Unlocking Transparency:
Canadian Businesses Responding to the Modern Slavery Act
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In May 2023, Bill S-211 - Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, was passed by the Canadian Government. This landmark legislation has stimulated extensive discussion across industries and supply chains about its potential to drive significant, transformative change.
As part of our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact's vision of a sustainable and inclusive global economy, we've launched the "Unlocking Transparency: Canadian Businesses Responding to the Modern Slavery Act" initiative. This project aims to support the response of the Canadian private sector to Bill S-211.
Special Rapporteur, Professor Tomoya Obokata visited Canada on 29 August 2023, to meet the UN Global Compact Network Canada team and interested participant companies to discuss the current Canadian circumstances surrounding the new Modern Slavery Act, and share the experience of businesses who are responding to similar regulations implemented in other countries.
Survey: Participants Contribution to the Change
Central to this initiative was a survey, designed to understand the current strategies Canadian businesses are employing for Act compliance and questions companies have with respect to these new legal obligations.
This data collection initiative was open to the Canadian Participant companies of the UN Global Compact only. Participation was anonymous, and insights significantly contributed to shaping our collective response to this critical issue.
Fireside Chat with Professor Tomoya Obokata
Upon completion of the data collection phase, we hosted a Fireside Chat with Special Rapporteur Professor Tomoya Obokata to discuss the insights gained from the survey. This event was held in Toronto on Tuesday, 29 August 2023.
Here are the key takeaways of this Fireside Chat and you can watch the recording here.
Not a Participant of the UN Global Compact yet? Learn more on how to join the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative or reach out to our Engagement Manager, Jen Brundage.