"Canadian government squanders opportunity to hold extractive companies to account," Canadian Network on Corporate Responsibility, March 26, 2009.

Today's government announcement on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has squandered the important consensus reached by industry and civil society organizations on how to ensure that the overseas operations of Canadian extractive companies adhere to international environmental and human rights standards. Almost two years ago, the multi-stakeholder Advisory Group to the National Roundtables on CSR in the Extractive Sector submitted its consensus report to the Canadian government. Today's long-awaited response ignores the report's central recommendations.

"Industry and civil society leaders called for the adoption of clear standards that would apply to all Canadian extractive companies operating in developing countries," says Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada. "But sadly, the government has opted for voluntary guidelines that fall far short of international human rights norms. It is hard to see how this represents any significant progress."

Public funds will continue to support companies that don't comply with public values such as respect for human rights and protection of the environment.

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N.B.

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources for their exclusive interest, eliminating all forms of foreign economic exploitation. African Charter Article #21

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