Report links $63.3 billion in Canadian imports to labour-risk supply chains

A new report from World Vision Canada estimates that Canada imported $63.3 billion worth of goods in 2025 from product categories and countries associated with documented child labour or forced labour risks.

According to the organization’s Canada’s Risky Imports report, the figure represents more than $170 million in imports per day and approximately 8 per cent of the value of all merchandise imported into Canada. The analysis cross-references Canadian import data with goods and countries identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as having evidence of child labour or forced labour risks in production.

The report said electronics accounted for the largest share of at-risk imports at $22.2 billion, followed by clothing and textiles at $15.3 billion and gold at $7.8 billion. The total value was 6.2 per cent higher than in 2022.

“As Canada looks to new markets and trading relationships, we should be clear about the kind of prosperity we want to build,” said Allison Alley, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. “Trade can create opportunity and strengthen communities, but only if we pay attention to the people behind the products we buy.”

The report comes as lawmakers consider Bill C-35, which would create a standalone forced-labour import regime. World Vision Canada is calling for stronger supply chain due diligence requirements, enhanced import enforcement and greater investment in programs aimed at preventing labour exploitation in producing countries.