Madam Speaker, Canada is committed to adopting responsible business conduct here and around the world. Canadian businesses are recognized as world leaders and known for their positive contributions to the communities in which they operate.
Responsible business conduct is not the same as corporate social responsibility for it goes beyond a philanthropic approach. Rather, it requires businesses to take action to prevent and deal with any negative repercussions they create.
Our government and all Canadians expect our companies abroad to operate at the highest of standards. This means respecting human rights, addressing climate change and ensuring environmental protections, and conducting their business in a way that is very much in line with our Canadian values.
Canada's approach to responsible business conduct includes both preventative measures and dispute resolution mechanisms, namely the Canadian ombudsman for responsible enterprise and the national contact point for the OECD guidelines for multinationals.
In April 2019, our government appointed Sheri Meyerhoffer as the Canadian ombudsperson for responsible enterprise, the first position of its kind in the world.
The ombudsperson's mandate includes promoting international guidelines, working with Canadian businesses on their practices and policies, and reviewing any claims of alleged human rights abuses arising from the operations of Canadian companies abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors.
The ombudsperson can also provide informal mediation services and advise the minister on any issue.
The ombudsperson for responsible enterprise complements Canada's pre-existing voluntary dispute resolution mechanism, Canada's national contact point.
In addition to offering dispute resolution, the national contact point also promotes the implementation of the OECD guidelines, the most comprehensive set of international standards for the business community.
The OECD guidelines are applicable to all sectors and cover multiple issues, such as disclosure, employment and labour relations, human rights, the environment and corruption.
Canada's dispute settlement mechanisms are robust. Not collaborating in good faith could result in recommendations by the ombudsperson or the NCP to deny or withdraw enhanced trade advocacy support and future Export Development Canada financial support.
By further strengthening Canada's commitment to responsible business conduct, our government is renewing its strategy in this area. The renewed strategy will provide a basis for strengthening Canada's leadership in responsible business conduct.