Canada under scrutiny for forced labor imports

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is defending the country’s efforts to keep forced labor out of its supply chains insisting that Canada has strong protections in place. At the same time, Carney acknowledged global risks noting that some regions in China are “higher risk” and require closer scrutiny. Concerns are mounting that the country is not doing enough to stop products made with forced labor from entering its markets. As a result, advocates warn that gaps in enforcement are allowing labor exploitation to continue unchecked.

A “terrible track record”

The issue of products made with forced labor making it onto Canadian shelves recently gained attention due to a backlash over comments during a parliamentary committee meeting. An incident that included a defence of Canada’s approach to forced labor by Prime Minister Mark Carney. And Canada has put measures in place aimed at blocking imports tied to forced labor. However, experts say these rules are rarely applied. Consequently, very few shipments are stopped at the border. Indeed, conservative MP Michael Chong, said Canada has a “terrible track record” of preventing the importation of products made with forced labor.

MP Chong stated to CBC:

I strongly disagree and I think many experts and many human rights groups would strongly disagree with the prime minister’s assessment that we have a rigorous system for preventing the importation of these products.

Tellingly, Canada’s response to forced labor contrasts sharply with stronger enforcement in countries like the United States, where authorities actively investigate and block goods linked to exploitation. And a big part of the problem is supply-chain transparency. Without clear reporting and consistent monitoring, tracing forced labor in the production of products is difficult. Significantly, forced labor remains a key driver of modern slavery not just in a Canadian context, but worldwide.

Trade tensions raise stakes

This recent controversy comes as Canada is navigating growing international pressure on it’s response to forced labor. Tellingly, the US recently launched an investigation into whether Canada and other countries are doing enough to prevent imports made with forced labor. And this probe could have serious consequences. Canada already faces the threat of new tariffs from the US administration. As a result, supply chain integrity has become a key diplomatic issue.

And despite the robust defense from the Prime Minister, the government’s own website acknowledges:

There is a risk that goods entering the Canadian market through global supply chains were produced using forced labor or child labor.

Further the Prime Minister acknowledged:

…there are parts of China that are higher risk (of forced labor) and therefore require due diligence

However, big questions remain about Canada’s enforcement capacity. A federal watchdog office designed to investigate corporate abuses abroad currently sits vacant. Critics argue this undermines the government’s credibility. Despite this, some observers see progress. And Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa said Carney’s willingness to name China as a source of risk was reassuring. Still, she noted that important concerns remain unresolved.

Gaps in enforcement leave space for exploitation

The issue of forced labor reaches beyond trade policy in Canada and globally. It is about ensuring that products sold in Canada are not tied to human exploitation, full stop. But without stronger safeguards, forced labor risks remain embedded not just in Canada but in supply-chains all over the world—leaving workers vulnerable and exploitation hidden from view.

Rights groups, including Freedom United, are demanding Canada act more decisively to keep forced labor goods from entering the country. Join us by signing our petition in support of strong, mandatory human rights due diligence legislation be passed and enforced. Private and public sectors must be held accountable for failing to prevent modern slavery and human rights abuses in their supply chains.