Thread by @MiningWatch

Canadian mining companies continue to perpetuate human rights & environmental abuses globally, in part because Canada has refused to meaningfully address issues of corporate accountability. Bills #C262 & #C263 tabled today may change that. Press conference bit.ly/CPACPress

MP @HMcPhersonMP: Bills #C262 and #C263 aim to increase accountability for Canadian corporations that violate human rights in Canada and abroad. #CdnPoli #GetAccountable

MP @HMcPhersonMP: "Canadian mining companies are often registered in Canada, partly because Canada has extremely lax regulations." #GetAccountable

MP @HMcPhersonMP: In 2018, the 🇨🇦 govt promised to create an effective Ombudsperson, with robust powers to investigate allegations of human rights abuses tied to Canadian corporate activity overseas. But they did not deliver on that promise. #power2investigate #GetAccountable

MP @HMcPhersonMP: The @CORE_Ombuds has been operational for 3 years, but the government of Canada has failed to give the CORE the ability to compel documents. Since then, there have been no admissible complaints. ZERO complaints referred to arbitration. #GetAccountable.

MP @HMcPhersonMP: Bill #C263 enforces the importance of an independent body with the ability to investigate abuses and calls for the ability and power to compel testimony and witnesses. “This bill realizes the promises made in 2018 that Canada must deliver on.” #GetAccountable

MP @MPJulian: Bill #C262 obliges Canadian corporations operating abroad to do #duediligence and ensure they are meeting the obligations around human rights. It also provides to ensure that victims have recourse in Canadian courts. #GetAccountable

MP @MPJulian: "We have seen Canadian corporations linked to appalling violations of human rights — slavery, torture, murder, systemic sexual violence...Putting into place these two bills ensures we are meeting our human rights obligations." #GetAccountable

Catherine Coumans from @MiningWatch: "The mining industry is expanding its global footprint – expanding
into ever more remote indigenous territories, fragile ecosystems, and countries with weak governance." #GetAccountable

Catherine Coumans @MiningWatch: While Canadian mining companies expand their global footprint, there is zero accountability for their activities at home in Canada. This leads to effective impunity, which enables and drives further abuses. #GetAccountable

"It is time for Canada to quit stalling, quit caving to mining industry lobbying and move to implement the private member's bills that have been tabled today." -- Catherine Coumans, @MiningWatch #C263 #C262 #GetAccountable