade
• Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Member of Parliament for Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot-Acton and Bloc Québecois responsible for international trade
• Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Bloc Québecois member responsible for human rights
• Heather McPherson, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Strathcona
• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands
• Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne
• Nicole Lunstead, Deputy CORE, Office of the CORE
• Raihan Butt, Director, Responsible Business Conduct Division, Global Affairs Canada

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CC: The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade 

Dear Prime Minister Mark Carney, 

On behalf of the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA), I would like to welcome you to your new role as Prime Minister of Canada.

Formed in 2005, the CNCA brings together over 40 human rights, environmental, labour, faith and solidarity groups, collectively representing millions of Canadians. Our network is united by the straightforward principle that Canadian companies should respect human rights and the environment throughout their global operations and supply chains. 

For too long, Canada has failed to adequately address glaring human rights abuse and environmental damage linked to the activities and operations of Canadian companies. These harms include killings, sexual violence, water contamination, and land grabs, as well as forced labour, poor working conditions, and violations of other fundamental labour rights including to freedom of association and to collective bargaining. Workers and communities around the world have called on the Canadian government to hold our companies accountable. 

This issue matters deeply to Canadians. Over 50,000 have signed a petition calling for legislation to ensure Canadian companies respect human rights, including the right to a healthy environment, throughout their global operations and supply chains. Action is especially vital now, as these challenging economic times can heighten the vulnerability of workers and communities to abuse and exploitation. 

Your election platform called for Canada to show global leadership and to champion important values, including human rights and the rule of law. In order to do so, it is essential that Canada fulfil its internationally recognized duty to protect against human rights abuses by non-state actors, including Canadian companies who all too often act with impunity. For decades, UN experts have repeatedly called on Canada to do just that. 

CNCA members are business and human rights subject-matter experts. Furthermore, CNCA is the secretariat of a global network of corporate accountability organizations spanning six continents. Many of our members and colleagues have decades-long relationships with people who have been negatively affected by Canadian businesses overseas. We offer tools and resources to support the development of effective policy.

The Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability urges your government to take the following actions to ensure Canadian companies respect human rights and the environment:

1. Adopt mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation. We note that the 2024 Fall Economic Statement announced the Canadian government’s “intent to introduce legislation to create a new supply chain due diligence regime”. Our network has developed model human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, endorsed by over two hundred organizations from Canada and around the world, which your government can use as a blueprint for its own legislation. 

2. Empower the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise to effectively serve impacted communities. For over a decade, our network has advocated for an independent and effective office and has provided expert advice to the Canadian government on the essential powers and independence such an office requires. The need today for an effective Ombudsperson is as great as ever. 

3. Support progress towards a strong UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights, answering the calls of civil society organizations in Canada and around the world. CNCA is connected to the global movement moving the treaty agenda forward. 

We encourage you to include specific instructions to implement these measures in your ministerial mandate letters, and we kindly request a meeting with you in the coming weeks to discuss these measures in greater detail. 

We look forward to your reply to this letter.

Sincerely, 

Aidan Gilchrist-Blackwood

Network Coordinator, Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability 

This letter is also available in PDF format, in English and French.

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The Honourable Mary Ng, M.P.
Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Regarding Canada’s support for a Business and Human Rights Treaty

Dear Minister Ng,

On behalf of the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA), we are writing to call on your government to support progress in upcoming talks in Geneva towards an international treaty on business and human rights.

Formed in 2005, the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA) unites 41 human rights, environmental, labour, faith and solidarity groups, collectively representing millions of Canadians, to advocate for federal laws and regulations that will ensure Canadian corporations respect human rights and the environment when doing business around the world.

In our view, Canada in particular has an important role to play and duty to act in these talks, given the significant number of extractive industries headquartered in this country and extensive global supply chains associated with social and environmental impacts overseas.

Unlocking progress towards a new treaty would also go a significant way towards delivering on your mandate to ensure “that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.” 

Human rights abuses and environmental destruction connected to corporate activity continue around the world. In large part this is due to a lack of legal liability for transnational corporations, including those based in Canada, engaging in such activity. Obstacles in access to justice and remedy continue to be a problem for individuals and communities in many countries. 

These upcoming talks represent a global acknowledgement that more concrete action is needed – including changes in our legislative systems to ensure that national and transnational corporations respect human rights and are held legally accountable if they do not. Top of the list for Canada would include passing new mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation and strengthening the powers of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE).

