By Andrew Chen
“Deeply shocked” is how diaspora groups describe their reaction to a report that the governing Liberals may suspend regular meetings of a Commons committee dedicated to studying Canada-China relations.
The groups said that, at a time when concerns are rising over Chinese interference targeting Canadians and when a public inquiry is probing Beijing’s meddling in Canada’s elections, this proposal “sends the wrong message” that “the Parliament of Canada does not fully grasp the threat of China’s influence.”
Put forward by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, the motion received support from other Liberal committee members but was opposed by Conservative and Bloc Québécois MPs on the committee, the Globe reported. No public information was released.
Liberal MP and committee chair Ken Hardie told The Epoch Times that the motion was introduced during a private meeting and as such he could not comment on the details. However, he confirmed that, if adopted, the motion would allow him, as chair, “to call for meetings or for any two parties to summon the committee.”
Hardie said there are regular Commons standing committees with the authority and mandate to examine the issues raised by the diaspora groups.
“As I see it, the [Canada-China] Special Committee could focus on issues that, while important, cannot get on to the agendas of the Standing Committees,” he said.
“Whether or not there are enough of those issues to require the continuous use of parliamentary resources is an open question at this point,” he added.
“The Special Committee’s mandate, as expressed in the original motion adopted by Parliament, is very broad, so consideration about what it should take on would reflect on the relative importance of each potential study subject.”
‘Urgent Work to Be Done’
The Canada-China committee, established in 2019, has studied and produced a number of reports on key issues. These include Beijing’s operation of secret police stations in Canada, its targeting of individuals and communities including diasporas for interference and intimidation, the exposure of Canadian investment to the regime’s human rights abuses, and the communist regime’s suppression of democracy movements in Hong Kong.
“We strongly urge the Special Committee to maintain its regular meeting schedule and the vital study of Canada’s relationship with the PRC. There is urgent work to be done,” the diaspora groups said. “Canada must uphold its values by addressing human rights violations.”
In addition to continuing to hold regular meetings, the groups urged the committee to take action to address a number of issues related to Beijing’s control over Hong Kong and exploitation of the city’s special status in international trade.
“While we appreciate Canada’s ongoing concern and special immigration policies for Hongkongers, more decisive actions are needed to protect national security and uphold Canadian values,” the diaspora groups said. “A thorough reassessment of relations with Hong Kong is essential.”
The joint statement was signed by Canada-Hong Kong Link, Vancouver Society In Support of Democratic Movement, and Friends of Hong Kong (Calgary), among others.