Message from the Ombud
In April 2019, I was appointed the first Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). I immediately set about building a team, opening an office, and putting in place the operating procedures that would guide our work.
As the first entity of its kind in the world, the CORE had no precedent or template to follow. We devoted time to creating a strong foundation – consulting widely with experienced stakeholders and seeking guidance from established standards, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and The Venice Principles.
Upon that groundwork we developed an operating model for our office, including standard operating procedures and a robust complaint mechanism that enables people around the world to raise concerns and submit complaints regarding possible human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating overseas. We also established an office and built a team of employees who are dedicated to advancing Canada’s commitment to responsible business conduct.
As we near the 5th anniversary of my appointment, I am reflecting on some of our team’s key achievements, which include:
- developing and implementing standard operating procedures and a human rights responsibility mechanism
- developing and launching a website in English, French and Spanish
- developing and launching an online portal that enables parties to share information and/or submit a formal complaint regarding possible human rights abuses
- starting a review of 21 complaints regarding possible human rights abuses; so far, we have published 10 initial assessment reports, launching investigations into 8 Canadian garment companies and 1 Canadian mining company
- engaging annually with over 50 stakeholders to raise awareness about the CORE’s mandate and promote respect for business and human rights
- conducting and publishing a study on the possible use of child labour in the overseas supply chains of Canadian garment companies that detailed a number of recommendations, some of which have already been implemented
- publishing 2 independent discussion papers, Ombud Independence and the Venice Principles and The role and significance of independence of State-based non-judicial grievance mechanisms under “Pillar 3” of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; commissioned in 2023, these papers recommend changes to enhance the effectiveness of the CORE – and will contribute to the government’s planned review of our office and its mandate
Over the coming year, we will:
- continue reviewing the complaints we have received
- continue offering alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation, to parties involved in a complaint as a means of resolving the matter(s) at issue
- further implement the recommendations from our study on the possible use of child labour in the overseas supply chains of Canadian garment companies
- complete and publish our first reports on the complaints we have investigated, which will include specific recommendations to the companies and to the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
- continue raising awareness about the CORE’s role in promoting respect for business and human rights
- support and participate in the government’s review of the CORE’s mandate and its investigative tools
I am very proud of what the CORE has achieved so far and look forward, along with my team, to continuing the work we are undertaking on behalf of Canada, its global reputation, and its people.
Sheri Meyerhoffer
Canadian Ombud for Responsible Enterprise
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