Question Period Note: Trade and Human Rights

Engaging in trade with countries that potentially have human rights challenges

• Respect for human rights lies at the heart of the rules-based international order. Canada prioritizes the protection of human rights, including women's rights, and the rights of Indigenous peoples

• Canada is particularly concerned by attacks on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, which remain cornerstones of democratic societies and free markets

• The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards

• Trade can be a force of positive change. Economic activities and investment are important vehicles for sustainable development

• Trade works best when everyone benefits. As part of the Trade Diversification Strategy, we are advancing an inclusive approach to trade that promotes the participation of all segments of society.

Canada's Approach to Human Rights:
Canada promotes respect for human rights in four ways. First, Canada engages bilaterally and multilaterally on specific human rights issues as they arise. This includes both country situations of concern as well as thematic issues. Second, Canada works to strengthen the international human rights architecture, by being an active and constructive participant in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, and by providing support, including $15 million over three years to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Third, Canada invests in programming internationally to advance human rights and address local circumstances. Fourth, Canada addresses human rights issues at home, for instance, by opening up Canada's human rights performance to international scrutiny, reporting to the relevant UN body, as well as by enhancing Canada's adherence to international human rights norms.

Responsible Business conduct:
Incorporating responsible business conduct (RBC) into business activities abroad is essential for companies to manage social, environmental, reputational and economic risks. This is especially important as Canadian companies diversify into markets where there is potential for higher growth, but also higher risk. RBC presents an opportunity for companies to increase brand value; acquire and retain talent; proactively mitigate and manage risks; reduce costs; and innovate. RBC should be seen as a competitive advantage for Canadian companies.

Canada's approach to responsible business conduct (RBC) reinforces Canadian leadership and best practices by; promoting and advancing RBC guidelines; supporting RBC initiatives and training abroad; fostering networks and local partnerships; strengthening the environment that supports RBC; assisting project-affected stakeholders and Canadian companies with early detection and intervention, and dispute resolution.

Canada's Inclusive Approach to Trade:
Recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) being negotiated are advancing Canada's inclusive approach to trade. In our FTAs, for example, this includes strengthened provisions on labour rights, the environment, and RBC in addition to new provisions on SMEs, gender equality, and Indigenous peoples.

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