We call on the Canadian Government to prioritize human rights over mining profits and make Canada open for justice, not just open for business.

Across the globe there are hardworking activists, community leaders, and organizations working at the grassroots level to demand justice. They face an uphill battle when large Canadian extractive companies go into their communities to search for and extract minerals, oil, and gas. These companies are all too often accused of damaging the environment and employing staff who use extreme violence, including cases of rape and murder, when local leaders speak up against corporate practices.

Those harmed by Canadian companies abroad often find they have nowhere to seek justice. Victims often face significant barriers to accessing justice at home, including heavy costs, inadequate or non-existent out of court mechanisms, and corruption. That’s why Canada must uphold its international human rights obligations and prioritize human rights over mining profit! 

The Canadian government provides significant support to Canadian mining companies working abroad, including political and financial backing. For years, the government has heard experts, witnesses, and victims testify to the devastating human rights violations associated with the operations of some of these companies. The United Nations has called on Canada to uphold its international commitments with regards to corporate abuse happening abroad. Yet, Canada continues to prioritize business over justice. 

Members of the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability recently launched the #Open4Justice Campaign to call on the government to open Canadian courts to those alleging harm by Canadian mining companies overseas. They are also calling for an Ombudsman dedicated to the extractive sector with an effective mandate.

From May 11-15, events across Canada will be spotlighting the incredible work organizations do to push for mining justice and the challenges we still face. Friends of the Earth Canada supports the #Open4Justice campaign. Please join us online on Tuesday May 12, 2015. We want to see your support for mining justice on social media in sharing our call to the Canadian government to prioritize human rights over mining profits to make Canada #Open4Justice, not just open for business!

How to Participate:

• Join the Thunderclap (through Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr) and your pledge will be shared with your followers on May 12. Join the Thunderclap here: http://thndr.it/1OJSxkl

• Tweet our Policymakers to Take Action: Tell our Members of Parliament that it’s time Canada takes its international human rights obligations seriously! We’ve approached MP’s from all parties to show their support for the Campaign—here are some suggestions for who to reach out to:
  • MPs to Tweet at:
    • Honourable Edward Fast: @HonEdFast (Minister of International Trade)
    • Don Davies: @DonDavies (International Trade Critic for the Official Opposition)
    • Chrystia Freeland: @cafreeland (International Trade Critic, LPC)Please also write to your own Member of Parliament to encourage them to take action. You can find your MPs name here and their twitter handle here.

• Click to tweet this message: Stand up for Mining Justice! Join our call for Canada to be #Open4Justice not just open 4 business: http://bit.ly/1ELJ1FK