**Canada’s Corporate Watchdog Probes Ralph Lauren on Alleged Use of Forced Labor in China**.
**Original Source:** Fashion Network.
**Summary:**.
Canada’s Public Procurement Ombudsperson has launched an investigation into Ralph Lauren Corporation’s alleged use of forced labor in its supply chain in China. The probe follows a complaint filed by Canadian activist group SumOfUs..
**Key Points:**.
* The complaint alleges that Ralph Lauren is sourcing cotton from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in China, where the Chinese government has been accused of committing human rights abuses, including forced labor..
* SumOfUs claims that the company has violated its own ethical sourcing standards by purchasing cotton from the XUAR..
* The probe will examine whether Ralph Lauren has taken adequate steps to prevent the use of forced labor in its supply chain..
* Ralph Lauren has denied the allegations and stated that it is committed to ethical sourcing practices..
**Background:**.
* The XUAR is a major producer of cotton, accounting for approximately 20% of global production..
* In recent years, there have been growing concerns about forced labor and other human rights abuses in the region..
* Governments and consumer groups have pressured companies to end their reliance on cotton from the XUAR..
**Implications:**.
* The probe could lead to Ralph Lauren facing penalties or reputational damage if it is found to have violated Canadian law or breached its own ethical sourcing standards..
* The investigation could also put pressure on other companies to review their supply chains and ensure they are not complicit in forced labor practices..
**Company Response:**.
Ralph Lauren has issued a statement denying the allegations, stating:.
