Above Ground is tracking the details of complaints to the CORE regarding alleged human rights abuses linked to Canadian companies. Here we list cases for which information is publicly known, including those under investigation. We will update the list with new information as it is released.
In this submission to Global Affairs Canada, Above Ground argues that an effective Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) would have powers to investigate and be independent from government.
In this report we examine the links between Canadian seafood imports and forced labour, the government’s policy response, and how Canada could better protect the rights of workers in fisheries, primarily by adopting a strong human rights due diligence law.
Importing goods made with forced labour has been prohibited under Canadian law since 2020. However, customs authorities have only once taken enforcement action under this prohibition. In this report we examine flaws in Canada’s enforcement framework and needed reforms, based on analysis from Goldblatt Partners LLP.
The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise is investigating several companies over their alleged ties to the forced labour system reportedly being imposed on ethnic minorities in northwest China. Yet the office still lacks the powers needed to investigate effectively.
The global seafood industry is rife with worker abuse, and we need comprehensive measures to stop companies profiting from it, write Georgina Alonso of Above Ground and Bea Bruske of the Canadian Labour Congress in this Hill Times op-ed.
How are Canadian firms responding to reports of forced labour in their supply chains? We asked dozens of companies whose suppliers have faced high-profile allegations of abuse. More than half of them didn’t reply.
Broad support is building for due diligence legislation in Canada, placing the topic firmly within policy debates on Parliament Hill. Tomorrow human rights defenders from the Global South will remind us why such a law is urgently needed.
Last month Ottawa cancelled two contracts to purchase gloves made by Supermax Corporation in Malaysia, drawing attention once again to slavery risks in Canadian supply chains.