On January 17, 2018, the Government of Canada furthered its “progressive trade agenda” and responded to calls from human rights groups by announcing that it is going to watch the activities of Canadian businesses operating in overseas markets more seriously. The Government of Canada will create an Office of the Canadian Ombudsman for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). This will be a different type of Ombudsman. The person appointed to this office will be charged with investigating Canadian companies operating in foreign markets rather than investigating the activities of Canadian government officials. The Canadian Ombudsman for Responsible Enterprise will receive complaints about Canadian companies from Canadians, competitors, foreign governments, foreign citizens, not-for-profit organizations, activists and others. These complaints will be investigated. This may be the first Corporate Responsibility Ombudsman anywhere in the world.
The initial scope of the Corporate Responsibility Ombudsman will be on the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. … Continue reading “Compliance incentive: Canada to appoint a Canadian Ombudsman for Responsible Enterprise”