Canadian progress towards truly progressive trade

Government of Canada initiatives announced today will advance responsible, progressive and inclusive business practices globally, according to World Vision Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 17, 2018 /CNW/ - World Vision Canada welcomes two new Government of Canada initiatives announced today to strengthen Canada's approach to responsible business conduct for Canadian companies doing business and operating abroad. The creation of an independent Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise and the formation of a multi-stakeholder Advisory Body to advise on responsible international business conduct are two important steps for Canada to advance progressive and inclusive business practices globally that respect human rights, according to Canada's largest humanitarian and development organization.

"We're encouraged by these announcements today," says Michael Messenger, President & CEO of World Vision Canada. "This is progress towards truly progressive trade. For our government, our corporations and Canadian consumers to be good global citizens we need to ensure we are acting fairly and responsibly ? this includes respecting the rights of vulnerable people."

"Prioritizing human rights is simply good business --- for Canada and the world. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction that complements other human rights measures such as the recent study of child labour and modern slavery in global supply chains. We continue to be concerned by the high risk that child and forced labour is being used to create many of the products Canadians consume every day. We hope this brings us closer to ensuring no one's rights, particularly children's, are compromised by Canadian companies and will put us on a path towards Canadian supply chains that are child labour free."

How Canadians can help:  

• Learn more about child & slave labour: HERE 

Quick Facts:  

• 152-million child labourers globally (International Labour Organization)
• 73-million children engaged in dirty, dangerous and degrading work (International Labour Organization)
• 1,200 Canadian companies import more than $34-billion in goods at risk of being made by child & forced labour (World Vision)

About World Vision 
World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. 

SOURCE World Vision Canada