The Canadian government is expected to announce the creation of an Ombudsperson for the Extractive Sector soon. This is exciting news – Amnesty International has long been advocating for an Ombudsperson to help people harmed by Canadian companies overseas. However, we have serious concerns that the government`s plan might be inadequate in crucial respects. In order to be effective, it is vital that the Ombudsperson be:Â
- Empowered to conduct independent investigations and make findings and recommendations
- Independent from government and industry
- Transparent and publicly report on its findingsÂ
- Adequately resourced with enough money to do its job properly
- Oriented to protect human rightsÂ
An Ombudsperson can make a difference to the lives of people who have been harmed by Canadian companies overseas – but it must meet these key criteria
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
WRITE A LETTERÂ to the new International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne outlining the five essential critera.Â
ON SOCIAL MEDIAÂ tweet to Minister ChampagneÂ
Yes we need an extractives ombudsperson! But it must be independent, transparent & protect #humanrights @fpcchampagne @open4justice
— Marilyn McKim (@MarilynInAction) February 9, 2017
CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENTÂ to urge them to speak publicly in support of an ombudsperson.Â
ORDER AN EXTRACTION! COMIC KIT as a tool for young activists to discuss the links between overseas mining, human rights, and coroporate accountability in Canada.Â
HAVE A QUESTION? Contact fkoza@amnesty.ca
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