When a company talks about forced labour in its supply chain, the conversation often starts with procurement and compliance. It should also include human resources. The people who recruit, onboard, supervise and hear complaints may know more about how work is actually performed than anyone reviewing a supplier questionnaire. On October 8, the federal government released two reports summarizing its consultations on stronger measures against forced labour. One deals with proposed changes to Canada's existing prohibition on importing goods produced through forced labour, including an approach contemplated under Bill C35. The other examines possible new duties for businesses to identify, prevent and address exploitation in international operations and supply chains. Respondents generally supported stronger protections, although they disagreed about whether people harmed by forced labour should be able to sue businesses in Canadian courts for failing to conduct due diligence. These are proposals and consultation findings, not a new set of obligations already in force. Canada has prohibited the importation of goods made through forced labour since 2020.
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