Bill C-35
2nd reading · Commons
Ban on Importing Goods Made with Forced Labour Act
Bans the importation of goods into Canada that were produced using forced labour, and gives the Minister of Foreign Affairs power to create a watchlist of specific goods suspected of being made with forced labour.
What it means for you
Companies importing goods into Canada would have to prove their products weren't made with forced labour if asked by border officers, or risk having those goods seized and banned from entry.
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
- Bill C-35 would shift the burden of proof onto importing companies, requiring them to demonstrate their goods are not made with forced labour — rather than placing that burden on government inspectors.
- The bill would create a published list of high-risk goods, regions, and companies, giving businesses clearer advance notice of where scrutiny will apply and making the system more transparent.
- Supporters argue the new framework could make Canada's forced labour import controls more rigorous than those currently in place in the United States or Europe.
Critics say
- Canada's existing enforcement has been extremely weak — only two shipments suspected of containing forced-labour goods were stopped in five years, and both were ultimately released back to the companies involved.
- Critics argue the real problem is not the legislation but the speed and seriousness of implementation; without fast, meaningful enforcement using new tools, the bill will change little in practice.
- A previous supply chain transparency law was quietly amended after passage to remove reporting requirements for distributors and retailers, raising concerns that Bill C-35 could similarly be weakened to benefit large corporations.