Will Modern Slavery Legislation Become A Reality In Canada?

With the introduction of Bill S-211 (the proposed "Modern Slavery Act" or the "Bill") in the Senate on February 5, 2020,¹ Canadian legislators are taking a second attempt at passing legislation that addresses the serious human rights and supply chain issue of modern slavery after Bill C-423 did not make it past the first reading in 2018 due to lack of political momentum. The International Labour Organization ("ILO") estimates that there were 152 million children in child labour in 2019,² while World Vision Canada estimates that 1,200 Canadian companies could be importing goods linked to modern slavery worth $34 billion annually³. This article will examine how the Bill aims at addressing this supply chain issue before discussing a few recommendations that businesses can contemplate before the Bill or similar legislation becomes law.