Question Period Note: Forced Labour Import Ban

Canada is committed to strengthening its import ban on goods produced by forced labour to enhance its economic security, level the playing field for Canadian firms, address human rights abuses.

• Forced labour is an abhorrent practice that affects millions of men, women and children around the world as an abuse of international human rights.
• In using forced labour, enterprises deny workers their labour rights and prevent Canadian workers and Canadian businesses from competing on a level-playing field. This, in turn, affects our economic competitiveness.
• By countering this deplorable practice, Canada will continue to be a leader in building a more prosperous and fair global economy. One that supports a rules-based international trading system and fortifies our economic security.
• In 2020 Canada became the second country after the US to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labour. A strong import ban is good for Canadian workers and businesses, allowing them to compete on a level playing field and serving to enhance Canada's economic security.
• Through the import ban and the 2023 Supply Chains Act, Canada has taken concrete actions towards eradicating forced labour in international supply chains.

To meet Canada's commitments under CUSMA, in July 2020 Canada introduced an import ban under the Customs Tariff on goods mined, manufactured or produced by forced labour. The import ban is an important tool to combat the abhorrent use of forced labour in global supply chains which is contrary to Canadian values and helps to ensure that Canadian businesses can compete fairly with businesses abroad using this practice. The import ban was updated in March 2023 with the passing of the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act ("Supply Chains Act"), which requires certain entities and government institutions to report on steps taken to prevent and reduce risks of forced labour in their supply chains. Under its G7 trade track, the government is working with G7 partners to share information and promote best practices on eradicating forced labour.

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