Amidst allegations that Canadian mining companies operating in Latin America have been complicit in the murders and harassment of activists, several positive developments in Canada are seen as a source of hope that firms may begin to be held accountable on human rights and environmental questions.
The Canadian parliament is currently considering Bill C-300, "An Act Respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas Corporations in Developing Countries", aimed at ensuring that Canadian extractive companies follow human rights and environmental best practices when they operate overseas.
It would create a mechanism allowing Canadians and affected communities to sue companies that violate these standards, and impose sanctions - such as the loss of government loans or assistance - on firms found guilty of such violations, according to MiningWatch Canada.
In addition, the Canadian government launched a web site in January ...