Share your views: Measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains

Introduction: What we are consulting on

The Government is seeking your views on two distinct, yet complementary measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains:

1. Regulatory approach under Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour
2. Potential due diligence and civil liability measures to fight labour exploitation in supply chains

1. Public consultation on regulatory approach under Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour

The Government of Canada is seeking your views on how it should develop and maintain the list of goods contemplated under Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour.

Under Bill C-35, goods suspected of being produced with forced labour could be placed on a list, and importers of listed goods would be asked to provide information showing that their goods are not linked to forced labour. This consultation seeks your views on the approach to identifying and listing goods and to the information importers would provide.

2. Public consultation on potential due diligence and civil liability measures to fight labour exploitation in supply chains

The Government of Canada is seeking your views on potential due diligence measures that would require Canadian businesses operating abroad to identify, prevent, address and remediate risks to fundamental labour rights across their operations and supply chains.

The consultation will focus on the main elements of a potential regime, including:

• the scope of the obligations;
• the organizations that would be subject to the obligations;
• possible due diligence and reporting obligations; and
• approaches to compliance and enforcement.

The government is also seeking Canadians’ views on whether to include civil liability provisions in a future due diligence regime. This measure would allow victims of labour exploitation to seek damages in Canadian court against a business that has failed to do its due diligence to prevent labour exploitation in its supply chains.

Why this matters

Latest International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates indicate that there are more than 27.6 million victims of forced labour worldwide – an increase of 2.7 million people since 2016.

• 17.3 million (private economy)
• 6.3 million (forced sexual exploitation)
• 3.9 million (state imposed forced labour)

138 million children were estimated to be in child labour as of 2024. Approximately 40% (54 million) were engaged in hazardous work.

Addressing forced labour and labour exploitation is essential to ensuring a level playing field for Canadian businesses, while supporting more resilient and secure supply chains.

Who should participate

We welcome input from:  

• the Canadian public
• industry associations
• Indigenous organizations
• labour unions
• small, medium, and large enterprises
• academics and experts
• civil society organizations
• provinces, territories, and municipalities
• other interested stakeholders

How to participate

You are invited to submit written feedback on any part of the questions outlined in the following consultation documents before August 21, 2026:

• Public consultation on regulatory approach under Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour
• Public consultation on potential due diligence and civil liability measures to fight labour exploitation in supply chains

Submissions on regulatory approach under Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour

Forced Labour / International Security and Political Affairs Branch
Global Affairs Canada
125, Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2

Email: forcedlabour-travailforce@international.gc.ca

Submissions on potential due diligence and civil liability measures to fight labour exploitation in supply chains

International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs / Labour Program
Employment and Social Development Canada
165 Hôtel-de-ville Street
Gatineau, QC, J8X 4C2

Email: EDSC.AIIT.CA-SC.IILA.ESDC@labour-travail.gc.ca

Privacy notice

Feedback received may be used to inform policy development and regulatory design. Comments may be summarized and published in aggregate form. Consultation participants are advised to avoid including personal information in feedback.

Annexes

1. Bill C-35 – An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour
   C-35 (45-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada
2. CBSA D-9-1-6 and D9-1-9 Memoranda
   D9 - Prohibited Importations
3. Background information
   Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains and the Supply Chains Act
4. News release
   2026-07-21 - Canada launches public consultations on measures to strengthen Canada’s fight against forced labour in global supply chains - Canada.ca