Digging for accountability in Canada

Canada is a prominent leader in the global extractive sector, with more than 800 Canadian mining corporations active in over 100 countries across the globe. Canadian mining assets overseas are valued at $144.2 billion, accounting for approximately 65% of the nation’s total mining assets. However, Canada’s dominance in the international mining industry has come at a cost, especially for the Global South. Historically, Canadian mining corporations have been under scrutiny for taking advantage of weak legal systems in underdeveloped nations. The public has become increasingly aware of alleged human rights abuses and socio-environmental disasters involving Canadian mining operations overseas. Despite these behaviours, there remains an absence in global regulatory treaties litigating corporate accountability in the extractive industry. Liabilities from mining externalities have consequently been ignored through non-binding international frameworks, national policies, and CSR. However, the legitimacy of global frameworks and CSR practice have been called into question as socio-environmental negligence remains unabated across the Global South’s extractive sector. This chapter reviews the international legal systems, national policies, and CSR mechanisms regulating the Canadian mining industry in the Global South. It specifically addresses gaps in knowledge related to Canadian foreign ownership and CSR practice in underdeveloped nations, exploring the impact of Toronto Ventures Incorporated within the Philippines as a case study for analysis.