Companies with responsible business practices have nothing to fear from a strengthened human rights-based regulatory framework. Indeed, many do already respect human rights and it’s only fair that others be held to the same standards. A clear and binding international human rights framework related to corporate activity creates equal standards and a level playing field, enabling corporations to compete fairly and ensuring States around the world avoid a regulatory ‘race to the bottom’. The European Union has recently moved forward with new legislation to hold corporations accountable for their impacts around the world, showing the viability of such measures.

We therefore urge you to demonstrate your strong commitment to Canada’s existing human rights obligations, and send a clear and supportive message to those affected by corporate human rights abuses and violations, by:

• Working with other States to ensure talks finally progress towards formal negotiations on a legally binding instrument starting in 2025;
• Supporting language suggestions in upcoming talks that prioritize the experiences and demands of communities affected by corporate abuse or violations, as the CNCA previously recommended in 2022; 
• Before treaty talks begin, committing to mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation that holds Canadian corporations accountable for their impacts abroad;
• Before treaty talks begin, committing to finally equip the CORE with the necessary independence, powers and resources to provide meaningful remedies and prevent further human rights abuses.

The adoption of a legally binding instrument can help stop human rights violations and protect people and our planet by putting an end to corporate impunity. Our members across the country believe this is an urgent priority to address the multiple global challenges we are facing. We would be pleased to provide you with further information and look forward to constructive dialogue on these issues.

Yours sincerely,

Shane Moffatt

Director, Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability 

cc:

• Mélanie Joly MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs 
• Steven Guilbeault MP, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
• Ryan Williams MP, Conservative Trade Critic 
• Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay MP, Bloc Québécois Trade Critic
• Heather McPherson MP, NDP Foreign Affairs and International Development Critic
• Mike Morrice MP, Green Party

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Why not? * Because it’s not strong enough to fight corporate abuse. There’s a better bill before Parliament: Bill C-262. 

In April 2022, Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Bill (“the modern slavery reporting bill”), finished its path through the Senate and is now being considered by Canadian members of Parliament.

By its title, one would expect that Canadian civil society organizations and labour unions would be at the forefront helping to mobilize support for the bill. So why aren’t they?

The reason is simple: Bill S-211 is a diversion.[ii] It wouldn’t make even a dent in fighting forced labour and child labour in Canadian supply chains; it wouldn’t touch the other serious human rights abuses, including harassment, killings and gang-rape that are linked to Canadian business activity outside of Canada, nor does it address associated serious environmental damage and water contamination; and it wouldn’t help people who are harmed by Canadian businesses to access remedy. Bill S-211 would only require that companies report if they took any steps to identify and address forced labour in their operations.

Moreover, by giving the appearance that the government is taking action, Bill S-211 might dampen the growing momentum in Canada to finally do something to address corporate abuse abroad. Canadians are increasingly concerned about serious harms linked to the products we buy and are demanding that the Government of Canada act.

Other leading jurisdictions are passing or considering laws that

• require companies to prevent human rights violations,
• require companies to implement adequate human rights due diligence procedures,
• include meaningful consequences for companies behaving badly, and
• help people who are harmed to access remedy. [iii]

Canada must join these leading jurisdictions and work towards comprehensive and robust legislation to fight forced labour, child labour and other serious human rights abuses currently plaguing the products on Canadian shelves.

Fortunately, there is another bill currently before Parliament that could be the game changer. Bill C-262, the Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act (“the human rights and accountability bill”) would

• require companies to prevent harm in their global operations and supply chains,
• require companies to put in place adequate due diligence procedures,
• include strong enforcement measures for those obligations, and
• provide impacted people and workers the statutory right to sue negligent or harm-causing companies in Canadian courts.

This is the law that Canada needs in order to stop corporate abuse and respond to the right to remedy of affected people. This is the legislation that Canadian civil society and labour unions support. Bill C-262 is the law members of Parliament should support and vote for.

