Consultations on Forced Labour

The Canadian government has  requested comments on its forced labour import ban. The review was announced  earlier this month and the deadline for comments is: November 15, 2024. 

This consultation parallels Canadian government's consideration of broader legislation around human rights due diligence. In the 2023 and 2024 budgets, the Canadian government promised to introduce more rigorous legislation which would require greater supply chain due diligence.  This legislation will be introduced before the end of the year. 

Canada first enacted a ban on the import of goods made in whole or in part with forced labour as part of the implementation of the Canada-US Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in July 2020. Canada has been criticized for failing to fully implement these restrictions and specifically challenged by the United States in this regard.  As a result, the forced labour ban is likely to be a significant issue in the renewal of CUSMA in 2025 and 2026.

Announcement:

Minister Ng announces launch of public consultations on Canada’s ban on import of goods produced by forced labour

Background:

Background information: Public consultations on Canada’s strengthened forced labour import prohibition

Consultation details:

Share your views: Public consultations on measures to strengthen Canada’s import ban on all goods mined, manufactured, or produced wholly or in part, by forced labour

Comments:

Companies that wish to comment on this or learn more about the process should contact CAF Executive Director Bob Kirke at bkirke@apparel.ca.

If there is significant interest in discussing this, we will organize a briefing session/meeting of members.