Don’t Neglect Your CORE: Canada’s Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

Key Takeaways

• CORE vacant since May 2025, halting 24 active human‑rights cases
• UN bodies urge Canada to enforce accountability for overseas mining firms
• MiningWatch presented 26 cases to Parliament, highlighting systemic abuse
• Calls for empowered Ombudsperson with subpoena power to compel evidence

Pulse Analysis

The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) was established in 2019 to fill a critical gap in the oversight of Canadian mining corporations operating abroad. By offering a non‑judicial, complaint‑driven process, CORE was intended to complement existing legal mechanisms and provide a faster, more accessible route for Indigenous peoples and local communities to raise human‑rights concerns. However, the office has been without a permanent ombudsperson since May 2025, and the interim leadership failed to produce any substantive assessment reports, leaving dozens of investigations stalled. This operational vacuum not only contravenes the mandate set out in the Order in Council but also erodes trust among stakeholders who rely on the office for redress.

The stagnation has broader implications for Canada’s mining sector, which generates billions in export revenue and employs thousands domestically. International investors increasingly scrutinize ESG (environmental, social, governance) performance, and a non‑functioning accountability body raises red flags about corporate governance and risk exposure. Moreover, repeated calls from UN bodies, including the Human Rights Committee, underscore the diplomatic pressure on Ottawa to demonstrate tangible oversight of its multinationals. Failure to act could invite trade repercussions, affect financing terms, and damage Canada’s reputation as a responsible resource exporter.

Policy experts and advocacy groups, such as the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability, are urging the government to appoint a new ombudsperson with a strong human‑rights background and to grant the office statutory powers to compel testimony and documents. Enhancing CORE’s independence and investigative authority would align Canada with global best practices, improve compliance for mining firms, and provide a credible avenue for affected communities to seek justice. Such reforms could also satisfy international watchdogs, bolster Canada’s ESG credentials, and ultimately protect both investors and Indigenous rights.