Ban forced‑labour imports

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to ban China-made forced-labour goods from supply chains; oppose foreign interference in performances; and seek release of detainees including Huseyin Celil and Jimmy Lai. The government responds it condemns forced labour and is acting.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following, WHEREAS: Credible reports have documented the use of forced labour in China, particularly involving Uyghurs and other persecuted minorities; Goods produced using forced labour risk entering Canadian supply chains, undermining ethical trade and human rights; Canada's allies, including the United States, have taken stronger measures to combat forced labour and protect supply chains; Foreign interference has targeted cultural and artistic expressions in Canada, including performances such as Shen Yun; Canadian citizens, including Huseyin Celil, remain unjustly detained abroad, while other individuals such as Jimmy Lai are imprisoned for exercising fundamental freedoms; Canada has a responsibility to defend human rights, uphold the rule of law, and protect its sovereignty. Therefore, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons and the Government of Canada to: 1. Formally recognize and address the use of forced labour in China; 2. Strengthen cooperation with allies, including the United States, to eliminate forced labour from Canadian supply chains; 3. Take action to oppose and prevent foreign interference targeting artistic and cultural performances in Canada; 4. Advocate for the immediate release of Canadian citizens, including Huseyin Celil, who are unjustly detained abroad; and 5. Advocate for the release of individuals unjustly imprisoned for defending fundamental freedoms, including Jimmy Lai.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant Forced labour is a serious violation of human rights that targets the most vulnerable groups across the globe. The Government of Canada unequivocally condemns forced labour in all its forms, everywhere. To prevent and address labour exploitation in global supply chains and to help ensure a level playing field for Canadian businesses and workers, Canada implemented the forced labour import prohibition and the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. While Canada has some of the most robust and rigorous provisions in place to address the risks of forced labour in supply chains, the Government is continually reviewing the adequacy of its measures. On June 12, 2026, the Government tabled Bill C-35, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour. If adopted, the Act would reinforce Canada’s existing framework to prevent goods made with forced labour from entering the Canadian market. The promotion and protection of human rights is a core element of Canadian foreign policy. As the Government recalibrates its relationship with China after a long period of limited diplomatic interaction, maintaining open channels of communication is critical to allow frank conversations. Human rights concerns were raised during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in January 2026. Specific concerns, including forced labour, were again raised by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Canada in May 2026. Other federal ministers have similarly reiterated Canada’s concerns over supply chain integrity in meetings with senior Chinese government officials. As the Government continues to work to diversify Canada’s trade relationships, it is committed to working with Canadians and international partners to ensure that appropriate guardrails are in place to prevent products made through forced labour from entering Canada. In response to concerns in the Xinjiang region of China, since 2021, Canada requires all Canadian clients of the Trade Commissioner Service to sign the Integrity Declaration on Doing Business with Xinjiang Entities if they do business in the Xinjiang region. Canada condemns, in the strongest terms, transnational repression in all its forms. It undermines human rights, endangers individual safety, and violates the sovereignty and security of states. This is why the Government made countering transnational repression a priority during its G7 Presidency in 2025, culminating in a joint leaders’ statement expressing deep concern over acts of transnational repression committed by authoritarian states or their proxies. Global Affairs Canada is aware of the very troubling bombing and mass shooting threats that targeted Shen Yun dance performances across Canada and continues to liaise with domestic security agencies with respect to any international nexus to threats against Canada, Canadians, or those in Canada. As part of the Government’s commitment to counter transnational repression, Global Affairs Canada will continue to engage with vulnerable communities, including Falun Gong practitioners, to defend Canadian sovereignty and uphold the universality of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. The safety and well-being of Canadians detained abroad is a top priority for Global Affairs Canada, and consular issues continue to be raised during high-level discussions with China. Global Affairs Canada’s consular officials have been actively engaged on Mr. Celil’s case since his initial detention, and Canada continues to raise his case and advocate for his situation with Chinese officials at multiple levels. During Canada’s G7 presidency in 2025, G7 Foreign Ministers released a statement on December 15, 2025, which condemned the prosecution of Jimmy Lai and the subsequent guilty verdict. As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said on February 10, 2026, the sentence imposed on Jimmy Lai demonstrates the criminalization of the exercise of freedom of expression, including media freedoms, and association — rights that are guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law. The Government will continue to keep human rights at the heart of Canada’s international policies and engagement, and to support those who work for their realization.