United Nations and Federal Government

: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - The federal government clashed with a United Nations panel this week over whether a major international treaty applies to potential human rights violations by Canadian resources companies operating abroad, according to Brandon Sun. The sharp difference of opinion was one of several flashpoints between Canada and the UN Human Rights Committee, which wrapped three days of hearings Wednesday in Geneva. Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2014. Canada had provided lengthy written answers last month to 24 questions on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including how it monitors the human rights conduct of Canadian resource companies operating abroad, some of which face lawsuits alleging abuse. In their testimony, the delegation appeared to shock the sensibilities of the 18-member committee when it evoked the principle of "extra-territoriality" for the employees of the 800 Canadian companies operating in Latin America, Africa and Asia. In its written answers, Canada said it "strongly encourages" companies to implement corporate social responsibility measures, and if they don't the government will withhold "trade advocacy support in foreign markets." But the committee pressed for more details on that and other subjects during the in-person appearance by the Canadian delegation, led by a senior Justice Department official. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.