The Ontario legislature yesterday passed what observers here say is the toughest anti-boycott legislation adopted by a parliament anywhere in the world. The measure, known as an act to prohibit discrimination in business practices, was adopted virtually without apposition and with the support of all three parties in the provincial parliament. It will be signed into law today by Lt. Gov. Pauline McGibbon.
The measure outlaws compliance with any aspect of the Arab boycott of Israel by any firm doing business in the province of Ontario. Penalties range from a $5000 fine for individuals to $50,000 for corporations. A corporation found in violation of the law would also be prohibited from doing business in the province for five years. The bill’s definition of discriminatory practices includes “solicitation of information as to geographical location,” meaning that a firm must not comply with an Arab request as to the geographical origin of any goods or services.
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