Canada's corporate watchdog has initiated an investigation into Ralph Lauren's Canadian unit, following allegations of the fashion giant's involvement in using forced labour from China's Uyghur minority. This inquiry parallels similar probes into Nike Canada and Canadian mining company Dynasty Gold, which were launched by the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) last month.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by a coalition of 28 civil society organizations, asserting that "Ralph Lauren Canada has supply relationships with Chinese companies that use or benefit from the use of Uyghur forced labour." Ombudsperson Sheri Meyerhoffer stated, "I have decided that the Ralph Lauren complaint warrants an investigation."

Ralph Lauren's US parent company has challenged the Canadian jurisdiction over the matter, contending that its subsidiary is not responsible for decision-making, and all operations are overseen by the company's US headquarters.

Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, based in Ottawa, expressed approval of the investigation, citing credible evidence of Ralph Lauren's connection to Chinese companies employing Uyghur forced labour in their supply chains.

Reports from rights groups reveal over a million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities held in re-education camps in China's Xinjiang region, enduring various abuses, including forced labour. Western lawmakers, including those in Canada, have labeled the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights characterizes the treatment of Uyghurs as crimes against humanity. China's government refutes these allegations, referring to the facilities as vocational centres aimed at countering extremism.

Amidst these investigations, Ralph Lauren's role and association are under scrutiny, contributing to the ongoing global concern surrounding human rights violations and forced labour.