Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Senator Moreau, here are some disturbing revelations related to the results of the legislation that I sponsored, which requires companies to report on the risk of forced labour in their supply chains.
According to a study on international human rights conducted by a group of Canadian lawyers, four companies that do business in Canada, namely, Canfor, Hyundai, Kia and Masonite, did not tell the whole truth when they indicated in their public reports that, to the best of their knowledge, there was no forced labour in their supply chains.
There is credible evidence that all of these companies were using Alabama prison labour. Inmates worked for low wages for private companies under threat of punishment if they refused the work.
Are you concerned about that?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Miville-Dechêne, let me be clear that the government believes that it is important to ensure that our supply chains are free of products made with forced labour.
Under Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, the government and companies are required to report potential labour rights violations as well as the steps taken to identify and mitigate risks. The government has announced a $3-million investment this fiscal year to ensure that the principles enshrined in the law are upheld.
As for your question about whether we’re concerned about it, you are addressing the government, and of course we’re concerned about it, especially given that, this fiscal year, the government is funding efforts to ensure compliance with the law.
In addition, CBSA may seize shipments suspected of containing goods produced through forced labour. In that regard, we are supporting the Canada Revenue Agency.
Senator Miville-Dechêne: Since you’re concerned, are you going to investigate? Many experts argue that prison labour, like what happens in Alabama, is akin to forced labour under international law and Canadian law.
I think that’s serious. It also seems like the tables have turned, considering that the Trump administration is accusing Canada of allowing goods associated with forced labour to cross its border.
Senator Moreau: In the preface to your main question, you referred to certain auto manufacturers.
The auto sector is partly governed by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, article 23 of which says that the Statement of Shared Commitments to upholding the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Rights at Work and specific provisions concerning forced labour are provided for in the agreement.
This means that not only must the laws of Canada be respected, but so must the provisions of international agreements between Canada and the United States.