QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Canada-China Relations
November 4, 2020
My question is for the government leader in the Senate. Senator Gold, three weeks ago, China’s Ambassador to Canada warned us against helping Hong Kong asylum seekers, issuing not so much a veiled, but a very direct threat against the 300,000 Canadians currently in Hong Kong.
Senator, considering the fact the two Michaels have been in Chinese custody for almost two years now, without your government’s ability to resolve this issue and liberate them, what assurances of safety do other Canadians in Hong Kong have, especially in light of the draconian national security law now being imposed? What assurances do they have that the Trudeau government will protect them?
Thank you for your question. The Government of Canada is very aware of the situation of the large number of Canadians resident in Hong Kong. I think, as was also made clear, it will do everything in its power to provide easy facility to them should they wish to return home, and is working with its consular officials abroad to secure their well-being and safety.
Government leader, we’re all aware of what is going on in Hong Kong. The question is: What will the Government of Canada do? The government talks a good game about opening Canada’s doors for asylum seekers and you put on a good show, showing up at airports for photo ops whenever there is a rare opportunity, but what about pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong wishing to claim asylum? They can’t do so at our consulate in Hong Kong. With COVID, even those who are relatives of Canadian citizens can’t board a plane to Canada, and a simple asylum claim here in Canada won’t work either. We have seen other western democracies put in place robust policies and legislation to accept asylum seekers from Hong Kong. Why does Justin Trudeau not do the same to expedite and give a hand to Canadians in Hong Kong who so desperately need one?
Thank you again, honourable senator, for your question. There are separate aspects to your question, one which I answered in the first part having to do with Canadians that are here. With regard to asylum seekers, the Government of Canada stands in solidarity with Hong Kong and shares the great concerns of its allies in the international community over China’s national security legislation. It will continue to support the many connections between Canada and Hong Kong and stand up for the people. Our immigration system is based on many principles, including compassion, efficiency and economic opportunity for all, and I have been advised that all eligible asylum claimants receive, and will continue to receive, a full and fair hearing on the individual merits of their case before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
