Ottawa, Canada
The Canadian government has launched consultations aimed at strengthening the country’s efforts to combat goods linked to forced labor around the world, beginning a new phase in its push to improve supply chain transparency and prevent products made through exploitation from entering the Canadian market. The initiative brings together businesses, industry representatives, human rights organizations, workers, and other stakeholders to provide feedback on how Canada can create a stronger and more effective framework against modern slavery.
Forced labor remains a significant global human rights challenge, with millions of people estimated to be working under conditions involving coercion, threats, or exploitation. Governments and international organizations have increasingly focused on supply chains, where products can pass through multiple countries and companies before reaching consumers. Canada’s latest consultation process is designed to address these challenges by examining ways to improve the detection, prevention, and enforcement of forced labor restrictions.
The consultations are expected to focus on several key areas, including how authorities identify high-risk imports, how companies report on their supply chain practices, and what additional tools may be needed to prevent products made through forced labor from being sold in Canada. Officials have said that input from stakeholders will help shape future policies and ensure that any new measures are practical and effective.
Canada already has legislation designed to increase corporate responsibility in this area. The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act requires certain businesses and government institutions to report on the steps they have taken to identify and address risks of forced labor and child labor within their operations and supply networks. The law aims to encourage greater transparency and accountability among organizations operating in Canada.
The government’s review comes as several countries have introduced stronger rules targeting forced labor in international trade. The United States and the European Union have expanded enforcement measures requiring companies to conduct deeper supply chain checks, increasing pressure on global businesses to demonstrate responsible sourcing practices.
Canadian officials have emphasized that stronger action is necessary to protect vulnerable workers and ensure that companies following ethical labor standards are not placed at a disadvantage. Supporters of tougher measures argue that businesses should have clearer responsibilities when sourcing products internationally, while some industry groups have warned that additional requirements could create challenges, especially for companies with complex global supply networks.
The consultation process represents another step in Canada’s broader effort to connect trade policy with human rights protections. As international supply chains continue to expand, governments are facing growing demands to ensure that economic activity is not supported by worker exploitation. The feedback collected during these consultations will help determine the direction of Canada’s future approach to fighting forced labor and strengthening accountability across global commerce.
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