Government forced labour initiatives and Bill S-211 – RCC Responsible Sourcing Committee update

RCC’s Responsible Sourcing Committee met with federal government officials earlier this month on the risks of forced labour in Canadian supply chains. This issue is gaining public attention, and government action is relevant to retailers small and large in every category, including Canada’s existing import ban on any products produced in whole or in part with forced labour. Government is also considering potential supply chain transparency legislation that would require medium and larger organizations to report publicly on the actions they are taking to reduce the risk of forced and/or child labour in their supply chains.

RCC intends to comment on Bill S-211 – the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act – which is expected to go before the Senate Human Rights Committee in the coming weeks. RCC is currently drafting comments on the proposed legislation in consultation with members and other key industry groups. RCC continues to engage with government on these issues, advocating for policies that are meaningful, reasonable and achievable for retailers.

To find out more, please contact Jason McLinton, VP Grocery and Regulatory Affairs, at jmclinton@retailcouncil.org or Alison Baxter, Senior Director, Nutrition and Social Responsibility, at abaxter@retailcoucil.org.