moved for leave to introduce Bill C-331, An Act to amend the Federal Courts Act (international promotion and protection of human rights).
Mr. Speaker, I thank the excellent member for Vancouver Kingsway for seconding my bill.
Some mining companies behave responsibly, but others ignore human, environmental, and labour rights. We can no longer ignore these human rights violations abroad. This is about fundamental Canadian values.
This legislation would create a new civil cause of action that would allow the Federal Court to hear claims for violations of international law that occur outside of Canada where there is no established impartial legal system.
The Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers has endorsed the bill.
My bill would help to end impunity by holding corporations accountable for violations of human rights wherever they occur.
I hope all members will support this initiative to protect and promote human rights around the world.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)