Key facts
- Canada is eliminating the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (Core), established in 2019.
- The watchdog investigated alleged human rights violations by Canadian companies operating abroad, particularly concerning forced labor.
- Mark Carney stated the office was not effective and resources were used inefficiently.
- The move comes amid U.S. criticism of Canada's efforts to combat forced labor in supply chains.
- New legislation will create a public list of products linked to forced labor and require importers to verify supply chain integrity.
Canada is dismantling its dedicated watchdog for corporate human rights abuses abroad, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (Core), which was established in 2019. The decision, announced by Mark Carney, stems from a perceived lack of effectiveness and inefficient resource allocation within the office. Core's mandate was to investigate allegations of forced labor and other human rights violations committed by Canadian companies operating internationally, with a significant focus on supply chains in China.
Despite its establishment, Core launched only five investigations over its tenure, primarily targeting clothing and mining companies with operations in China's Xinjiang region. Critics, including Green party leader Elizabeth May, argued that the office lacked the necessary independence and powers to conduct thorough investigations and compel evidence, suggesting it needed strengthening rather than elimination.
The move occurs amidst heightened scrutiny from the U.S. administration, which has criticized Canada's enforcement mechanisms against forced labor and threatened tariffs. In response, the Canadian government plans to introduce new legislation that will establish a public list of products associated with forced labor in specific regions and mandate importers to demonstrate that their goods from these areas are not produced through slavery. This legislative change aims to address concerns raised by the U.S. and bolster Canada's commitment to combating forced labor.