This follows investigations into Zara Canada, Levi Strauss & Co. Canada, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and more Canadian subsidiaries of multinational apparel companies.
In an Initial Assessment Report, Guess? Canada lists jurisdiction and other objections to the complaint.
Zara Canada also contends that CORE lacks jurisdiction to review the complaint. The alleged abuses, Zara writes in its report, do not “arise from” ITX Canada’s operations abroad…”
CORE has launched the investigations since July of this year, following complaints by a coalition of 28 human-rights groups. The agency was formed in 2019 but has come under criticism for lacking teeth, specifically the power to compel witnesses to testify.
In November, CAF hosted a webinar with the CORE Sheri Meyerhoffer, who acknowledged there is no standard to initiate an investigation. Any allegation, however weak the evidence, could prompt an investigation should the company not respond, she acknowledged.