Canada is set to eliminate its Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), a body established to investigate human rights violations by Canadian companies abroad. This decision follows claims from Mark Carney that the office has not been effective since its inception in 2019, having only launched five investigations in six years.
The move raises concerns about the future of oversight regarding forced labour, particularly in relation to Canadian companies operating in regions like Xinjiang, China. Critics argue that rather than dismantling the office, it should be strengthened to enhance its investigative powers and independence.
As Canada faces pressure from the US over its handling of forced labour issues, the government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at creating a public list of products linked to forced labour. This shift may impact how Canadian businesses operate internationally and could lead to stricter compliance requirements.
The elimination of CORE could signal a broader trend of reducing oversight in corporate accountability, potentially undermining efforts to combat human rights abuses in global supply chains. The implications for Canadian businesses and their international reputation could be significant, as they navigate increased scrutiny from both domestic and foreign stakeholders.
Source: The Guardian
