Mr. Chair, as I have indicated previously this evening, this is an area that is very important to me.
As the government's procurement authority, PSPC is committed to ensuring that human rights and labour standards are protected and that ethical practices are maintained by suppliers and manufacturers from which we procure vital goods, such as personal protective equipment. Notably, PSPC requires bidders responding to tenders for PPE to certify that they and their first-tier subcontractors comply with a set of fundamental human and labour rights requirements and are free from forced labour discrimination and abuse, with access to fair wages and safe working conditions. This requirement builds on PSPC's policy on the ethical procurement of apparel, which since 2018 requires apparel suppliers to certify that they and their direct Canadian and foreign suppliers comply with a set of fundamental human and labour rights.
In July 2020, clauses on ethical procurement and origin of work were added into the new PPE contracts and in all newly issued requests for proposals for personal protective equipment. The origin of work clause requires bidders to provide the name, address and country of the manufacturers of the item, including subcontractors. The ethical procurement clause requires bidders to certify that they and their first-tier subcontractors comply with the same human rights and labour standards as set out in the policy on ethical procurement of apparel.
PSPC has made changes to strengthen its contractual framework and has also updated the code of conduct to include new expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. It also has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that we can terminate contracts in the event of violations. These clauses protect the department from financial liability if imported goods are not released at the border because their importation is prohibited under the forced labour prohibition in the Customs Tariff Act.
In addition, PSPC works closely with other government departments, such as Employment and Social Development Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. At CBSA's request, ESDC labour provides support by conducting research and analysis on the risk of forced labour for specific complaints or allegations received pertaining to the forced labour import prohibition administered by the CBSA.
Given the complexity and scope of the problem, addressing forced labour will take sustained effort over time. As the member mentioned, four ministers have in their mandate letters the commitment to eradicate forced labour through legislation.
We look forward to doing more in this very important area.