Canada probes Walmart and Hugo Boss over forced Uygur labour claims

In March, the UN said it was concerned about China’s treatment of its Muslim minority, including the use of forced labour against Uygurs. China denies the allegations

The Canadian ethics watchdog will also investigate the Canadian unit of Diesel. It is already investigating Nike Canada, Dynasty Gold and Ralph Lauren

Reading Time:1 minute

Canada is investigating allegations of Uygur forced labour in the supply chains and operations of companies such as Walmart. Photo: AFP / Getty Images North America

Published: 3:58am, 25 Aug 2023Updated: 5:16am, 25 Aug 2023

Canada’s corporate ethics watchdog on Thursday announced investigations into the Canadian units of Walmart and Hugo Boss to investigate allegations of Uygur forced labour in the companies’ supply chains and operations.

The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) said it had published an initial assessment report after complaints filed by a coalition of 28 civil society organisations in June 2022.

CORE will also investigate the Canadian unit of fashion firm Diesel, which is owned by Italy’s OTB. It has already launched investigations into Nike Canada, Dynasty Gold and Ralph Lauren.

“As mediation between the parties is not currently an option, we will be launching investigations into the allegations outlined in these reports,” Sheri Meyerhoffer, CORE’s Ombudswoman, said in a statement.

Walmart Canada said it did not tolerate forced labour of any kind in its supply chain.

“None of the entities in the complaint are in our active disclosed supply chain,” it said in a statement. Hugo Boss and Diesel did not respond to requests for comment.

In March, a UN committee said it was concerned about China’s treatment of its Muslim minority, including the use of forced labour against Uygurs. China denies the allegations.