The use of asbestos and lead is strictly regulated in Canada. While Canadian regulations controlling the domestic use of asbestos and lead have existed for over forty years, Canadian companies continue to export these toxic substances overseas, to countries where few, if any, regulations exist. 

This report, published in 2014 by the Halifax Initiative, Counter Current, Forum Suape, Both Ends and Movimiento Ríos Vivos, presents case studies of projects with significant human rights impacts that have been carried out by private sector actors financed by export credit agencies. One of the case studies focuses on Export Development Canada's financing of Brazilian mining company Vale. The report identifies policy and law reform recommendations that seek to ensure that export credit agencies no longer commit nor are complicit in human rights violations.

While several EDC clients are investigated for corruption by U.S. authorities, the Halifax Initiative seeks clarity from EDC on its anti-corruption policies and practices.