(Image caption: Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister)
The federal government has released two consultation reports outlining stakeholder feedback on proposed measures to strengthen Canada's forced labour import ban and introduce supply chain due diligence and civil liability requirements.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu released the What We Heard reports. The reports summarize consultations on Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour, and potential measures addressing labour exploitation in international supply chains.
The government conducted consultations from July 21 to August 21, 2026, through roundtables and written submissions. Participants included labour associations, industry organizations, civil society groups, academics and businesses.
The first report identified broad stakeholder support for strengthening Canada's ability to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering the domestic market.
Stakeholders recommended a risk-based, transparent and predictable regulatory approach, supported by clear business guidance and opportunities for recourse. They also emphasized aligning regulated products with international partners and ensuring procedural fairness for importers.
Introduced in June 2026, Bill C-35 proposes a standalone legislative framework that would establish a list of goods suspected of involving forced labour. Importers of listed goods would have to demonstrate, upon request, that their products are not connected to forced labour.
"Our trade must reflect our values," Anand said in a statement. "Canada is committed to ensuring that our supply chains reflect the values we stand for: fairness, accountability and respect for human dignity."
The second report identified support for legislation requiring certain entities to identify, prevent and mitigate forced labour risks and adverse impacts in their international operations and supply chains.
Stakeholders also supported reporting requirements covering how businesses address those risks. They generally agreed that proposed legislation should complement Bill C-35 and avoid duplicating regulatory obligations.
However, participants were divided on allowing forced labour victims to bring claims in Canadian courts against entities that failed to conduct due diligence.
"No one should profit from the exploitation of workers," Hajdu said. "As Canada diversifies trade and strengthens supply chains, respect for human rights must remain at the centre of those efforts."
Canada introduced its existing forced labour import ban under the Customs Tariff in July 2020.
The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, effective January 2024, requires certain entities and government institutions to report measures addressing forced and child labour risks publicly.
The government said it would review the consultation feedback as it advances legislative and regulatory measures.