The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) has updated its United Nations-recognized Responsible Care Codes for 2020 to include new commitments for Canada’s leading chemical companies to engage Indigenous communities through proactive and formal processes.
“Since the beginning of Responsible Care in 1985, CIAC members have been obligated to be accountable and responsive to the public, especially local communities who have the right to understand the risks and benefits of what they do,” said Bob Masterson, CIAC president and CEO. “In extending that obligation to specifically include Indigenous communities, Canada’s chemistry sector demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Responsible Care and its ability to be responsive to evolving societal expectations for the industry.”
While developing the codes, the CIAC engaged with Indigenous communities and their leaders, and these new commitments for CIAC members will taking effect this month.
CIAC members’ efforts to meet these important commitments will be assessed during their obligatory Responsible Care verification process, which is undertaken regularly by third parties with results made available to the public on CIAC’s website.
Responsible Care commitments require CIAC member companies to:
- Engage with Indigenous People in a manner that respects their unique history, culture and rights;
- Provide appropriate supports to ensure Indigenous Communities have the capacity to engage the company in a meaningful manner; and
- Provide Indigenous communities with equitable access to employment, contracting and business opportunities.
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