The federal government announced a suite of new regulations today meant to ensure that Canadian companies are not complicit in human rights abuses or the use of forced labour in China's Xinjiang province. China claims the centres are intended to combat extremism and teach job skills, but former residents and rights groups say they target Islam and minority languages and cultures. Workers walk by the perimeter fence of what is officially known as a vocational skills education centre in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China. Last fall, the House of Commons subcommittee on international human rights released a report stating that China's persecution of this Muslim minority is a clear violation of human rights and is meant to "eradicate Uighur culture and religion." Canada exported $23 billion worth of merchandise to China and imported $75 billion in 2019.

Source: CBC News January 12, 2021 16:59 UTC