Notes

[i] The Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA) brings together 40 civil society organizations and unions. Our member list is available here: https://cnca-rcrce.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/List_MemberOrganizations_april-2022.pdf    

[ii] For a more fulsome examination of the S-211’s shortcomings, see CNCA’s submission to the Senate: https://cnca-rcrce.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CNCA-submission-to-the-Senate-Standing-Committee-on-Human-Rights-study-of-Bill-S-211.-March-31-2022.pdf and a summary of the 3 reasons why this bill (previously called S-216) misses the mark: https://cnca-rcrce.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Appendix-Top-Three-Reasons-Why-Bill-S-216-Misses-the-Mark.pdf

[iii]  For some of these examples, see the European Coalition on Corporate Justice’s comparative chart here: https://corporatejustice.org/publications/comparative-table-corporate-due-diligence-laws-and-legislative-proposals-in-europe-2/

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Joint Statement

As civil society organizations, trade unions, investors and/or subject-matter experts from around the world committed to upholding human rights (including Indigenous Peoples’ rights), environmental protection, climate-change action, and fostering equitable and sustainable economic development, we call on the Government of Canada to adopt legislation requiring Canadian companies[1] to undertake human rights and environmental due diligence throughout their global operations and supply chains.

The draft model legislation, The Corporate Respect for Human Rights and Environment Abroad Act (May 31, 2021) proposed by the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA) acknowledges that all human rights are worthy of protection, moves beyond the limitations of voluntary initiatives and reporting-only approaches, provides insight on important human rights and environmental considerations, and lays the groundwork for more robust and comprehensive human rights and environmental due diligence legislation in Canada.

The CNCA’s proposed new law will:

1. establish a corporate duty to prevent human rights abuses and environmental damage;
2. create a corporate obligation to undertake comprehensive human rights due diligence; and
3. establish a right of action in Canadian courts (civil lawsuit) if Canadian companies, their subsidiaries, suppliers or subcontractors cause human rights abuse or environmental damage abroad. It would also establish a right of action if companies don’t develop, implement or report on adequate human rights and environmental due diligence procedures.

Adopting legislation such as the Corporate Respect for Human Rights and Environment Abroad Act (May 31, 2021) will incentivize Canadian companies to proactively prevent harms to human rights and environment, recognize the right to remedy for negatively impacted peoples, and help the Canadian government fulfill its international human rights responsibilities as set out in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Canadian companies includes those that are domiciled in Canada and those who sell goods or services in Canada if they also have a physical connection to Canada.

SIGNATORIES – Canadian organizations:

1. Above Ground
2. Americas Policy Group
3. Æquo, Services d’engagement actionnarial
4. Amnesty International Canada
5. Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)
6. Atlantic Regional Solidarity Network (ARSN)
7. Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers
8. Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers)
9. Canadian Jesuits International
10. Canadian Labour Congress
11. Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR)
12. Centre Oblat • A Voice for Justice
13. Centre international de solidarité ouvrière (CISO)
14. Climate Action Network – Canada
15. CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev)
16. Comité pour les droits humains en Amérique latine (CDHAL)
17. La Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN)
18. Cooperation Canada
19. Council of Canadians
20. Development and Peace: Caritas Canada
21. Fédération nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Québec (CSN)
22. Friends of the Earth Canada
23. Grandmothers Advocacy Network
24. Inter Pares
25. Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice
26. KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
27. Ligue des droits et libertés (LDL)
28. Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network
29. Maquila Solidarity Network
30. Mennonite Central Committee Canada
31. Mining Injustice Solidarity Network (MISN)
32. MiningWatch Canada
33. Office for Systemic Justice, Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada
34. Oil Change International
35. Oxfam Canada
36. Oxfam Québec
37. Peace Brigades International Canada
38. Projet Accompagnement Québec-Guatemala (PAQG)
39. Public Service Alliance of Canada
40. Le Regroupement pour la Responsabilité Sociale des Entreprises (RRSE)
41. Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE)
42. Sisters of Saint Martha
43. Solidarité Laurentides-Amérique Centrale (SLAM)
44. Stop Ecocide Canada
45. United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada)
46. UNIFOR
47. The United Church of Canada
48. United Steelworkers
49. Vancouver Investment Management
50. World Vision

With the support from the following international organizations:

1. Accountability Counsel
2. Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
3. Corporate Justice Coalition (UK)
4. Due Process of Law Foundation
5. European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ)
6. International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (US)
7. Investors Alliance for Human Rights
8. Project HEARD (Netherlands)
9. Project Demokratie Cafe Reutlingen (Germany)
10. Project PODER (Mexico)
11. Gaia Amazonas (Colombia)

Other support:

Please also see a similar letter of support for the CNCA’s proposed legislation from over 150 groups working with directly-impacted communities in 32 countries: https://bit.ly/3Apdc9S

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Endorsement

[English] Global sign-on letter: Proposed mHREDD law in Canada

We, the undersigned, are individuals, communities, Indigenous peoples, communities of faith, civil society organizations, trade unions and workers who are directly affected, or work with people directly affected, by unscrupulous business practices around the world. In many instances these businesses are Canadian companies (or their subsidiaries, subcontractors or suppliers) or they produce goods for Canadian brands or to be sold in Canada.

