For years, the Canadian government has spoken of its “expectation” that Canadian companies will meet the “highest ethical standards” when operating abroad. It’s time to create a mechanism capable of finding out if this expectation is in fact being met.
In this article published on the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre blog, Above Ground director Karyn Keenan discusses key steps Canada could take to become a leader in global efforts to prevent corporate abuse and ensure access to justice.
A government process established in 2000 to advance responsible multinational business conduct is failing to prevent or remedy human rights abuse by Canadian companies operating overseas, according to a report released today by Above Ground, MiningWatch Canada and OECD Watch.
Since 2000, Canada has maintained a National Contact Point (NCP) responsible for promoting multinational companies’ adherence to guidelines for responsible business conduct developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This report assesses the NCP’s performance to date, particularly with regard to harm prevention and access to remedy.
Above Ground works to ensure that companies based in Canada or supported by the Canadian state respect human rights and the environment worldwide. It is a project of MakeWay, a national charity that builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together.
Above Ground c/o MakeWay
400-163 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H5
438-992-5163
