Canada Weighs Tougher Import Rules Over Forced Labour

OTTAWA-Canada is moving towards stricter controls on imported goods suspected of being produced through forced labor, with proposed rules that could require importers to demonstrate that their products are free from labor exploitation and subject companies to greater scrutiny over their international supply chains.

The Canadian government released two consultation reports on October 8 outlining proposals to strengthen its existing import ban and introduce additional corporate accountability measures.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu said the reports would help shape legislation and regulations to prevent goods produced through forced labor from entering the Canadian market.

The proposed measures could affect international exporters supplying Canadian businesses, although the government has not identified India or any other country as a specific target in its latest announcement.

Under Bill C-35, introduced in Parliament in June, the government would be authorized to establish a public list of goods suspected of being produced wholly or partly through forced labor. The list could identify the products, their producers and the countries or regions where they were manufactured.

Importers of listed products could be required to provide information demonstrating that their goods were not linked to forced labor. Failure to provide the required information could result in the goods being barred from entering Canada.

The proposed legislation would also strengthen information-sharing among government departments and introduce additional consequences for importers who fail to comply.

The consultation report said stakeholders broadly supported stronger enforcement but called for a transparent and predictable system that would allow businesses to challenge decisions and respond to allegations. Participants also urged closer alignment with international trading partners to prevent inconsistent requirements across markets.

“Our trade must reflect our values. Canada is committed to ensuring that our supply chains reflect the values we stand for: fairness, accountability and respect for human dignity,” Anand said.

“The perspectives shared through these consultations will help inform meaningful action to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering Canada and support a more responsible and equal global trading system.”

A separate consultation examined whether Canadian businesses operating internationally should be required to identify, prevent and address forced-labor risks across their operations and supply chains.

One contentious proposal would allow victims of labor exploitation to seek damages in Canadian courts against companies that failed to conduct adequate due diligence.(IANS)