QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Canada-China Relations
December 8, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate. Senator Gold, on Monday the U.S. announced the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games in response to the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being committed by China’s communist regime in the Xinjiang region. The Australian and Lithuanian governments have followed suit, and this afternoon finally, after delay and hesitation, the Trudeau government also announced that it will be following the diplomatic boycott. This is better late than never, and certainly better at least a diplomatic boycott than no action at all.
I would like to know, government leader, why is it that when it comes to the Beijing regime and the constant infringement of human rights that this regime carries out against people, and very often its own people, the Trudeau government is hesitant in taking clear, concrete actions? Why, once again, are we following rather than leading in defending human rights and taking action against the regime in China?
Thank you for your question. The Government of Canada, in its relationships with China and, indeed, generally, works with and in constant consultation with its allies. The government — and I’ve expressed this on many occasions, as have ministers in the other place — remains deeply concerned about human rights violations in China and other breaches of international norms.
The government has announced the diplomatic boycott, joining its allies in this effort. This was a result of ongoing discussions held by the Minister of Sport with a number of our partners and allies as well as being in constant communication with the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Like many of our allies, Canada faces the same kinds of challenges dealing with our relationship with China. The government will continue to act in the best interests of Canada and in concert with its allies.
Senator Gold, our colleague Senator Richards recently asked you an excellent question in light of the Women’s Tennis Association’s suspension of all tournaments in China out of fear for player safety following the disappearance of player Peng Shuai. It’s one that bears repeating, especially given the lack of clarity in response to similar questions from reporters at today’s press conference. What are the Government of Canada’s contingency plans if Canadian athletes are detained by Chinese authorities? We’ve seen the belligerent behaviour by this regime when it comes to detaining Canadians, as we experienced with the two Michaels. What are we going to do to ensure the safety of our athletes in these upcoming Olympics?
And the question that Minister Joly seemed to be fumbling all over the place on today is a very simple one: What are we doing to provide security for our athletes with regard to the inherent risk by going to Beijing and these Olympic Games? Are we going to have more RCMP officers dispatched to protect Team Canada and our Olympic athletes?
The Government of Canada takes the security and well-being of its citizens — and its athletes in this particular case — very seriously and will be taking all appropriate measures to ensure their security.