We wish to pronounce our support for the proposed new law in Canada that would:

1. Establish a corporate duty to prevent human rights abuse and environmental damage;
2. Create a corporate obligation to undertake comprehensive human rights due diligence; and
3. Establish a right of action in Canadian courts (civil lawsuit) if Canadian companies don’t develop, implement or report on adequate due diligence, or if they don’t take reasonable measures and they or their subsidiaries, suppliers or subcontractors cause or contribute to human rights abuse or environmental damage.

This initiative is urgently needed to prevent, address and remedy corporate harm taking place around the globe.

[Français] Lettre d’appuis internationaux : Nouvelle loi proposée au Canada (diligence raisonnable)

Nous, soussignés, sommes des individus, des communautés, des peuples autochtones, des communautés de foi, des organisations de la société civile, des syndicats et des travailleurs et travailleuses directement touchés, ou travaillant avec des personnes directement touchées, par des pratiques commerciales destructives à travers le monde. Dans plusieurs cas, ces entreprises sont des entreprises canadiennes (ou leurs filiales, sous-traitants ou fournisseurs) ou sont des entreprises qui produisent des biens pour des marques canadiennes ou qui seront vendus au Canada.

Nous souhaitons exprimer notre soutien à la nouvelle loi proposée au Canada qui vise à :

1. Instaurer un devoir pour les entreprises de prévenir les violations des droits de la personne et les dommages environnementaux ;
2. Imposer l’obligation aux entreprises de faire preuve d’une diligence raisonnable intégrale en matière de droits de la personne ; et
3. Établir un droit d’action devant les tribunaux canadiens (poursuite civile) si les activités d’une entreprise, de sa filiale, sous-traitant ou fournisseur ont un impact négatif sur les droits de la personne. Établir, également, que les organisations de la société civile peuvent poursuivre une entreprise en justice si cette dernière ne respecte pas l’obligation d’élaborer, de mettre en œuvre et de rendre compte de ses procédures de diligence raisonnable.

Cette initiative est rendue nécessaire de toute urgence pour prévenir, s’attaquer aux dommages causés par les entreprises partout à travers le monde, et les réparer.

[Español] Carta de apoyo mundial : Nueva ley propuesta en Canadá (diligencia debida)

Las y los aquí firmantes somos individuos, comunidades, Pueblos Indígenas, sindicatos, organizaciones sociales, trabajadoras/es, comunidades de fe, que vivimos los efectos directos, o trabajamos con población directamente afectada, por prácticas comerciales inescrupulosas en todo el mundo. En muchos casos, esas grandes compañías y sus prácticas o negocios son empresas canadienses (o sus subsidiarias, subcontratistas o proveedores) o elaboran productos para marcas canadienses o para su comercialización en Canadá.

Por esta razón expresamos nuestro apoyo a la nueva ley propuesta en Canadá para:

1. Establecer el deber empresarial de prevenir el abuso de los derechos humanos y el daño ambiental;
2. Crear una obligación empresarial de aplicar procedimientos integrales de debida diligencia respecto a la garantía de los derechos humanos; y
3. Establecer el derecho de instar demanda civil ante tribunales canadienses si una empresa, su subsidiaria, subcontratista o proveedor ocasiona un impacto adverso en los derechos humanos. Además, establecer que las organizaciones de la sociedad civil pueden hacerle juicio a una empresa si la misma no elabora, no implementa y no informa sobre sus procedimientos de debida diligencia.

Esta iniciativa se requiere con urgencia para prevenir, afrontar y reparar daños corporativos en todo el mundo.

[Português] Carta de declaração de apoio à proposta de nova lei no Canadá

Nós, os abaixo-assinados, somos indivíduos, comunidades, povos indígenas, sindicatos, trabalhadores e mulheres que são diretamente afetados, ou trabalhamos com pessoas diretamente afetadas, por práticas comerciais inescrupulosas em todo o mundo. Em muitos casos, essas empresas são empresas canadenses (ou suas subsidiárias, subcontratadas ou fornecedores) ou produzem mercadorias para marcas canadenses ou para serem vendidas no Canadá.

