QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canada-China Relations
June 12, 2025
Senator Gold, the well-known prisoner of conscience Jimmy Lai has become a symbol of violated press freedom in Hong Kong. