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Regulation of Canadian Mining Companies Operating Outside Canada

2007:02 Regulation of Canadian Mining Companies Operating Outside Canada

Whereas:

  1. Canada accounts for approximately 60% of the total investment in global mining activities.
  2. Canadian-registered mining companies operating abroad are not legally bound by the same laws or ethical standards that govern mining within Canada. They can choose to follow voluntary principles on human rights and security.
  3. Canadians expect companies on Canadian soil to respect workers' rights, communities, and the environment and demand the same standards from Canadian mining operations abroad.
  4. Many Canadian mining projects outside Canada occur on indigenous lands, leading to water contamination and destruction of land. These companies must adopt standards respecting indigenous rights.
  5. Canada currently lacks legal requirements ensuring Canadian mining companies abroad uphold human rights and environmental responsibilities.

Resolved:

  1. The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy that Canadian mining companies operating outside Canada must comply with the same environmental and social standards as those required within Canada.
  2. The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to fully implement the recommendations from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (June 2005) regarding the corporate social responsibility of Canadian mining companies operating internationally.