If your child was sick, your family’s safety in danger, you were being kicked out of your home, or your water was being poisoned—what would you do?

Would you demand justice?

Across the globe there are hardworking activists, community leaders, and organizations working at the grassroots level to do just that. 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 environmental and human rights protections, corruption and ineffective or non-existent out of court mechanisms. 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 these companies sometimes perpetrate.

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.

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

Read more about the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability and the Open for Justice campaign.