Legislative shift a warning for Canadian retailers

OTTOWA – Canadian retailers and brands sourcing offshore are facing a period of regulatory change. In one week in June, the Canadian government moved to overhaul its border enforcement regarding forced labour, while simultaneously dismantling its primary mechanism for investigating overseas corporate human rights abuses.

For brands retailing in Canada, it appears an era of undemanding compliance is ending. The combination of Bill C-35’s stringent documentation requirements and the lack of a central investigative body means that brands are now solely responsible for the integrity of their supply chains.