Burnaby-New Westminster MP Peter Julian reintroduced an old private member's bill to allow foreigners to sue Canadian corporations for human rights abuses abroad.
Julian, the New Democrat industry critic, introduced the bill in the House of Commons on Oct. 5.
"Canada's judicial system protects Canadians from abusive conduct by corporations or individuals and should no longer permit some Canadian corporations to violate human rights abroad," Julian said. "These continue to be committed abroad with impunity by some bad apples, some Canadian mining companies and other companies. This has an impact and, as a result, we need to ensure that we have a court system that responds to the needs of these foreign nationals."
Julian's bill would allow non-citizens to sue Canadians and Canadian corporations for violations of basic human, environmental or labour rights when they are committed outside of Canada. For instance, the proposed changes to the act include allowing for lawsuits in cases of genocide, slavery, rape, forced prostitution, systemic discrimination and war crimes.
Jamie Kneen of MiningWatch Canada supports the bill. The watchdog organization seeks to protect people and the environment from destructive mining practices in Canada and abroad.
"It would provide the victims of abuse with an actual legal avenue to go after the people who hurt them," Kneen said.
To read the full text of Bill C-323, go to Jennifer Moreau's blog, Community Conversations, at www.burnabynow.com.
