On January 1, 2024, Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, also known as the Supply Chain Reporting Act, went into effect. This legislation requires businesses and Canadian federal government institutions to publicly outline the measures they have taken during their previous financial year to reduce or prevent the risk that forced labor and child labor has been used in their supply chains. The first reports on these efforts were due to be filed with the Minister of Public Safety on May 31, 2024, and going forward will be required on an annual basis.
Effectively reducing exposure to forced labor and child labor requires effective due diligence and right- fitted intelligence and tools. Businesses must develop the capability to understand their supply chains, especially 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers, and beyond. With this knowledge, they can leverage the open-source intelligence to assess whether any part of their supply chain creates an increased exposure to risk
Our expert panelists review the regulatory framework and share insights on the steps being taken to reduce exposure. Case studies highlighting real-world instances of forced labor exposure demonstrate risk typologies and facilitate discussion on best practices for identifying and mitigating exposure.
In addition, the Hon. John McKay provides insights into the Canadian and North American legislative perspectives on combatting forced labor and child labor.
Speakers:
Ethan Woolley, Director, Kharon
Ethan Woolley is a Director at Kharon, where he supports the firm’s clients on UFLPA due diligence best practices and the use of data to strengthen risk management programs. Ethan frequently works with organizations in the retail, apparel, automotive, chemical, and telecommunications industries, and regularly speaks at conferences and industry events on forced labor risk. Ethan received his BA in International Relations and Russian from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Energy Politics from the European University at St. Petersburg. Ethan speaks Russian and spent time living in Moscow.
Stephen Pike, Co-head - Canadian ESG Advisory Services Practice, Gowling WLG
As a senior legal advisor to global businesses, Stephen regularly advises on corporate, governance, ESG, transactional, operational and risk management issues, including supply chain, product distribution, regulatory compliance and product liability matters. He advises businesses and investors on ESG and how they can address and mitigate the risks of forced labour and child labour in their supply chains.
Stephen appeared as a witness before the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights to give evidence regarding Bill S-211 (now Canada's Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act).
He also regularly speaks about forced labour, child labour modern slavery in supply chains to business and legal organizations. Additionally, Stephen has written a 20+ part continuing series offering insights for Canadian CEOs and directors on addressing modern slavery in their businesses and supply chains.
The Hon. John McKay, P.C., M.P., Current Member of The House of Commons - Scarborough–Guildwood
The Honourable John McKay is the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Scarborough-Guildwood in Toronto, Ontario. First elected to the House of Commons of Canada in 1997, Mr. McKay is the Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence and Co-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group.
Mr. McKay has used his position in Parliament to work on anti-slavery measures in Canada, calling for transparency and accountability in global business and development. In 2018, he introduced a private members’ bill to adopt the Modern Slavery Act and in 2022 he was the House of Commons sponsor for Senate Bill S-211 (originally C-423), An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff.