Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Canada (Ratification: 1959)

The Committee notes the Government's report.

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In its earlier comments the Committee referred to section 247(1)(b), (c) and (e) of the Canada Shipping Act, under which penalties of imprisonment involving compulsory labour may be imposed for breaches of discipline that do not endanger the safety of the ship or the life or health of persons. The Committee noted from the Government's report of 1997 that consultations with concerned parties were to take place in September 1997 and that the amendments were expected to be adopted in the spring of 1999.

The Government indicates in its latest report that an amendment package (Canada Shipping Act 2000) will be introduced to Parliament during its upcoming session. The Committee trusts that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that penalties of imprisonment involving compulsory labour will no longer be provided for breaches of labour discipline that do not endanger the safety of the ship or the life or health of persons, and asks the Government to supply a copy of the new Shipping Act, as soon as it is adopted.