Canada is preparing to strengthen its response to forced labour in global supply chains through new public consultations examining import controls, evidence standards and corporate due diligence obligations.
The consultations could influence how suspected goods are identified, what importers must prove and how Canadian businesses address labour rights risks across their international operations. Canadians, businesses, workers and civil society organizations will be able to provide feedback from July 27 to August 21, 2026.
Global Affairs Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada are leading separate but connected consultations. Together, the consultations will help shape future measures intended to prevent Canadian markets and supply chains from benefiting from forced labour.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu announced the consultations in Ottawa on July 21, 2026. The federal government is seeking public and stakeholder input before developing stronger forced labour import controls and possible supply chain due diligence requirements for Canadian companies operating internationally.
Canada Reviews Forced Labour Import Controls
Since July 2020, Canada has prohibited imports of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour. The ban was introduced under the Customs Tariff as part of Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
However, the federal government is now considering a more detailed enforcement framework. Officials are consulting on clearer evidence standards and assessment criteria for identifying goods suspected of being produced through forced labour.
Global Affairs Canada’s consultation will therefore focus on the evidence, criteria and processes used to identify suspected goods. The government said it wants the system to be carefully designed before any products are formally listed.
Moreover, the Canada Border Services Agency will seek views on the information importers should provide when bringing listed goods into the country. These requirements form part of Bill C-35, which was tabled in Parliament on June 12, 2026.
Under the proposed framework, the government could establish a list of goods suspected of being linked to forced labour. Importers of those products could then be required to demonstrate that their shipments are not connected to abusive labour practices.
- Import control consultation: Stakeholders can comment on the evidence, criteria and methods Canada should use when identifying goods suspected of being produced through forced labour.
Areas Under Consultation
| Consultation Area | Potential Measure | Responsible Body |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected goods | Criteria and evidence for identifying products linked to forced labour | Global Affairs Canada |
| Importer evidence | Information required to demonstrate that listed goods are not linked to forced labour | Canada Border Services Agency |
| Corporate due diligence | Duties to identify, prevent, address and remedy labour rights risks | Employment and Social Development Canada |
| Civil liability | Possible legal consequences connected to failures in corporate due diligence | Labour Program |
Supply Chain Due Diligence Also Considered
Separately, Employment and Social Development Canada’s Labour Program is consulting on possible supply chain due diligence measures.
These proposals could require Canadian businesses operating abroad to identify and assess risks to fundamental labour rights. Companies could also be expected to prevent harmful practices, address identified risks and support remediation where workers have been affected.
Consequently, the consultation goes beyond border enforcement. It examines how Canadian businesses manage labour conditions throughout their operations and supply chains, including activity outside Canada.
The government is also requesting public views on possible civil liability provisions. Although the press release does not set out a final legal model, civil liability could become part of the broader discussion about corporate accountability.
In practical terms, the proposals could establish clearer expectations for businesses sourcing goods, materials and services internationally while supporting fair competition. At the same time, the government says the approach should support fair competition by preventing responsible Canadian businesses from being undercut by companies benefiting from exploitative labour.
- Business accountability consultation: Canadians can provide views on possible Supply Chains due diligence rules, Human Rights protections, remediation responsibilities and civil liability provisions.
Building on Existing Business Accountability Rules
Canada has already introduced reporting requirements through the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
Adopted in 2023, the legislation requires certain large companies and government institutions to report publicly on steps taken to address forced labour and child labour risks in their supply chains.
However, the current legislation focuses primarily on transparency and reporting obligations. The new consultations consider whether Canada should introduce stronger operational duties alongside existing disclosure rules.
Therefore, the government is examining both Import Controls and Business Accountability. One part of the framework would address goods entering Canada, while another could require companies to take more direct action to prevent labour rights abuses.
The federal government first announced its intention to strengthen the import ban in December 2024. Officials have also consulted stakeholders on labour exploitation in global supply chains between 2019 and 2024.
That work included in-person roundtables, an online survey and a 2023 roundtable on possible due diligence legislation. In addition, the government published a report in 2022 summarizing previous stakeholder views.
Why the Consultations Matter
Forced labour remains a serious human rights violation. It can expose workers to coercion, unsafe conditions, withheld wages, restricted movement and other forms of abuse.
Furthermore, forced labour can distort international trade. Businesses that respect labour standards may face unfair competition from suppliers or competitors relying on lower costs created through exploitation.
Canada’s proposed approach is intended to protect workers while maintaining fair and open trade. It also aims to give importers and businesses clearer expectations before stronger measures take effect.
Nevertheless, designing the framework will require some careful footwork. Authorities must determine what evidence is reliable, how suspected goods should be identified and what companies should do when supply chains involve several countries or layers of suppliers.
The government must also decide how businesses can challenge decisions, correct problems or demonstrate that their goods meet Canadian requirements.
Consultations Open From July 27
The consultations will run from July 27 until August 21, 2026, through the federal Consulting with Canadians platform.
Canadians are encouraged to share their experience and expertise. Participants are expected to include importers, manufacturers, retailers, labour organisations, human rights groups, legal specialists, industry associations and members of the public.
Feedback will help the government determine its next steps. However, the press release does not provide a date for final legislation or implementation of new due diligence measures.
Bill C-35 is already before Parliament and provides the proposed foundation for stronger import restrictions. Meanwhile, the separate due diligence consultation could inform additional legislative or regulatory proposals.
Canada’s consultations mark another step toward a broader forced labour enforcement system that combines border measures, corporate responsibility and public transparency. The final framework will need to protect workers while creating clear, practical obligations for Canadian businesses operating in international supply chains. It will also need dependable evidence standards so that enforcement decisions remain fair, consistent and defensible.
Ultimately, the consultation period gives Canadians an opportunity to influence how the country addresses labour exploitation connected to global trade. The resulting measures could shape importer responsibilities, business practices and Canada’s wider approach to responsible international commerce.
Sources: Global Affairs Canada.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Research combines AI-assisted analysis with human-edited accuracy and context.
