QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Diplomatic Representation
June 5, 2019
Yesterday, we also learned that the Chinese Ambassador to Canada will soon be taking up a new post in France. John McCallum was fired as Canada’s Ambassador to China on January 25 and no permanent replacement has been named since, Senator Harder. Canada remains severely underrepresented in China at a time when we clearly need representation on the ground.
When will the government name a new permanent Ambassador to China?
I’m glad to see that the supplementary question references the material I raised in the response to the first question.
Let me first, with respect to the preamble, totally dispute the assertion that the Government of Canada — and by that, I mean successive governments of Canada — have not sought diversification strategies. That is why the previous government began and this government concluded the TPP. Actually, there are results. Look at the facts: Canada has had an increase in its export market in Asia as a result of the TPP, and Canada has had an increase in its markets in Europe as a result of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Let’s consider the facts and not the rhetoric on our diversification strategy.
With respect to Jim Nickel, he’s a total professional and not to be undermined by accusations otherwise in this chamber.
