QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise
June 4, 2026
Senator Moreau, I have a question about the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, or CORE.
The All Party Parliamentary Group to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking notes that we have no CORE, whose job it is to cover the prevention and correction of maladministration and the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Canadian companies abroad. We have had no CORE for more than a year.
This government has, three times so far, breached its own order-in-council requiring CORE annual reports to be tabled in both houses of Parliament.
CORE has investigated and reported on human rights abuse allegations. For example, Dynasty Gold, a Canadian company, was found to have contributed to Uyghur forced labour in China.
Senator Moreau, is this Carney corporatist government protecting rights-abusing Canadian companies abroad —
Thank you, Senator McPhedran.
We have a rule here not to impute motives. I’m not sure that your question is in accordance with that rule, senator. I will gladly answer any question that is asked according to our rules.
Thank you. As a supplementary, could you please cite for me the rules you think I have not followed?
It has to do with motive. If you reread your principal question, there was motive imputed at its conclusion. That’s the rule I’m referring you to.
Thank you. I would appreciate more specific information on that.
The last CORE report was in December 2024. Long months with no CORE reports are a gift to rights-abusing Canadian companies abroad. Why is appointing a CORE such a low priority for your government?
I disagree with you. It is not a low priority. I understand from your questions that you would like to know why or when the report will be tabled. I have no specific answer to that question. I will inquire and raise it with the minister and get back to you.
