McLeod Group guest blog by Sheri Meyerhoffer, June 17, 2026
Canada has long presented itself as a country whose companies operate responsibly overseas. That reputation rests not only on corporate practices, but also on the credibility of our broader responsible business conduct (RBC) framework that addresses concerns when they arise.
As part of this framework, in 2019 the federal government created the Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) to receive complaints about alleged human rights abuses linked to Canadian companies operating abroad. The intention was to provide a practical, non-judicial mechanism capable of examining concerns, facilitating dialogue and, where possible, helping parties move toward resolution.
Recent government announcements indicate that the Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise will be discontinued. This raises questions about how concerns related to Canadian business conduct abroad will be addressed.
Most Canadian companies operating abroad make serious efforts to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations. They often operate in complex environments where legal systems are weak, social tensions are high, or infrastructure projects are contentious. When concerns arise, companies benefit from a credible framework that can assess allegations fairly and independently. So do communities seeking answers.
Absent such frameworks, disputes can escalate into protracted litigation, protests, reputational damage and strained diplomatic relations. None of these outcomes serves the interests of host countries, local populations or Canadian enterprises.
Recent international scrutiny underscores the importance of clarity. In March 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Committee expressed concern that the Ombudsperson position was vacant and called on Canada to ensure the office had the leadership, independence, resources and authority necessary to carry out its mandate effectively. The government’s subsequent decision to discontinue the office shifts the focus from filling the vacancy to the future of these functions within Canada’s broader RBC framework.
Canada is not alone in facing these challenges. Governments around the world are reassessing how to oversee corporate conduct beyond their borders. The European Union has moved toward mandatory human rights due diligence requirements. Investors increasingly examine non-financial risks. Companies themselves benefit from clearer expectations and more predictable frameworks for managing human rights and other ESG-related risks.
There are legitimate debates about how Canadian business conduct abroad should be addressed. Civil society groups favour independent oversight, effective monitoring, and accessible processes for affected communities. Government and business associations emphasize facilitation and dialogue. Companies want processes that are fair, efficient and predictable.
These perspectives are not inherently incompatible. A well-designed RBC framework can help build trust, encourage constructive engagement and support the responsible management of human rights and other ESG-related risks. The immediate need is greater clarity about Canada’s long-term approach to RBC abroad.
Transitions in oversight frameworks can have significant practical consequences. Stakeholder confidence may diminish and institutional knowledge can be lost. For affected communities, uncertainty may mean delays in addressing concerns. For companies, it can mean unresolved allegations and uncertainty about available processes.
Canadian economic activity abroad carries both opportunities and risks. Addressing those risks responsibly supports not only human rights objectives but also Canada’s broader economic interests. Companies with strong practices are better positioned to secure financing, maintain social licence and avoid costly disruptions, while credible processes for addressing concerns can strengthen confidence among businesses, communities and international partners alike.
Responsible business conduct is therefore not simply a moral aspiration. It is increasingly a component of competitiveness.
Canada’s longstanding message has been that its companies operate to high standards and that the government stands behind those expectations. Ensuring a credible RBC framework to address concerns helps substantiate that message.
The recent announcement provides clarity about the government’s intentions for CORE itself. Stakeholders would benefit from understanding how Canada’s broader RBC framework will evolve, how existing cases will be managed, and how Canada’s international commitments in this area will be implemented going forward.
Prolonged uncertainty risks undermining confidence without resolving underlying policy questions.
Canada’s businesses, trading partners and international institutions are paying attention. So are communities affected by Canadian operations abroad. Clear communication about the path forward would signal that Canada remains committed to responsible engagement in the global economy.
The issue has never been whether any single institution is perfect. It is whether Canada maintains a credible, accessible and effective approach to addressing concerns when they arise.
Providing that clarity now would serve both Canadian interests and those of the communities with whom Canadian companies interact around the world.
Sheri Meyerhoffer served as Canada’s first Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (2019–2024) and is an international expert on business and human rights, governance and responsible business conduct. Photo by EqualStock on Unsplash.