Following a ten-day visit to Canada, the UN Working Group on business and human rights has released a statement urging the Canadian authorities and business sector to strengthen their efforts to prevent and address adverse human rights impacts of business activities, at home and abroad. Vice-chairperson of the Working Group, Surya Deva, stated that the "government and businesses must integrate indigenous peoples' rights into their policies and practices governing the exploitation of natural resources." The delegation also stressed the importance of protecting human rights defenders and environmentalists from harassment and violence and the need for the government to strengthen access to remedy for victims of rights abuses. In addition, the delegation welcomed the Canadian government's efforts and leadership in promoting human rights and gender equality.