Canada Eliminates Human Rights Watchdog That Oversees Companies Operating Abroad
Mark Carney says Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise office hasn’t been ‘effective’ since its 2019 setup
TL;DR
- Canada is closing down the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (Core).
- The Core was established in 2019 to investigate alleged human rights violations, including forced labour, by Canadian companies operating internationally.
- Minister Mark Carney stated the office has not been 'effective'.
- The Core launched only five investigations in six years, primarily concerning allegations of forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.
- The decision comes amid criticism from the US administration regarding Canada's efforts to combat forced labour in supply chains.
- New legislation will be introduced to create a public list of products linked to forced labour and require importers to prove their products are free from slavery.
- Some lawmakers, like Elizabeth May, argue the oversight body needs more power and resources, not elimination.