QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Canada-China Relations
March 26, 2021
My question is for the government leader. Senator Gold, last Friday when Michael Spavor was subjected to his sham trial in Dandong, there were diplomats from several countries outside the courthouse after being blocked from going inside.
The same thing happened on Monday in Beijing for Michael Kovrig’s sham trial.
I think I speak for all senators and all Canadians when I say thank you to all of those countries who sent their diplomats in a show of solidarity and support.
My question, however, is about the diplomat who wasn’t at either courthouse, and that’s Canada’s own ambassador to China, Dominic Barton. Senator Gold, can you please tell me which genius in the PMO came up with the idea to recall Ambassador Barton right at the time he was most needed in China right in the middle of those sham trials of Mr. Spavor and Mr. Kovrig?
Honourable colleagues, the arbitrary detention and the sham trials of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor remains a top priority for Canada, and the Government of Canada continues to work tirelessly with our allies to secure their immediate release. The Government of Canada has a responsibility to manage our relationships with China. Our chargé d’affaires was present at the trial and, again, the government is very grateful to our international partners who continue to demonstrate solidarity and support to Canada, to Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig and, of course, their families.
Thank you for the talking points, government leader, but maybe I can make it easier for you to provide a clear response to this chamber and to Canadians. Maybe it was the same genius who took the decision to call the ambassador back who also thought the two Michaels were receiving a fair trial and said that he couldn’t tell because the proceedings were happening in secret.
Senator Gold, is Justin Trudeau still pondering that question that was asked to him? Does he think the two Michaels received a fair trial, or does he require still more time to think about that question?
I would like a response to that very simple question either here today or in writing. How can the Prime Minister of Canada ponder and hesitate when he’s being asked a question about the two Canadians getting a fair trial in China, where all we’ve seen is secrecy by the Chinese government, no charges and no fair trial up to this point?
On behalf of the Government of Canada, senator, I really find it deplorable, in the face of the injustice perpetrated against two Canadians — and indeed, many others in Canada — and the tireless efforts of our government and with the support of its democratic allies, that the questions that continue to be asked in this chamber — important questions about the fate of Canadians — are so tainted with rhetoric and partisan innuendo that they really do not do honour to this chamber, and they do not honour or respect the efforts that this government continues to make for the immediate release of our Canadian citizens.
