Canada Ends Human Rights Watchdog for Overseas Corporate Conduct
Canada is discontinuing the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), a watchdog tasked with investigating alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating internationally. The decision follows comments by Mark Carney, who stated that the office had not been "effective" since its inception in 2019.
This development occurs amid criticism from the Trump administration regarding Canada’s efforts to address forced labour, which it deemed "unacceptable." CORE was created under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to scrutinize the use of forced labour in industry, with a particular focus on China’s treatment of the Uyghur ethnic minority, which critics allege is subjected to forced labour. China has consistently denied these allegations, disputing claims of modern-day slavery.
Limited Investigations and Actions by CORE
Over its six years of operation, CORE has initiated only five investigations. These include inquiries into three U.S.-based clothing companies with Canadian operations—Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Levi Strauss—as well as two mining firms, GobiMin and Dynasty Gold Corp. All investigations centered on allegations of forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region. Additionally, CORE employed its mediation process following accusations against Hugo Boss concerning the use of Uyghur forced labour. To date, CORE has issued formal recommendations against only two companies.
Government Review and Austerity Measures
As part of broader austerity initiatives, Mark Carney indicated that the Liberal government would review various federal offices to identify inefficiencies and implement cuts where necessary.
"Part of government is to look at things and see whether or not they’re effective and try to improve it,"
Carney said, noting that the decision to eliminate CORE was made "a few months ago." He acknowledged that Canada has formal legislation aimed at combating forced labour, including the Modern Slavery Act, but stated enforcement has been "less effective."
Mixed Reactions from Officials and Lawmakers
Despite criticisms of CORE’s effectiveness, federal ministers have described it as a vital component of Canada’s human rights efforts. During a trade mission to China in the spring, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne referenced CORE as a protective measure against forced labour in Chinese automobile products that could enter the Canadian market.
Conversely, some lawmakers argue that the oversight body requires enhanced resources rather than elimination. Green Party leader Elizabeth May stated:
"CORE has never been given the independence or powers it needs to do its job properly. The Green Party has long called for this office to be strengthened so it can actually investigate abuses, compel evidence and deliver accountability. The solution to a flawed office cannot be to simply do away with it entirely."
New Legislation and International Pressure
On Friday, the Liberal government announced plans for new legislation that would establish a public list of products linked to forced labour in specific regions. This legislation would obligate importers to demonstrate that products from these regions were not produced using slavery.
This move coincides with pressure from the United States, which has criticized Canada and over 80 other countries for insufficient efforts to address forced labour in supply chains. The White House recently declared intentions to impose tariffs on Canada, citing weak enforcement regarding goods produced with forced labour. The Liberal government asserts that the forthcoming legislation will respond to concerns raised by the Trump administration.
