Canada tables legislation to strengthen prohibition on goods produced with forced labour

June 12, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada has tabled new legislation, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour. If adopted, the Act would reinforce Canada’s existing framework to prevent goods made with forced labour from entering the Canadian market.

Forced labour is a serious violation of human rights that undermines fair and open trade.

Canada is firmly committed to ensuring that its supply chains reflect the highest standards of integrity and respect for human dignity and support a competitive market. This new legislation will strengthen Canada’s ability to identify, intercept and prohibit goods linked to forced labour at the border, while providing certainty and transparency for businesses operating in or trading with Canada.

The legislation will provide clear processes to support enforcement, including information sharing among federal partners and strong mechanisms to assess and act on evidence of forced labour. This will further support a level playing field for Canadian businesses that operate responsibly.

The new measures will also strengthen Canada’s alignment with international efforts to uphold human rights around the world and eradicate forced labour from global supply chains.

Quotes

“Canada will not tolerate the presence of goods produced through forced labour in our markets. This legislation strengthens our commitment to human rights and fair, transparent trade by giving us stronger tools to stop these goods at the border and protect the integrity of our supply chains. It also supports vulnerable workers and aligns Canada with global efforts to eliminate forced labour from international trade.”

- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• In July 2020, Canada implemented an import ban under the Customs Tariff, making it illegal to import goods produced wholly or in part by forced labour. This ban implemented Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

• Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to strengthening the existing import ban by introducing new legislation targeting forced labour in supply chains.