Canada eliminates human rights watchdog that oversees companies operating abroad (opens original article in a new tab)

Canada is eliminating a human rights watchdog that investigates alleged human rights violations by Canadian companies operating abroad, citing inefficiency, while introducing new legislation to address forced labour concerns. The move has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who argue the office needs more resources rather than elimination.

• Canada eliminates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) watchdog that investigates human rights violations by Canadian companies abroad
• CORE launched five investigations over six years, including against US clothing companies and mining firms in Xinjiang, China
• New legislation will create a public list of products linked to forced labour and require importers to prove products are not made through slavery
• US criticizes Canada and 80 other nations for weak enforcement of forced labour laws, with tariffs announced against Canada