Forced Labour and Trade: A Canada – United States Comparative Analysis

Extract ----- Abstract This article examines legal and policy measures taken in Canada and the United States to intensify the fight against forced labour and the worst forms of child labour in international trade. First, the article explores clauses included in regional trade agreements to combat forced and child labour. It then looks specifically at measures adopted by Canada, contrasting its strong international commitment with the country’s failure to implement policy to support this commitment at national level. The article then compares the Canadian approach to recent legislative amendments in the United States, which strengthen prohibitions in place since 1930 on importing products made from forced labour. Keywords: Forced labour, child labour, regional trade agreements, Canada, United States