The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement regarding new measures to combat forced labour announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement:
"Forced labour is never acceptable anywhere in the world, and we must ensure that our global supply chains remain free of this abuse.
"Building on our commitment in Budget 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, the 2024 Fall Economic Statement announces our government's intent to introduce legislation to create a new regime for supply chain due diligence. This will require government entities and businesses to scrutinize their international supply chains for risks to fundamental labour rights and take action to resolve these risks. A new oversight agency will be created to ensure ongoing compliance.
"We are also strengthening Canada's ban on imports of goods produced with forced labour by introducing legislative amendments that increase the onus on importers to demonstrate their supply chains are free of forced labour. To implement these new measures, our government will provide $25.1 million over 2 years to Global Affairs Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.
"These decisive actions demonstrate our government's commitment to ethical trade practices and protecting workers' rights while ensuring Canadian businesses can compete on a level playing field. We will continue to work with our partners to build more resilient and responsible supply chains."
Quick facts
- In July 2020, Canada implemented an import ban under the Customs Tariff, making it illegal to import goods wholly or in part produced by forced labour. This ban implemented Canada's commitments under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
