Minister Ng announces appointment of interim Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

April 30, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Doing business the Canadian way means committing to responsible business practices that contribute to a strong, sustainable and competitive economy and help build a better future for all.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today extended her gratitude to Sheri Meyerhoffer, the first Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), upon the completion of her term. Minister Ng thanks Ms. Meyerhoffer for her work over the past 5 years in establishing the Office of the CORE and creating a solid foundation to strengthen responsible business conduct for Canadian companies operating abroad. Ms. Meyerhoffer offered critical guidance to Canadian businesses to ensure they respect human rights when operating outside of Canada.

This important work will continue under the leadership of Masud Husain, who has been named interim CORE. Mr. Husain has served in Canada’s foreign service for 30 years in several key posts. He has proven expertise in international law and stakeholder engagement that will be invaluable in his new role.

Quotes

“Through Ms. Meyerhoffer’s contributions as the first CORE, Canada put in place clear principles and processes to promote responsible business conduct internationally, fulfilling the mandate that the CORE was given 5 years ago. The appointment of Mr. Husain as interim CORE underlines Canada’s commitment to this important work, so that more people everywhere can benefit from responsible trade and investment.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • Canada established the CORE in 2019. 

  • The CORE is mandated to review complaints about possible human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors. 

  • The CORE is guided by internationally respected norms, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. 

  •  The CORE is an important part of Canada’s strategy for responsible business conduct (RBC) abroad. The strategy includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to non-judicial dispute resolution mechanisms.

  • Canada has taken and supported many new measures related to RBC since the creation of the CORE. This includes adoption in CUSMA requirements for the prohibition of goods made with forced labour and the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.

  • As the 5th anniversary of the creation of the CORE approaches, Canada recognizes the value in undertaking a review of this office later in 2024.

Associated links

Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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