Desejamos manifestar nosso apoio à proposta de nova lei no Canadá que:

1. Estabelece um dever corporativo de prevenir abusos de direitos humanos e danos ambientais;
2. Cria uma obrigação corporativo de realizar procedimentos de diligência devida em matéria de direitos humanos; e
3. Estabelece o direito de ajuizar ações nos tribunais canadenses (ação civil) se as empresas não desenvolverem, implementarem ou relatarem adequadamente a devida diligência, ou se não tomarem medidas razoáveis e elas ou suas subsidiárias, subcontratadas ou fornecedores causarem ou contribuírem para abusos dos direitos humanos ou danos ambientais.

Esta iniciativa é necessária e urgente para prevenir, lidar e remediar os danos causados por empresas canadenses operando em todo o mundo.

===

Signatories

List of signatories / Liste des signataires / Lista de entidades firmantes / Lista de organizações signatárias

1 Asamblea de Vecinos Autoconvocados de Viedma y Carmen de Patagones Argentina
2 Asamblea de Vecinxs de Epuyen Argentina
3 Asamblea Jáchal No Se Toca Argentina
4 Asamblea No Nuclear de Viedma y Carmen de Patagones Argentina
5 Asamblea Permanente de los Derechos Humanos (APDH) Regional Noroeste del Chubut Argentina
6 Asamblea Permanente del Comahue por el Agua – Allen, Argentina Argentina
7 Asamblea por el agua y el Territorio de Ingeniero Jacobacci- Río Negro- Argentina Argentina
8 Asociacion civil por la justicia ambiental Argentina
9 Colectivo de Derechos Humanos Yopoi Argentina
10 Diálogo 2000-Jubileo Sur Argentina Argentina
11 ECOSUR, Ecología, Cultura y Educación desde los Pueblos del Sur Argentina
12 Iniciativa Arcoiris de Ecología Política Argentina
13 Movimiento Ecuménico por los Derechos Humanos Regional Viedma y Patagones Argentina
14 Asamblea Fiambalá Despierta Argentina
15 Observatorio de Derechos Humanos de Río Negro Argentina
16 Observatorio Petrolero Sur Argentina
17 Reserva Yaguaroundi Argentina
18 Servicio Paz y Justicia (SERPAJ) Argentina
19 Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity Bangladesh
20 Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Bangladesh
21 Nijera Kori Bangladesh
22 Coordinadora de la mujer (network) Bolivia
23 Botswana Watch Organization Botswana
24 Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens – MAB Brasil
25 Indigenous Peoples Global Forum for Sustainable Development Burundi
26 Colectivo Viento Sur – Chile Chile
27 Observatorio Ciudadano Chile
28 Corporacion ECATE Colombia
29 Corporación Trabajadores por la Tierra Colombia
30 SIEMBRA Centro Sociojurídico para la Defensa Territorial Colombia
31 Asociación Codo a Codo Colombia
32 Asociación de Campesinos y Comunidades Sin Tierra del César ASOCAMTICE. Colombia
33 Asociación de Familiares victimas de Trujillo (Afavit) Colombia
34 Asociación de Ovinocultores del Municipio De Güicán, Boyacá – GÜICAOVE Colombia
35 Congregación de las Hermanas Auxiliadoras del Purgatorio Colombia
36 Corporación Arazá por la Justicia Social y Ambiental Colombia
37 Corporación Claretiana Norman Pérez Bello Colombia
38 Frutales la Morenita Colombia
39 Fundación desarrollo sostenible del Pacífico colombiano Colombia
40 Fundación Hogar Pastorin Colombia
41 Grupo Autónomo de Investigación y Editorial Kavilando Colombia
42 Grupo Ecuménico de Mujeres Constructoras de Paz (GemPaz) Colombia
43 Grupo GIDPAD Universidad de San Buenaventura Medellín Colombia
44 Justicia, Paz e integración de la Creación – JPIC Colombia
45 Mesa Ecuménica por la Paz – MEP Colombia

