Words, Actions, Mining and the Canadian Government

Everybody knows that there is an important distinction between words and real action. For instance, the Canadian government likes to use phrases like “human rights” and “corporate social responsibility.” Words are powerful, they can mean a lot. Unfortunately, they can also be completely meaningless. Although the Canadian government has signed on to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and claims to work for Canadian corporate social responsibility (CSR) its actions prove these commitments to be empty. A recent article in the Toronto Star stated that although our government and industry has devoted time and money to instilling principles of CSR, somehow the “results reveal a less than ideal picture of corporate social responsibility.” Canadian mining companies are notorious for their engagement in community conflict, environmental degradation, and generally unethical behavior, defined as “careless disregard for human rights or local laws.” Clearly the words being spoken on this subject by the Canadian government are not producing the kind of results they seem to promise.

But wait. Why is it up to the government to do more than “foster” CSR in Canadian mining companies? This is an important question. Currently, such government agencies as Export Development Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canada Pension Plan all provide financial support to Canadian mining activities around the world. It is this support which allows Canadian mining companies to continue their work regardless of human rights violations, community conflict or environmental degradation. On the one hand we have claims of respect for human rights and a desire for CSR and on the other we have actions which allow others to completely violate and negate these values.

Words are easy. Even this blog is only a collection of words. Alone, these words are not enough. Action, on the other hand, is harder. It requires that we do something; that we act. So, how to turn these words calling for CSR into action? Today in the House of Commons Bill C-300, An Act Respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas Corporations in Developing Countries is up for its third vote. Urgent action is needed on the part of all concerned citizens. Write, email or call your MP reminding them that you hold them accountable to basic standards of human rights and that you expect them to vote in favour of this bill. Send the message: without action their words are meaningless. And, as you expect them to do for Canadian mining companies, you will hold them accountable for their action (or inaction) on corporate social responsibility and human rights.