Ottawa releases consultation reports on forced-labour rules

The federal government has released two reports summarizing public feedback on possible new measures to address forced labour in international supply chains.

The Employment and Social Development Canada notice published October 8 covers consultations on proposed Bill C-35, which would strengthen Canada’s import ban on goods made with forced labour, and on possible supply-chain due-diligence rules with civil-liability provisions.

According to the department, participants broadly supported stronger action but asked for a risk-based, transparent and predictable system. Stakeholders also called for clear guidance, accessible review or recourse processes and alignment with international standards.

The reports summarize consultation feedback; they do not themselves create new obligations or establish that Bill C-35 has passed. Businesses and civil-society groups can use them to see which implementation concerns the government heard as policy work continues.

Illustrative supply-chain photo: Fejuz / Unsplash Licence. The containers shown are not identified with any forced-labour case; cropped and resized for publication.