46 Red de Mujeres Afro de Bayunca – Remabay Colombia
47 Red Interuniversitaria por la Paz REDIPAZ Colombia
48 Te Ipukarea Society Cook Islands
49 Instituto de Desarrollo de la Economía Asociativa (IDEAC) Dominican Republic
50 Eglise du Christ au Congo Congo
51 Héritiers de la Justice Dem. Rep. Congo
52 Amazon Watch Ecuador
53 Comisión Ecuménica de Derechos Humanos CEDHU Ecuador
54 Fundación Savia Roja Ecuador
55 Lluvia Comunicación Ecuador
56 Pueblo Shuar Arutam (PSHA) Ecuador
57 Acción Ecologica Ecuador
58 Asociacion de desarollo economico social santa marta ADES El Salvador
59 Colectiva Feminista para el Desarrollo local El Salvador
60 OilWatch Ghana Ghana
61 Concejo Ecuménico Cristiano de Guatemala Guate
62 Asociación Ajkemab’ Rech K’aslemal Guatemala
63 Asociación Kaji ́ Ajpop Guatemala
64 Central de organizaciones Indígenas campesinas Ch’orti’ Nuevo Día Guatemala
65 Comisión Diocesana de defensa de la Naturaleza, CODIDENA Guatemala
66 Consejo de Autoridades Indígenas y comunitarias Maya Ch’orti’ Guatemala
67 Ecumenical Council of Guatemala Guatemala
68 Asociación Equipo de Monitoreo Independiente de Honduras – EMIH Honduras
69 ASONOG Honduras
70 Centro Labor, Cerro de Pasco Honduras
71 Honduran Centre for the Promotion of Community Development (CEHPRODEC) Honduras
72 Movimiento ambientalista Santabarbarense MAS Honduras Honduras
73 ONG investigación FOSDEH Honduras
74 Deccan Development Society (DDS) India
75 Women’s Collective, Tamil Nadu, India. India
76 Dewan Adat Papua (Papua Customary Council) Indonesia
77 Jaringan Advokasi Tambang – Mining Advocacy Network Indonesia
78 Civil Society Forum of Tonga Tonga
79 Sendika Kristianina Malagasy (SEKRIMA) – Madagascar Madagascar
80 Syndicalisme et Vie de la Société – Anosy (SVS-Anosy) – Madagascar Madagascar
81 Mamta Lukram India
82 La Asamblea Veracruzana de Iniciativas y Defensa Ambiental – LAVIDA México
83 Proyecto sobre Organización, Desarrollo, Educación e Investigación (PODER)) México
84 Voces Mesoamericanas México
85 Voces Mesoamericanas, Acción con Pueblos Migrantes A.C. México
86 Centro de Derechos de la Mujer de Chiapas (CDMCH) México
87 Desarrollo Económico y Social de los Mexicanos Indígenas, Asociación Civil (DESMI A.C.) México
88 Comisión de derechos humanos y laborales del Valle de Tehuacán México
89 Sindicato de Trabajadores al Servicio de los Poderes del Estado, Municipios, Instituciones Descentralizadas de carácter Estatal y Empresas privadas del Estado de Nayarit. Mexico
90 Sindicato de Trabajadores de la industria Metálica, Acero, Hierro, Conexos y Similares Mexico
91 Sindicato de Trabajadores del INCA Rural Mexico
92 Sindicato de Trabajadores del Transporte en General, Similares y Conexos de la Republica Mexicana Mexico
93 Sindicato Gremial de promotores, Sub-Promotores y Representantes de Ventas del Estado de Nuevo León. Mexico
94 Sindicato Industrial de Trabajadores Textiles y Similares “Belisario Domínguez” Mexico
95 Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de Elevadores OTIS Mexico
96 Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Costura, Confección, Vestido, Similares y conexos 19 de septiembre Mexico
97 Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria del Hierro, el Acero, Productos Derivados, Similares y Conexos de la Republica Mexicana Mexico
98 Unión de Trabajadores de Desechos, Solidos, Industrializables, del Estado de Guanajuato. “Lázaro Cárdenas del Río” Mexico
99 Cooperativa Agroindustria Fundadores Mexico
100 Cooperativa de ahorro y préstamo 6 de julio Mexico
101 Frente Obrero, Campesino, Estudiantil y Popular Mexico
102 Frente auténtico del trabajo (FAT) México

