The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), a federal office tasked with probing human-rights and environmental abuses by Canadian companies abroad, has been without a permanent head for over a year. Its top position is currently vacant, and its future is under review by the new Mark Carney government, raising concerns among stakeholders about ongoing investigations and the office's long-term viability.
Future of Canadian corporate watchdog uncertain as top position remains vacant
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), a federal office tasked with probing human-rights and environmental abuses by Canadian companies abroad, has been without a permanent head for over a year. Its top position is currently vacant, and its future is under review by the new Mark Carney government, raising concerns among stakeholders about ongoing investigations and the office's long-term viability.
Trending- 1 2019: The federal government launched the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE).
- 2 April 2023: Sheri Meyerhoffer, the first ombudsperson, stepped down at the end of her term.
- 3 2023: The Globe and Mail reported that CORE had yet to complete any investigations in its first four years.
- 4 Last year: The government announced a six-month review of CORE’s effectiveness.
- 5 Last year: CORE closed one complaint involving GobiMin Inc.
- 6 May 20 (last year): Interim ombudsperson Masud Husain's term ended.
- 7 Currently: The position of permanent head is vacant, and the future of CORE remains under review by Global Affairs Canada.
- Uncertainty about the status of ongoing investigations into corporate abuses
- Concerns among human-rights organizations and other stakeholders about the office's effectiveness and future viability
- Potential lack of accountability for Canadian corporations operating abroad if the office is weakened or closed
- A backlog of complaints at CORE due to its operational challenges
What: The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), an office created to crack down on abuses by Canadian corporations abroad, has been without a permanent head for over a year, with the position currently vacant. Its future is under review by the federal government, specifically the new Mark Carney government.
When: Over a year (position vacant). Interim ombudsperson's term ended May 20 (last year). Government review announced last year. CORE launched in 2019. First ombudsperson stepped down in April of last year (2023). Globe and Mail reported in 2023 that no investigations were completed in its first four years.
Where: Canada (Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary), with operations concerning Canadian companies abroad (e.g., Namibia, China).
Why: The uncertainty stems from the lack of a permanent head, the ongoing government review of CORE's effectiveness, and the office's historical lack of promised investigatory powers (to compel witness testimony and documents). Stakeholders are concerned about the status of investigations and the long-term future of the office.
How: The previous ombudsperson's term ended, and the interim ombudsperson's term also concluded without a new appointment. Global Affairs Canada is conducting a review to ensure Canada’s approach to promoting responsible business conduct remains 'robust and fit-for-purpose.'