IJM Encouraged by the Prime Minister’s Mandate Letter Focus on Eradicating Forced Labour Slavery from Canadian Supply Chains
Tuesday, December 21, 2021, TORONTO, ON – International Justice Mission (IJM) welcomes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Mandate Letter to Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan and its specific focus on eradicating forced labour slavery from Canadian supply chains. This Mandate Letter specifically asks Minister O’Regan to work with the Minister of Public Safety, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development to introduce legislation to ensure that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to this type of human rights abuse.
Based on current research by the International Labour Organization, there are 24.9 million people in forced labour slavery around the world are eagerly waiting for governments like ours to step up and lead the way. Sadly, women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.
“We are incredibly pleased that the Government of Canada, particularly Prime Minister Trudeau and his cabinet, will be taking concrete legislative action to ensure that Canadian supply chains are free of forced labour slavery," said Anu George Canjanathoppil, CEO IJM Canada. "This is exactly the kind of Canadian leadership that will help make forced labour slavery, a $150 billion industry, unprofitable everywhere. As one of the leading global experts on forced labour slavery, IJM Canada welcomes the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Government of Canada on this critical human rights issue.”
About International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. IJM partners with local authorities in 24 program offices in 14 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power against people who are poor. IJM works to rescue and restore victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and help strengthen public justice systems. IJM Canada is critical part of the IJM global community’s efforts to build a safe future that lasts for people living in poverty.