103 Oyu Tolgoi Watch Mongolia
104 Rivers without Boundaries Coalition – Mongolia Mongolia
105 Steps Without borders NGO Mongolia
106 Mongolian women’s employment supporting federation NGO Mongolia
107 Associação para Apoio e Assistência Jurídica as Comunidades (AAAJC), Tete, Moçambique Mozambique
108 Oxfam Nicaragua Nicaragua
109 Akali Tange Association Papua New Guinea
110 Alliance of Solwara Warriors Papua New Guinea
111 Human Rights Inter Pacific Association Papua New Guinea
112 Justice Foundation for Porgera Papua New Guinea
113 Porgera Red Wara (River) Women’s Association Incorporated (Porgera Women’s Rights Watch)Papua New Guinea
114 West Coast Development Foundation Papua New Guinea
115 Asaciacion Marianista de Accion Social (AMAS) Peru
116 Asociacion Quisca Peru
117 Comision Episcopal de Accion Social (CEAS) Peru
118 Derecho Ambiente y Recursos Naturales DAR Peru
119 Huaynakana Kamatahuara kana (The Federation of Kukama-Kukamiria Women) Peru
120 Movimiento Ciudadano frente al Cambio Climatico – MOCICC Peru
121 Nodo Peru – Red Latinamericana Iglesias y Mineria (Peruvian section of Iglesias y Minerai) Peru
122 Radio Ucamara (Nauta, Peru). Peru
123 Centro de Promoción y Estudios de la Mujer Andina “Lulay” – CEPEMA “Lulay” Perú
124 DEMUS, Estudio para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer Peru
125 Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras (DHSF) Perú
126 Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) Philippines
127 GABRIELA International Committee Philippines
128 International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination & Liberation (International IPMSDL) Philippines
129 Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment Philippines
130 Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns Philippines
131 The Legal Rights Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan. Philippines
132 Africaine de Recherche et de Coopération pour l’Appui au Développement Endogène (ARCADE)Senegal
133 Bench Marks Foundation South Africa
134 Centre for Environmental Rights NPC South Africa
135 International Labour Research and Information Group (ILRIG) – Cape Town, South Africa South Africa
136 Southern Africa Resource Watch South Africa
137 WoMin African Alliance South Africa
138 School for International Training South Africa
139 Norwegian Church Aid – South Africa South Africa
140 South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) South Sudan
141 Christian Council of Tanzania Tanzania
142 No Vox : Convergence Globale pour la lutte de la terre et l’Eau, (section Togo) Togo
143 Mekanda Adelet Dernegi (Center for Spatial Justice) Turkey

144 Association des Conseils Chrétiens et Églises en Afrique de l’Ouest / Fellowship of Christian Councils in West Africa (ACCEAO/FECCIWA) – Regional: West Africa

145 OilWatch Africa – Regional: Africa

146 Red de Abogadas y Abogados por la Soberanía Alimentaria (REDASA) – Regional: Latin America

147 Jubileo Sur/Américas – Regional: Latin America / Carribean

148 Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) to the OECD – Regional: Global

149 Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network – Regional: Europe & Africa

150 Focus on the Global South – Regional: Asia

===

Please see the PDF version below for the list of additional individual endorsements.

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Canada’s unions and civil society organizations are calling for immediate relief for workers and protection of rights in global supply chains.

The coalition says that concerns for workers cannot stop at Canada’s borders and the millions of women and men who make clothes in other countries cannot be abandoned. In particular, efforts to address and rectify dangerous working conditions following the Rana Plaza disaster must not be undone now in the midst of this global crisis.

On April 24, 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh killed at least 1,132 people and injured more than 2,500.

The tragedy put a spotlight on substandard working conditions and low wages in the industry. In response to public outrage at the disaster, more than 200 global brands and retailers signed a legally binding agreement with Bangladesh and Global unions that achieved important improvements in workplace safety.

The current pandemic has created new threats to the lives and livelihoods of garment workers.

Brands and companies have cancelled orders down their supply chains leaving factories unable to pay workers’ wages, even for work already completed. This is leaving millions of people without income and job security. Women are particularly hard hit by this crisis.

Eighty per cent of Bangladesh’s four million garment workers are women. These workers have received poverty wages for years, barely making ends meet and have no financial savings to draw on. Without work, without income, with little access to health care and without any social safety net, they can easily slip into abject poverty and struggle to feed themselves and their families.

In response to the crisis, the Bangladesh government instituted a nationwide public holiday for an extended period. Millions of workers have returned to their villages with empty pockets, unable to collect unpaid wages or severance pay from closed factories. Government relief packages are being channeled through factories, but are proving difficult for workers to access. Some factories have remained open where workers continue to work in cramped conditions, without personal protections.

