Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What we heard report
... The Minister of Labour has a mandate letter commitment to lead the introduction of legislation to eradicate forced labour from the supply chains of Canadian businesses and ensure that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.
... This report provides a summary of the 2019 Government of Canada consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation, including child and forced labour, in supply chains. These consultations were held in-person in spring 2019, and through an online survey, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of these consultations will inform the policy development in response to the Minister’s mandate letter commitment.
... Overall, representatives of civil society, labour organizations, industry and employer representatives, businesses, representatives of international organizations and academics agreed more needs to be done to address labour exploitation in global supply chains. Most stakeholders noted the value of due diligence and addressing risks throughout supply chains. A few businesses expressed more comfort with reporting on steps taken to prevent the risk of human rights violations. However, they did not oppose a due diligence model that would require businesses to take action to address any violation suspected or found within their supply chains.