Introduction
On May 11th, 2023 Bill S-211 An Act to enact the Fighting
Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to
amend the Customs Tariff" received Royal Assent. The
legislation will come into force on January 1st, 2024.
The first reports under the legislation are due May 31, 2024.
The purpose of the Act is to implement Canada's
international commitment to combat forced labour and child labour
by imposing reporting obligations on (i) government institutions
producing, purchasing or distributing goods in Canada or elsewhere;
and (ii) certain business entities producing goods in Canada or
elsewhere or importing goods produced outside Canada.
The Canada-United States of America – Mexico Agreement
("Cusma") came into effect on July 1, 2020 and replaced
the North American Free Trade Agreement implemented in 1994.
