Many Canadians are unaware that forced child labor is involved in the products they buy, says World Vision Canada (WVC), a non-profit organization. increase.
Child labor increased first in 20 years in 2021 during the COVID-19 outbreak, with 79 million children involved in forced labor in 2022 internationally. Labor Organization estimates.
In early June, the government addressed the issue of forced child labor in the business supply chain and enacted a bill S-211 requiring Canadian companies and the government sector to scrutinize the supply chain to protect workers. Expressed support. ..
"It's finally starting to move," World Vision Canada's youth leader Catherine Divon told CTV's news channel on Saturday.
"The (bill) proposed by Senator (Julie) Miville-Deschen is considering protecting the rights of children in Canada and providing information to consumers."
According to Divon, most Canadians can't do much to stop child labor from scratch, but when the law requires transparency, many consumers are certain companies. They may play their part by avoiding purchases from. Their workers.
Approximately 160,000 Canadians have signed the World Vision Canadapetitionto prevent human rights infringement throughout the project and publicize its progress to the government. We are asking companies to report.
In 2020, the Government of Canada banned the import of goods produced by forced labor under tariffs.
Under the new law, Canadian businesses and the federal government report annually on measures taken to prevent and mitigate the risks of forced or child labor being used in them or their supply chains. Is expected to be mandatory.
"Recent developments by the Government of Canada have encouraged us to move forward with key legislation to address this issue," said Michael, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Canada. The messenger states in the release.
"As global pandemics and other factors increase child labor for the first time in 20 years, Canada's child labor problem continues to grow without bold action to address it. Probably, Canadians need to be able to make informed purchase decisions. "
Use Canadian Press files
