We are writing to express our support for the creation of a Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) which was announced 10 months ago, and to express to you the critical urgency of appointing this ombudsperson. We, the 240 undersigned activists and organizations from 56 countries, have been working for many years defending the human rights of communities affected by the activities of natural resource extraction companies around the world. We welcome your government’s commitment to responsible business conduct abroad by Canadian companies. We ask you to take action quickly to name the ombudsperson, and to ensure that this office will have the power and resources to independently investigate, report, recommend remedies, and oversee the implementation of remedies for victims of human rights and environmental violations caused by the activities of Canadian mining companies abroad.

An effective ombudsperson would allow for people and communities that have been harmed by the activities of Canadian mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors to have access to justice, and could ensure that further abuses by Canadian companies would be prevented. Appointing the ombudsperson quickly will ensure that Canada’s progressive policy for business is concretely implemented, and would show your country’s leadership on business and human rights.