Canadian unions and civil society organizations stand in solidarity with Bangladesh garment sector workers and with garment sector workers in all countries, and urgently recommend the following:

Payment of orders and wages & worker health and safety: Canadian brands and retailers must honour their obligations to suppliers and workers by paying for orders that are completed or in production. They should ensure the payment of wages or severance to all workers who were employed at the onset of the crisis and ensure that workers who work during the pandemic can follow World Health Organization protection guidelines and reserve the right to refuse unsafe work.

Emergency relief for workers: Governments, including Canada, should support global emergency relief programs for garment sector workers set up with contributions from international financial institutions, donor governments as well as brands and retailers. These programs must maintain workers’ employment and wages.

Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence: The Government of Canada should legislate companies to respect human rights in their operations and supply chains. Such legislation should require companies to conduct due diligence on their human rights and environmental risks, take appropriate steps to prevent and mitigate such risks, and hold companies accountable in the courts if they abuse human rights.

Rebuilding a just economy after the pandemic: The industry as a whole must change the current pricing and business model moving forward. Canadian brands must commit to establish more sustainable and resilient supply chains that respect workers’ rights and ensure suppliers pay workers living wages and social benefits.

Endorsed by:

Amnesty International Canada (English-speaking branch)
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale
Canadian Council for International Co-operation
Canadian Jesuits International
Canadian Labour Congress
Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Centre international de solidarité ouvrière (CISO)
Fairtrade Canada
Inter Pares
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Maquila Solidarity Network
MiningWatch Canada
Nobel Women’s Initiative
Ontario Catholic No Sweat Network
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation
Oxfam Canada
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Social Justice Connection
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association
The United Church of Canada
United Food and Commercial Workers Canada
United Steelworkers
Workers United Canada Council
World March of Women Coordinating Committee

Read the full statement here: Protect the women who make our clothes April 2020

For more on remembering the Rana Plaza tragedy and supporting workers’ rights during the pandemic, see CNCA member Maquila Solidarity Network’s resources here.

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The civil society groups listed below agree upon and offer the following as consensus starting points. We encourage business and other civil society groups to use it as a basis for further dialogue.

1. Canada can and must do more to protect and promote respect for human rights by Canadian companies throughout their global operations and supply chains.

2. Action by the federal government is urgently required. Voluntary initiatives are insufficient. Legislation, if properly designed and implemented, will drive change in preventing and addressing adverse human rights impacts, contribute to a more level playing field for Canadian businesses, and ensure Canadian companies can attract and maintain investment.

3. Human rights are indivisible and interconnected. Therefore, Canada’s approach must be comprehensive in scope, encompassing all human rights.

4. A Canadian approach that is built around mandatory human rights due diligence legislation provides the most promise. Public disclosure is critical, but on its own it is not sufficient to drive meaningful, broad and lasting change, as evidenced from other jurisdictions.

5. Legislation should include meaningful consequences for non-compliance, including liability for harm and effective enforcement mechanisms.

6. Canada’s approach must be comprehensive in reach. Legislation must apply throughout the entirety of a company’s business operations and supply chains, inside and outside of Canada. Legislation must apply to both companies headquartered in Canada and globally headquartered corporations doing business in Canada.

7. Government must lead by example by championing and applying effective human rights due diligence measures in its own operations and those of its Crown corporations and agencies.

We were encouraged by the Government of Canada’s initial round of consultations conducted in 2019 and we look forward to government leadership and further engagement with all stakeholders on these urgent issues.

View the PDF

List of endorsing organizations:

• Above Ground
• Amnistie internationale Canada francophone
• Amnesty International Canada
• Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale
• Canada’s Building Trades Unions
• Canadian Council for International Co-operation
• Canadian Jesuits International
• Canadian Labour Congress
• Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability
• Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Children Believe
• Development and Peace-Caritas Canada
• Fairtrade Canada
• Grandmothers Advocacy Network
• Human Rights Watch
• IMPACT
• International Justice Mission Canada
• Inter Pares
• MiningWatch Canada
• Maquila Solidarity Network
• NetPositive
• Nobel Women’s Initiative
• Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation
• Oxfam Canada
• Plan International Canada
• Public Service Alliance of Canada
• Right To Play
• Save the Children
• Social Justice Connection
• Unicef Canada
• United Church of Canada
• United Food and Commercial Workers Canada
• United Steelworkers
• Workers United Canada Council
• World Vision Canada

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