Supporting Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the relationship of corporations with society as a whole, and the need for corporations to align their values with societal expectations in order to avoid conflict and reap tangible benefits. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are an important part of the international economy. Through international direct investment, they bring substantial benefits to home and host countries in the form of productive capital, managerial and technological know-how, job creation and tax revenues. At the same time, public concerns remain about the social, economic and environmental impact of MNE activities on the societies in which they operate.
These concerns have led to a proliferation of initiatives at the company, industry, national and global levels, including the development of codes of conduct, monitoring and reporting initiatives, and social labelling schemes covering a broad range of issues, including labour standards. Among these are three key multilateral initiatives aimed at encouraging corporations to make a positive contribution to economic and social progress, and to minimize and resolve the difficulties to which their operations may give rise.
ILO Tripartite Declaration on Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
The ILO's Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
![World Wide Web Site](/web/20061209220045im_/http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/images/nota002.gif)
![World Wide Web Site](/web/20061209220045im_/http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/images/nota002.gif)
![World Wide Web Site](/web/20061209220045im_/http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/images/nota002.gif)
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
The OECD's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
![World Wide Web Site](/web/20061209220045im_/http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/images/nota002.gif)
The Labour Program participates in Canada's National Contact Point , an interdepartmental committee comprising representatives from a number of federal government departments. The Committee is responsible for:
- promoting the Guidelines in Canada;
- responding to inquiries;
- contributing to the resolution of issues related to the Guidelines;
- cooperating with other NCPs;
- reporting annually to the OECD on its activities.
More information is available in the brochure Canada and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
United Nations Global Compact
Another key multilateral initiative supporting corporate social responsibility was launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the 1999 World Economic Forum in Davos. The United Nations Global Compact
![World Wide Web Site](/web/20061209220045im_/http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/images/nota002.gif)
For more information on Canadian initiatives in support of Corporate Social Responsibility, visit the Department of International Trade website.