Due diligence and responsible business conduct for Canadian companies active abroad

This National Standard of Canada will play an important role in a keystone initiative of Canada’s new RBC Strategy, Responsible Business Conduct Abroad – Canada’s Strategy for the Future. While Canadian companies active abroad have always been encouraged to address their environmental, social, and economic impacts in a responsible manner, the new Standard will provide them with a roadmap to do so. It will help companies take action – and report on how they are mitigating risks in a range of areas related to RBC, including but not limited to the respect for human rights, combatting discrimination and inequality, taking action on climate change, inclusive trade, and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples.  While the Standard is expected to apply to all Canadian companies operating abroad, it will have a particular focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.