Corporate Responsibility: What Happens Abroad Doesn't Stay There

Two recent developments portend a rapidly changing environment for Canadian companies doing business abroad.

First, the Supreme Court of Canada will soon decide whether it will hear an appeal by Nevsun Resources Ltd., a British Columbian mining company being sued for its alleged role in human rights violations at an East African mine.

Second, the Minister of International of Trade has announced the creation of a new independent ombudsperson whose mission is to investigate alleged human rights abuses committed by Canadian corporations operating abroad. The Ombudsperson will focus, for the time being, on the mining, garment, and oil and gas industries, with expansion to other sectors at a later date.