Canada votes to take in 10,000 Uyghur refugees amid Chinese pressure to force their return
GuardianNov 26, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, Canada's corporate ethics watchdog launched separate investigations into allegations that sporting goods company Nike Canada and the mining firm Dynasty Gold used and benefited from forced Uyghur labor in China.
The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise's probe is based on complaints filed last year by a coalition of 28 civil society organizations about the overseas operations of 13 Canadian companies.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The federal government has taken steps to eradicate forced labor from the country's supply chains — including enacting modern slavery laws and banning imports produced by forced labor — which is why allegations of using forced Uyghur labor in Canadian firms' supply chains and operations in China are particularly concerning and must be fully investigated. Canada is committed to respecting human rights in every market.
Establishment-critical narrative
While there's evidence that the treatment of Uyghurs in China amounts to international crimes, particularly crimes against humanity, Canada has become a dumping ground for forced Uyghur labor products. With toothless laws, Ottawa's inaction, and a watchdog with no legal powers to prosecute even if companies are found guilty, businesses will continue to reap the benefits of supply chain complexities and escape punishment.
