Are Canadians buying products allegedly made in forced labour camps?

A joint investigation between the Toronto Star and the Guelph Mercury Tribune reveals how products of some of the biggest Canadian companies can be traced to manufacturers in China that have been accused of human rights violations. Jeremy Nuttall, investigative reporter for the Toronto Star, and Graeme McNaughton, reporter for the Guelph Mercury Tribune, join “This Matters” to talk about the revelations of their reporting, how the supply chains of major brands are tied to forced labour and the call for more accountability from business and governments.

When reached for comment on the investigations, the companies discussed in this episode had the following responses:

• Following this story, Bombardier says they “do not anticipate further shipment from KTK China in the near future as those were deliveries on long lead items, prior to current regulations.”
• Costco did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
• Greg Nakonechny, the Brick’s vice-president for legal and corporate secretary, said The Brick “has in place a program, including audits, to ensure vendors comply with its standards, including a prohibition against forced labour.”
• Jim Estill, Danby’s CEO, said the company “takes very seriously the working conditions and safety of everyone who works in our supply chain. We would never knowingly use factories that use forced labour.”

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