The SCC Decides to Hear an Important Case on Transnational Corporate Liability

In what could become a groundbreaking precedent for Canadian companies doing business abroad, the Supreme Court of Canada has decided to hear an appeal brought by Nevsun Resources Ltd., a Canadian mining company being sued for its alleged role in forced labour, slavery and torture of workers at an East African mine. 

The upcoming decision by the Supreme Court in Nevsun Resources Ltd. v. Gize Yebeyo Araya, et al. notably portends to address whether Canadian courts can properly hear cases involving alleged breaches of customary international law by Canadian corporations operating overseas.

We discussed this case and – its potential impact – in greater detail here.