Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Honourable colleagues, last week I used this time as an opportunity to bring some levity to the chamber and share the story of some Quebec cows in search of freedom.

However, today I have a much more serious message. I want to talk about human beings in search of freedom, for they are trapped in forced labour and child labour around the world. This Friday, December 2, is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. It is estimated that 50 million people are victims of modern slavery. This is 10 million more than in 2016. However, it is worth noting that Canada is making progress.

Yesterday, after years of stalling, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development completed its clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. It should pass third reading shortly. This will be the culmination of nearly four years of work, in close collaboration with MP John McKay and the All Party Parliamentary Group to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

I’d also like to salute someone who’s with us in the Senate today, Stephen Pike, a lawyer and expert on governance issues who helped me examine Bill S-211. The Senate voted unanimously to ensure that companies operating in Canada do their part and are transparent about the risk that their supply chains have a captive labour force. That is a starting point.

Modern slavery is a complex problem. These violations of human rights originate in the poverty and vulnerability of one side, and the wealth and power of the other. As Senator Jaffer stated, a current example is the construction and renovation of eight soccer stadiums in Qatar, where fans are currently watching World Cup matches.

Over the pasts 12 years, hundreds of thousands of Nepali went to work at these construction sites. Known as good, cheap workers, they were assigned the most dangerous jobs according to an investigation by the newspaper Le Monde.

Many of these workers had to borrow large sums at exorbitant rates to obtain the necessary papers. They’re mostly working to repay the debt incurred to be able to work. It is the vicious circle of forced labour. Many Nepalese returned home injured or in caskets. Without any compensation, they have left their debts to their families.

In 2020, under pressure from the International Labour Organization, Qatar imposed the adoption of a minimum wage and allowed migrants to change jobs. These reforms were more than necessary.

All these stories were disturbing, of course, but not enough for a boycott. When the lights are up and the matches start, all that is forgotten. Unfortunately, and despite our legislative progress, these migrations of desperate humans, looking to feed their family, could be on the rise because of climate change and the conflicts it fuels.

For wealthy countries like Canada, we need to look reality in the face and show some integrity. I hope we will make the right choice. Thank you.

Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Honourable senators, December 2 is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. It occurs during the days of action on violence against women. On this occasion, I would like to point out that 70% of the 40 million victims of modern slavery are women. We should all be outraged that 12 million girls are sold and married off despite being too young to consent and may die in childbirth.

We have to act on that outrage and devote resources to implementing solutions. Education is key to making sure girls around the world are aware of their rights so they can resist, get help or flee.

We have to take action, but where do we start? The experts don’t even agree on what modern slavery actually is.

According to UN definitions, for forced labour to exist, there must be an element of constraint, such as debt bondage or threats. Others believe that the notion of modern slavery applies more broadly to exploitation, including in unsafe workplaces or captive labour scenarios. One thing we know for sure is that situations resembling modern slavery exist right here in Canada.

The number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec has exploded. According to a Radio-Canada investigation, the desire to start a new life all too often turns into a nightmare because of exorbitant fees exacted by multiple intermediaries or unscrupulous bosses.

Take Mamadou Hane’s story. This Senegalese man arrived in Quebec in 2019 with his wife and four children. He had a model employment contract from Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration where all the working conditions were set out by his new employer. However, when he got here, his boss demanded that Mamadou Hane sign a new contract that included a promise to pay back $5,000 on a pro-rated basis if he were to leave his job before three years were up. This constitutes a completely illegal practice that amounts to debt bondage. This mechanic was threatened with deportation if he did not comply. He was laid off a year later, and he still received a notice of default and a $3,300 bill from his former employer. Mamadou Hane said that he remained strong and resisted, but many people were heartbroken, and it was terrible.

How many others dare not complain, despite the horrible situations they are going through? Eva Lopez, who advocates for these temporary foreign workers, summarized the situation as follows, and I quote:

Many are silent because they want another life for their families. There is no question: There are unscrupulous individuals out there who are treating these people like livestock.

We must never forget that modern slavery is not just another trivial concern; it is a crime.