"Voices at risk: Canada’s guidelines on supporting human rights defenders", 10 Dec 2016

Human rights defenders—including those advocating for rights related to land and the environment—often focus on the activities of multinational corporations, subsidiary companies and contracted organizations in supply chains. Support for these human rights defenders should be provided as outlined in these guidelines, regardless of the nationality of the company in question.

Canadian companies working internationally are expected and encouraged to operate lawfully, transparently and in consultation with host governments and local communities and to conduct their activities in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. In instances where Canadian businesses are alleged or appear to be involved in a case, the mission must refer to Canada’s Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy to Strengthen Canada’s Extractive Sector Abroad. Although prepared for the Canadian extractive sector abroad, the Strategy provides broad guidance on CSR policy and practice applicable to all sectors....Depending on the facts of a given case, there may be an impact on the support that the mission offers to the Canadian company in question, including denying or withdrawing trade advocacy support. In cases involving conflict between a local community and a Canadian investor in the oil and gas or mining sectors, Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility Counselor may have an advisory or intervention role.