Posted Aug 26, 2023 7:11pm ET
Signage is seen at a Walmart store in Laval, Que., Tuesday, May 3, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
OTTAWA — Canada’s Business Ethics Regulator Thursday announced investigations into the Canadian units of Walmart and Hugo Boss over allegations of Uyghur forced labor in the companies’ supply chains and operations.
Both companies denied the allegations.
Canada’s Responsible Business Ombudsman (CORE) said it released an initial assessment report after complaints were filed in June 2022 by a coalition of 28 civil society organizations.
CORE will also investigate the Canadian branch of fashion company Diesel, owned by Italy’s OTB. Investigations have already been launched against Nike Canada, Dynasty Gold and Ralph Lauren.
“As mediation between the parties is not an option at this time, we will launch investigations into the allegations set forth in these reports,” CORE Ombudsperson Sheri Meyerhoffer said in a statement.
Walmart Canada said it does not tolerate forced labor of any kind in its supply chain.
“None of the companies named in the complaint are part of our active disclosed supply chain,” it said in a statement.
Hugo Boss said, “The allegations are completely unfounded.” In an email, the company said it was no longer receiving supplies from a Chinese company about which CORE had raised concerns.
In March, a UN committee said it was concerned about China’s treatment of its Muslim minority, including the use of forced labor against Uyghurs. China denies the allegations.
CORE was established in 2019 to monitor and investigate human rights abuses, primarily by Canadian clothing, mining and oil and gas companies operating overseas.
(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Devika Syamnath)
“Evil alcohol lover. Twitter junkie. Future teen idol. Reader. Food aficionado. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Typical bacon enthusiast.”