No Images? Click here A victory for mining justice February 2018 Issue No. 66Quotation of the month
A mining justice victoryOn January 17, the federal government announced the establishment of a Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE)---an independent officer who will investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporations operating internationally. This new position will help hold Canadian companies accountable for human rights violations overseas, provide remedy for victims of abuse, and prevent future harm for communities around the world. Over the years, MCC has witnessed the negative impacts of Canadian mining operations in many countries and has heard repeated calls from grassroots partners for mechanisms for redress. So we welcome the announcement. And we join with civil society colleagues and coalition partners---KAIROS and the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, in particular---in celebrating this accomplishment after more than a decade of sustained grassroots advocacy. At the same time, we know that ongoing work is needed to ensure that the work of the Ombudsperson is effective. The CORE office must be fully independent (from both business and government), properly funded, and given “teeth” to summon witnesses, compel the disclosure of corporate documents, and make public recommendations. Bill C-262 passes another hurdleOn February 7, Bill C-262 passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. A major grassroots advocacy movement succeeded in persuading the governing Liberal Party to support this private member’s bill, sponsored by NDP MP Romeo Saganash. Bill C-262 will ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Developed by Indigenous representatives from around the world over a 25-year period, the UNDRIP enshrines rights constituting the “minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in its 94 Calls to Action, called on the federal government to adopt and implement UNDRIP as its framework for reconciliation. The Second Reading passing of Bill C-262 sets the government on track to honour that call and to take steps toward the “new relationship” it has promised with Indigenous Canadians. The bill now moves to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs for study and possible amendment. Third and final reading is expected in the spring. Stay tuned.
|