CORE to launch study of possible use of child labour in supply chains of Canadian garment companies

Gatineau, QC, December 16, 2021- Sheri Meyerhoffer, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), announced today that she will launch a study of the possible use of child labour in the Canadian garment sector.

The study, which will begin in early 2022, will focus on the overseas supply chains of Canadian garment companies – and gauge their progress in establishing human rights due diligence related to child rights.

The International Labour Organization recognizes child labour as any work depriving children of their childhood, potential and dignity, and which is harmful to their physical and mental development and/or interferes with their schooling. It includes the worst forms of child labour, such as trafficking and slavery.

On behalf of the CORE, Nanos Research will lead in-depth consultations with Canadian garment companies. The Centre for Child Rights and Business will provide expert advice, including analysis of the study results and recommendations to improve respect for child rights and to remediate possible abuses of child rights in the Canadian garment sector.

The CORE appreciates the Canadian Apparel Federation’s assistance in encouraging its members and other companies in the apparel industry to participate in the study. The study will increase knowledge of the barriers in the Canadian garment sector to ensuring transparency and respect for child rights throughout supply chains, as well as what is necessary to remedy human rights abuses where they occur.  

The results of this study will be shared with Canadians in a public report.

Quotes

“Protecting child rights in the global economy is an important goal for governments, companies and the public. By focusing on a sector of Canadian companies operating abroad, and utilizing external expertise where appropriate, the CORE’s study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge relevant to assessing and establishing HRDD related to child rights, including remedy.”

- Sheri Meyerhoffer, Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

Quick facts

• The CORE is an impartial human rights ombud mandated to promote the UN Guiding Principles (PDF) and the OECD Guidelines (PDF) and to advise Canadian companies on practices and policies with regard to responsible business conduct.
  Mandate of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise
• The CORE accepts complaints about possible abuses of human rights through its online complaint form. As well, the Ombud may initiate a review of a possible human rights abuse falling within the CORE’s mandate.
• The CORE may recommend remedies for impacted individuals and communities, changes to the policies and practices of Canadian companies, trade measures against Canadian companies and changes to the Government of Canada’s responsible business conduct policies.

For further information, please contact:

Nelson Kalil
Director, Communications
Telephone: (343) 550-1879
Email: nelson.kalil@core-ocre.gc.ca