Insight into Global Brands' Concerns Surrounding Conflict Mineral Legislation

Apr 25, 2013 7:05 AM ET
Campaign: Conflict Minerals

In a recent Source Intelligence webinar, companies showed unprecedented interest in the Canadian Conflict Minerals Bill C-486, sponsored by Paul Dewar, a Member of Parliament. 

Mr. Dewar generously offered to answer the webinar attendees inquires. Below are a couple of examples; click here for the balance of the questions (Select the 'download Q&A transcript').

 

Q. How will the Canadian Authorities enforce this new Bill?

A. This is no equivalent to the SEC in Canada, nor any specific enforcement provision in the bill. Rather, the Conflict Minerals Act simply requires companies to publish their due diligence practices, and allows consumers to make their decisions accordingly.

Q. What companies (publicly traded and or private) will the Bill cover?

A. Bill C-486 defines a company as "any corporation or legal person incorporated by or under an Act of Parliament or the legislature of a province, or a subsidiary of such an entity." This would therefore include all public and private companies incorporated in Canada.