S211 - Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains

/

Public Safety Canada has implemented a new measure aimed at combating child labour and forced labour in Canadian supply chains. This measure is expected to affect most of the manufacturers represented by Composite Power Group in Canada.

The companies are expected to comply with the new requirements by May 31st, 2024. Canadian customers are likely to include compliance-related requirements in their project bid packages.

Therefore, we want to ensure that each manufacturer represented by Composite Power Group is well-positioned long before the deadline.

Forced labour can be found in every country and every sector. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are approximately 27.6 million victims of forced labour worldwide, including 17.3 million in the private economy. Forced labour and child labour risks occur primarily through the global supply chains of businesses. There is a risk that goods imported into and distributed in Canada were produced with forced labour or child labour. Entities and government institutions doing business in Canada have a responsibility to ensure that exploitative practices are addressed and eradicated from their supply chains.

The measures introduced through former Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff (the Act), aim to increase industry awareness and transparency and drive businesses to improve practices.

First, determine if your company qualifies as an entity that falls under the S211 Act:

Second, determine if your company is required to report to Public Safety Canada under the S211 act:

If your company qualifies as an entity that falls under the reporting requirements of the S211 act, you must follow the below steps:

  1. Prepare a report

  2. Approval and attestation

  3. Fill in the online questionnaire

  4. Upload the completed report within the questionnaire

  5. Publish report to entity’s website

Public Safety Canada has great resources to support your qualified company in meeting the reporting requirements. Follow the link below and visit their website to gain more insight into the background of the Act, find detailed guidance on how to prepare the report, what to include, how to complete the attestation, and more. Public Safety Canada has also released a video (which we reposted on our YouTube channel) that explains the Act, answers Frequently Asked Questions and guides you through the entire reporting process.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.