TORONTO – A number of Canadian retailers will take part in an “urgent” meeting with the Retail Council of Canada on Monday, following a deadly garment factory collapse in Bangladesh last week.
A number of international brands, including Britain’s Primark, Italy’s Benetton, Spain’s Mango and Canadian brand Joe Fresh, made clothing in Rana Plaza.
On Wednesday, the eight-story, illegally-constructed garment factory crumbled to the ground following evacuation orders by police that were ignored. 382 people were killed, and hundreds more trapped.
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Loblaw Inc., which owns Joe Fresh, will be at today’s retail meeting.
On Friday the company said in a press release it would be sending company officials to Bangladesh “to get a precise response on what caused this tragedy.”
“We are committed to finding an approach that ensures safe working conditions, drives lasting change in the industry and help prevents other tragedies,” read the company statement.
As news of the collapse emerged, Loblaw promptly issued a statement, expressing condolences and acknowledging its operation in Dhaka’s Rana Plaza. Other companies have distanced themselves from the disaster, saying they were not involved with the factories at the time of the collapse.
The president of the retail council wouldn’t confirm what other companies would be involved in today’s meeting, but said it will be a strong representation of retailers across the country.
“We will be looking at what are the efforts that have been made and what else needs to be done? Where do we need to put pressure? We will also be discussing these issues with the federal government,” said Diane Brisebois.
*With files from the Canadian Press
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