Canada’s enforcement of a ban on importing goods produced by forced workers will fall short of standards set by the U.S. example unless Ottawa strengthens its policies, according to a report released by Above Ground. The report finds that companies are importing into Canada large quantities of goods from industries in which forced labour is known to be rife, including products from specific manufacturers accused of using forced workers, for instance those operating in Xinjiang.

The report calls for Canada to ensure vigorous and transparent enforcement of import controls and to adopt mandatory human rights due diligence legislation.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Dynasty Gold Corp and Foxconn to respond; they did. We invited Changhong Meiling/Hefei Meiling, Hero Vast Group, Hubei Haixin Protective Products Co, Qingdao Taekwang Shoes, and Shandong Jianhua Zhongxing Glove Co./ Jianhua Zhongxing Ski Product to respond; they did not. Public statements and comments by several other companies mentioned in the report to allegations are available online and/or the report including GobiMin, KTK Group, Sime Darby (see here and here), and Top Glove (see here and here).