How Mandatory Regulation of Corporate Human Rights Behaviour Moved to the Forefront in Canada

Economic globalization is undergoing a restructuring , including the social/labour front.

The rising concern against the use of forced and child labour is impacting Canadian businesses.

Canadian corporations have witnessed a series of developments— on the legislative, judicial and regulatory front — that have a legal impact as well as in terms of reputation and brand.

In this ACC session, we will discuss the key elements of the Canadian modern slavery legislation coming into effect on January 1 , 2024 and the flurry of activity from the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). Our comments will incorporate the American experience.

These developments are not the final destination in the social repair of globalization. It is anticipated that the journey from “soft” (voluntary) to “hard“ (mandatory) law will include additional milestones further impacting corporations and their human rights footprint.