Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour

Canada is part of the 8 fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization on fundamental labour rights and is determined to contribute to the fight against modern slavery.
Keep reading to learn if you are considered an “Entity” in the “Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act” and what your reporting obligations are.
‘Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act’ here after referred to as the Act.
What does the Act do?
-The Act imposes an obligation on certain government institutions and private- sector entities to report on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains.
-The Act provides for an inspection regime applicable to entities and
-Gives the Minister (of Public Safety) the power to require an entity to provide certain information.
Who is the Act Applicable to?
(a) government institutions producing, purchasing or distributing goods in Canada or elsewhere; and
(b) entities producing goods in Canada or elsewhere or in importing goods produced outside Canada.
Are you an “Entity” as per the Act?
The Act defines an “entity” as a corporation or a trust, partnership or other unincorporated organization that
(a) is listed on a stock exchange in Canada;
(b) has a place of business in Canada, does business in Canada or has assets in Canada and that, based on its consolidated financial statements, meets at least two of the following conditions for at least one of its two most recent financial years:
(i) it has at least $20 million in assets,
(ii) it has generated at least $40 million in revenue, and
(iii) it employs an average of at least 250 employees; or
(c) is prescribed by regulations. (entité)
If you meet any of the above mentioned, you are bound to comply with the Act.
What does the Act require you to do?
If you are an “Entity” as per the Act, one must file an Annual Report on or before May 31 of each year as per section 11.
What is the Annual Report For?
To report to the Minister (of Public Safety) on the steps the entity has taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used at :
-any step of the production of goods in Canada or elsewhere by the entity or
-goods imported into Canada by the entity.
Guidance to Prepare a Report for Entities
Click HERE for Guidance for Entities published by Public Safety Canada.
What happens if you don’t or fail to comply with the Act?
-One is guilty of an offence punishable as a on summary conviction and
-liable to a fine of not more than $250,000.
UPDATES
January 28, 2025
Supply Chains Act Webinar Recording -January 15, 2025
Webinar Recording Password: SupplyChainsAct2025
Download Webinar Slide Presentation HERE
In addition to the webinar recording, review supplementary document HERE developed following the information session which reflects common topics and outstanding questions raised during the Q&A portion of the session.
As a reminder, details about the reporting process and guidance for reporting entities are available at: Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains (publicsafety.gc.ca).
28 janvier 2025
Lien pour l’enregistrement du webinaire du 15 janvier 2025
Mot de passe d’enregistrement du webinaire: SupplyChainsAct2025
Téléchargez la présentation Slide ICI
En plus de l’enregistrement de la présentation, veuillez trouver ci-joint un document supplémentaire élaboré à la suite de la séance d’information qui reflète les sujets communs et les questions en suspens soulevées au cours de la partie questions-réponses de la séance.
On vous rappelle, d’autres détails sur le processus de faire rapport et des lignes directrices pour les entités déclarantes sont disponibles à : Travail forcé dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement canadiennes (securitepublique.gc.ca).
December 18, 2024
Statement by Minister Ng on forced labour measures in 2024 Fall Economic Statement
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement regarding new measures to combat forced labour announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement:
“Forced labour is never acceptable anywhere in the world, and we must ensure that our global supply chains remain free of this abuse.
“Building on our commitment in Budget 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, the 2024 Fall Economic Statement announces our government’s intent to introduce legislation to create a new regime for supply chain due diligence. This will require government entities and businesses to scrutinize their international supply chains for risks to fundamental labour rights and take action to resolve these risks. A new oversight agency will be created to ensure ongoing compliance.
“We are also strengthening Canada’s ban on imports of goods produced with forced labour by introducing legislative amendments that increase the onus on importers to demonstrate their supply chains are free of forced labour. To implement these new measures, our government will provide $25.1 million over 2 years to Global Affairs Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.
“These decisive actions demonstrate our government’s commitment to ethical trade practices and protecting workers’ rights while ensuring Canadian businesses can compete on a level playing field. We will continue to work with our partners to build more resilient and responsible supply chains.”
Quick facts
- In July 2020, Canada implemented an import ban under the Customs Tariff, making it illegal to import goods wholly or in part produced by forced labour. This ban implemented Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Associated links