Child labour

Members of Parliament unanimously voted on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, to clamp down on modern slavery by backing a bill requiring Canadian companies to ensure they are not using forced labour or exploiting child workers overseas.

Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan says the Liberal government is planning legislation to make Canadian companies ensure that they are not using slave labour or exploiting child workers overseas.

A federally commissioned report looking at vendors who sold billions of dollars in goods to the government found the vast majority lacked adequate policies to prevent human and labour rights risks in their supply chains.

Canadians eyeing the boycott of popular U.S. fitness clubs over their connection to a major fundraising event for President Donald Trump might be wondering whether they too will need to choose between their principles and their workout — or their coffee, their grocery store or a nice pair of shoes.

The organization is calling for a new law to force companies that do business in Canada to report annually on the measures they take to ensure that factories in other countries aren’t using minors.

Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk made the announcement today in Geneva.

The federal government is set to ratify an international agreement on combating child labour, but internal documents suggest Canada has little ability or experience enforcing similar provisions.