Article
Canadian civil society groups share guidance regarding the best path to prevent & eliminate adverse human rights impacts by Canadian companies
Canadian businesses, civil society, labour and government are looking for the best path forward to prevent and eliminate adverse human rights impacts in the global operations and supply chains of companies based in Canada and / or doing business in Canada... [These] civil society groups... offer the following as consensus starting points.
- ... 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.
- ... 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.
- ... Legislation should include meaningful consequences for non-compliance, including liability for harm and effective enforcement mechanisms.
- ... 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.