Each year, over $34 billion of goods imported into Canada are at a high risk of having been produced by child labour or forced labour. Schulich School of Business, Shareholder Association for Research and Education, and World Vision Canada interviewed 26 companies with business presence in Canada on their experiences with and perspectives on modern slavery in supply chains.

Findings include:

• Companies acknowledge that modern slavery is relevant to their supply chains. 57% look at modern slavery as part of a broader focus on human rights.

• 89% of companies have experienced challenges gaining internal attention on the issue.

• 76% of companies believe that supply chain legislation could benefit their company by driving action to address modern slavery.

• Only 29 % of companies are actively looking beyond their first tier of suppliers.

• 94% of companies feel positive (65%) or neutral (29%) about the Government of Canada’s announcement to initiate consultation on possible supply chain legislation.