By Karen Johnson
TORONTO--The Retail Council of Canada said Tuesday it will
develop new trade guidelines after the deadly collapse of an
eight-story factory complex in Bangladesh that made clothes for
Canadian retailer Loblaw Cos. Ltd. (LBLCF, L.T), among other
companies.
The council said in a statement that it will work with members
in Canada and with global partners, to write "an updated set of
responsible trade guidelines," as well as educational materials and
resources for the industry.
The announcement follows an emergency meeting Monday of the
nonprofit industry group and its retailer members.
Last week, clothes from Canada's iconic Joe Fresh label were
pulled from the rubble of the factory that collapsed in the Dhaka
suburb of Savar. About 400 people were killed and many more were
injured.
Loblaw Cos., the Canadian supermarket chain for which Joe Fresh
is made, said Monday it would provide compensation for the families
of the victims who worked for its supplier.
"We are working to ensure that we will deliver support in the
best and most meaningful way possible, and with the goal of
ensuring that victims and their families receive benefits now and
in the future," Julija Hunter, Loblaw spokewoman, said late
Tuesday.
The Retail Council of Canada represents more than 45,000 stores
across Canada, including Sears Canada (SEARF, SCC.T) and Wal-Mart
Canada Inc., a unit of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT).
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires
