In January 2018, the government announced that it would create an independent office with the power to investigate. Instead, on April 8, 2019, it unveiled a powerless advisory post, little different from what has already existed for years. The Government of Canada failed to appoint an independent Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) with real powers to investigate abuses and redress the harm caused by Canadian companies operating abroad.
An ombudsperson operates at arms-length from government and has the power to order those under investigation to produce documents and testimony under oath. The advisory position does neither.
In November 2020, the office of the Minister Ng (Small Business, Export Development and International Trade) informed the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) – which BTS is part of – that Canada will not give the CORE the promised powers to compel documents and testimony after all.
It’s not too late! The time for action is now. Urge your MPs and the Canadian government to empower the CORE and enact mandatory human rights due diligence legislation:
1) Call your MP and/or Ministers at Global Affairs Canada:
Click here for their phone numbers and a sample phone script
2) Write to your MP and/or Ministers at Global Affairs Canada
Click here for their emails and a sample letter
Read our letter to Minister Ng here:
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