Despite being paid $432,000 over the last two years federal corporate ethics Ombudsman Sheri Meyerhoffer admits she hasn’t even done one report yet or opened any investigations, says Blacklock’s Reporter..“We realize how important it is to get this right,” said Meyerhoffer in questioning before a Commons subcommittee..“So, we have been taking the time to create it. Our office is the first of its kind in the world. I believe Canadians should be proud of it, proud of our engagement to protect human rights abroad.”.Meyerhoffer appeared confused by some of the questions she was asked..Cabinet in 2019 named her as Ombudsman for Responsible Enterprise responsible to answer complaints against Canadian mining, oil, gas and garment companies operating overseas. Meyerhoffer was previously the manager of industry operations for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers..Testifying before a Commons subcommittee on human rights, Meyerhoffer was asked to describe her mandate..“Number one, is it a Canadian company? So, we have to determine whether it’s a Canadian company. Has a human rights abuse, is there an alleged human rights abuse, an international human rights? And is it outside of Canada? It has to be outside of Canada,” she said..“We are independent and transparent in our work..“What exactly is the budget?” asked Bloc Québécois MP Marilene Gill (Manicouagan, Que.)..“We have resources available to us,” replied Meyerhoffer..“We are eager to begin our investigative work,” said Meyerhoffer whose office has a staff of ten..Meyerhoffer said her office would soon launch a website to take anonymous complaints alleging corporate misconduct but a deadline was not set..“This was announced with great fanfare,” said New Democrat MP Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona):.MP McPherson: “Having a portal is one thing, but how exactly are populations around the world learning about the portal where they can share this information?”Ombudsman Meyerhoffer: “Thank you, Mr. Chair.” (pause)Chair: “Ms. Meyerhoffer, did you not hear the question?”Ombudsman Meyerhoffer: “Yes I did.” (pause)MP McPherson: “Can you respond?”Ombudsman Meyerhoffer: “Yes. Sorry, again with your question?”.Meyerhoffer was appointed to a five-year term and refer proven misconduct to arbitration or local authorities. The office does not have powers to compel testimony or documents from any corporation..Access To Information records indicate at least one unnamed Canadian corporation in 2018 was blacklisted by Export Development Canada for unethical practices..“To date this Corporate Social Responsibility trade sanction has been applied once,” said a memo from the Department of Foreign Affairs..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
