Canada is taking the next step in strengthening its efforts to keep goods produced with forced labour out of the Canadian marketplace, launching a new round of public consultations aimed at refining how future enforcement measures will work.
Announced by the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the consultations focus on strengthening Canada’s response to forced labour in global supply chains while building on measures introduced over the past several years.
Canada has prohibited the importation of goods produced with forced labour since 2020 and expanded its approach in 2023 with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, which requires large companies to publicly report on the actions they are taking to address forced labour and child labour within their supply chains.
The new consultations advance the government’s December 2024 commitment to introduce stronger legislative measures targeting imports produced with forced labour.
Global Affairs Canada is seeking feedback on the evidence, criteria and methods that could be used to identify goods suspected of being produced with forced labour before they are added to any future list. Working alongside the Canada Border Services Agency, the department is also consulting on the information importers of listed goods would be required to provide under Bill C-35.
At the same time, Employment and Social Development Canada’s Labour Program is examining broader supply chain due diligence measures. Those proposals would require Canadian businesses operating abroad to identify, prevent, address and remediate risks to fundamental labour rights throughout their operations and supply chains. The consultations also seek public input on potential civil liability provisions that would complement Canada’s existing import prohibition.
The government says the combined measures are intended to strengthen protections for human rights while supporting responsible business conduct and creating fairer competitive conditions for businesses that operate responsibly.
Public consultations will run from July 27 to August 21, 2026, through the Consulting with Canadians platform, with Canadians invited to provide feedback that will help shape Canada’s future framework for addressing forced labour in global trade.
