CORE Exploring Forced Labour Claims Against Canadian Companies

Sharon Singh talks with Canadian Lawyer about the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) launching investigations into two Canadian companies in response to allegations that their supply chains have used or benefitted from forced labour.

There has been no finding of wrongdoing, and the CORE is on a fact-finding mission to determine whether any recommendations are necessary. Sharon says it is essential for companies subject to the CORE’s complaints process to provide information promptly and cooperate in good faith, which will allow the ombudsperson to assess early on whether the complaints are frivolous or vexatious, or to determine the appropriate means to move an admissible complaint forward.

When helping clients to ensure they are onside human-rights obligations and their obligations under Bill S-211, Sharon recommends executing due diligence, including by mapping out supply chains, training employees and suppliers, and assessing risk-mitigation measures, including through internal or external audits. “Then it's a continual refreshment of those three pillars,” she says.