Bill S-211: Canadian Parliament passes new modern slavery law to strengthen corporate accountability

In a significant move to combat modern slavery, the Canadian Parliament has passed Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. This legislation requires businesses and government bodies to report annually on their efforts to manage risks associated with forced and child labour. Additionally, the law will reinforce Canada's existing modern slavery import ban. The new act is expected to receive Royal Assent and come into effect on January 1, 2024.

The Importance of Bill S-211
Bill S-211 sends a clear message that Canada is taking a strong stand against modern slavery. By requiring businesses and government bodies to report on their actions, the law aims to increase transparency and hold organizations accountable for their efforts to combat forced and child labour. Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan said the intent of the new legislation is to create an impetus for firms and governments to act when they identify an instance of forced labour. "We're eradicating forced labour from Canadian supply chains; my job is to make sure we draft the most effective legislation possible that not only identifies these goods, but has the teeth to act on them. It will send a clear message to the world: forced labour has no place in Canada."

Key Provisions of Bill S-211
The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act includes several crucial provisions.

Annual Reporting: The act mandates that businesses and government bodies submit annual reports detailing their actions to address forced and child labour risks in their supply chains. This requirement aims to increase transparency and hold organizations accountable for their efforts to combat modern slavery.

Strengthening Import Ban: The new law strengthens Canada's existing import ban on goods produced wholly or in part by forced or child labour. This provision will deter companies from engaging in exploitative practices and encourage the adoption of ethical sourcing policies.

Implications for Businesses and Government Bodies

"World Vision applauds parliamentarians for voting to take this important step in the fight against child and forced labour," said Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. "Canadians should be confident that their purchases are made responsibly and without exploiting vulnerable boys and girls. Bill S-211 will help ensure that Canadian companies gain visibility of the forced labour and child labour risks found in their global supply chains and share their progress with consumers."

Preparing for Compliance

With the new legislation set to take effect in 2024, businesses and government bodies operating in Canada must begin taking steps to ensure compliance. Some recommendations include:

Assessing Risk: Conduct thorough risk assessments of your supply chains to identify and address potential forced and child labour issues.

Developing Policies: Establish robust policies and procedures to prevent, mitigate, and remediate forced and child labour risks in your supply chain.

Training and Awareness: Provide training to employees and suppliers on modern slavery risks and best practices for addressing them.

Monitoring and Reporting: Implement monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure that your organization is prepared to submit accurate annual reports as required by the new legislation.

The path to eradicating modern slavery in Canada

The passage of Bill S-211 marks a significant step forward in Canada's commitment to eradicating modern slavery. Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada says, "World Vision applauds parliamentarians for voting to take this important step in the fight against child and forced labour. Canadians should be confident that their purchases are made responsibly and without exploiting vulnerable boys and girls. Bill S-211 will help ensure that Canadian companies gain visibility of the forced labour and child labour risks found in their global supply chains and share their progress with consumers." As the new legislation comes into effect, organizations must adapt and prioritize ethical practices in their supply chains to ensure compliance and contribute to the global fight against modern slavery.