The Social Investment Organization is hosting a public forum Nov. 16 on the social responsibility and sustainability issues surrounding the growing interest of investment in China. The forum is being held in conjunction with SIO’s 2005 Annual General Meeting.

The forum features a panel discussion with Bob Jeffcott of the Maquila Solidarity Network, Kevin Ranney of Jantzi Research Inc. and David Simpson of Interpraxis Consulting. It will be held at the Courtyard Marriott Toronto, University Room, 475 Yonge St., starting at 7pm.

“Certainly the topic of Canada-China trade is on everyone’s mind,” says SIO executive Director Eugene Ellmen. “We felt this was a good time to start raising the issues of responsibility and sustainability in view of the huge increase in trade and investment expected in the next few years.”

Jeffcott will outline labour rights issues in China, particularly with regard to freedom of association. Maquila Solidarity Network will soon be issuing a report card on the retail industry and labour rights around the world, including China.

Ranney will review the operations of Canadian companies in China, and outline the issues that socially responsible investors need to think about.

Simpson will draw on his recent experiences conducting corporate social responsibility assessments in China, reflecting on the larger developmental context of what increased investment means for China.

The public forum will be preceded by the business portion of SIO’s annual general meeting, featuring report’s from the President and Executive Director, and election of board members. The business portion of the AGM begins at 5:30 at the same location.

  For a pdf flyer on the event, visit http://www.socialinvestment.ca/InvestmentinChina.pdf

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