QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Public Services and Procurement
Forced Labour and Child Labour
October 18, 2023
Minister, starting on January 1, 2024, federal institutions and departments like yours will be subject to the new Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, formerly known as Bill S-211. I was the sponsor of this bill, along with your colleague, MP John McKay. The new act requires the government to report on risks of modern slavery regarding the goods it purchases and on the measures it is taking to mitigate those risks.
My question is quite simple: Are you ready?
Great question. We still have some work to do, because the bill was passed after several attempts, thanks in large part to your work, senator. It was a difficult process over the last couple of years. There were some setbacks in terms of parliamentary procedure at some points.
The good news is that the bill finally passed. Now, we have to make regulations. Thankfully, MP McKay, whom you mentioned, is discussing it and working on it as hard as you are. With all the work that you’re both doing, we should be able to do what’s left to be done.
You have not been the procurement minister for very long. Based on what you have seen, are our supply chains contaminated? Are you aware of any products made by forced child labour that Canada has procured around the world?
As you said, I am relatively new and there may be things that have escaped me over the past few weeks. I will confirm with my department and my senior officials the answer to your important question.
What I know right now is that we have not received — or at least I have not received — useful or clear information on the fact that some of our procurement processes have led to or supported child labour or labour done in unacceptable conditions here at home or elsewhere in the world.
