Protecting human rights in federal procurement
Businesses and governments risk buying goods and services linked to human rights abuses.
The Government of Canada is committed to using its spending power to promote ethical business practices, both at home and abroad.
On this page
- Public Services and Procurement Canada's policy statement on ethical procurement
- Human Rights Due Diligence framework
- Video: Protecting human and labour rights in Canadian supply chains
- Resources and requirements
- Other activities
- Contact us to learn more
- Related links
Public Services and Procurement Canada's policy statement on ethical procurement
As the government's central purchaser, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) pledges to maintain the highest ethical standards for government procurement.
To do this, PSPC:
- protects federal procurement supply chains from human trafficking, forced labour and child labour
- works with federal suppliers to
- mitigate negative impacts on human and labour rights
- improve outcomes where risks of these abuses are found
- promotes human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct to improve socioeconomic outcomes for Canadians
As part of its commitments, PSPC will:
- develop initiatives, tools and guidelines to address human and labour rights abuses in federal supply chains
- raise awareness of supply chain risks
- increase the number of procurements that integrate ethical objectives
- promote best practices
- establish data requirements for ethical procurement activities
- measure the effectiveness of its efforts
- adopt long-term approaches against human trafficking, forced labour and child labour in federal supply chains
Human Rights Due Diligence framework
PSPC's Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) framework is a holistic and ongoing process. It includes activities that prevent and help manage risks of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour in federal supply chains.
Each HRDD activity belongs to 1 or more of the following 4 categories:
1. Awareness
- Educating people about risks and violations in supply chains
- Equipping buyers and businesses with the tools to address those risks and violations
Examples include:
- developing and sharing awareness and guidance materials
- hosting webinars
- engaging with stakeholders
2. Identification
Identifying where risks might occur, according to global industry trends and supply chain data.
For example: analyzing risks of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour in federal supply chains.
3. Mitigation
Mitigating the risks identified.
For example: adding anti-forced labour requirements in contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements.
4. Reporting
- Reporting on the results
- Assessing the effectiveness of our methods
- Strengthening measures over time
For example: submitting an annual report as required by the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
Video: Protecting human and labour rights in Canadian supply chains
To learn more, watch our video on Protecting human and labour rights in Canadian supply chains.
Resources and requirements
PSPC has created resources and requirements that help suppliers meet ethical standards for government procurement.
Requirements for the ethical procurement of apparel
In 2018, PSPC added contracting and certification requirements for the ethical procurement of apparel. These require federal suppliers to self-certify that they, and their direct Canadian and foreign suppliers, comply with human and labour rights standards.
CanadaBuys: Policy notifications
Code of conduct for government suppliers
The Code of Conduct for Procurement outlines expectations for Government of Canada suppliers. The code requires that suppliers do not engage in human and labour rights abuses.
The code is mandatory for all Government of Canada procurements as of April 1, 2023.
Code of Conduct for Procurement
Anti-forced labour requirements
PSPC's anti-forced labour clauses mandate that suppliers must not provide, deliver, or sell goods or services to Canada that were produced wholly or in part by forced labour.
These requirements were enacted in November 2021 when anti-forced labour clauses were included in contracts for goods. PSPC expanded them to include standing offers and supply arrangements in November 2023. PSPC further expanded them to include contracts for services in December 2024.
Supply Manual Annex 2.8 - Anti-forced labour requirements
Analysis of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour risks in Public Services and Procurement Canada's supply chains
Rights Lab, of the University of Nottingham (United-Kingdom), analyzed the risk of forced labour, child labour and human trafficking in PSPC supply chains.
What we heard report: Industry engagement on ethical procurement
In 2022 to 2023, PSPC conducted a request for information, followed by public awareness and engagement sessions with industry.
Executive summary: Industry engagement on ethical procurement—What we heard report
Electronics Watch analyzed the risks of forced labour, child labour and human trafficking in electronics supply chains.
Webinar on forced labour in electronics
In spring 2024, PSPC and Shared Services Canada hosted a webinar on the risks of forced labour in electronics supply chains. This was offered separately in English and in French.
Electronics covers a wide range of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hardware products. These products use electronic components to serve the needs of consumers and industries.
The webinar lasted 1 hour and addressed the following points:
- electronics supply chains
- what is forced labour
- forms of forced labour in electronics supply chains
- indicators of forced labour
- understanding these risks
- how to monitor forced labour
- how to remedy forced labour
This webinar may interest businesses who supply electronics to the federal government or plan to bid on federal contracts.
For a recording of the webinar, contact spac.paachatsethiques-apethicalprocurement.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca. Please specify your official language of choice.
Ethical procurement awareness and guidance
PSPC provides information about the risks of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour in supply chains, and how to address these risks.
Ethical procurement awareness and guidance
Other activities
Supply Chains Act reporting
The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act(the Supply Chains Act) requires certain entities and government institutions to submit annual reports about how they have prevented and reduced forced labour or child labour in their supply chains during the previous financial year.
PSPC helps Public Safety Canada guide government institutions that use PSPC procurement tools in their yearly reports.
International cooperation
The Principles to Guide Government Action to Combat Human Trafficking in Global Supply Chains provide a framework for government action against human trafficking, including forced labour, in supply chains. The following nations developed these principles in 2018:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- the United Kingdom
- the United States
As a member of this group's steering committee, PSPC works closely with its international partners to ensure a united approach against forced labour.
Contact us to learn more
Contact us at spac.paachatsethiques-apethicalprocurement.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca to share your comments or learn more about federal ethical procurement.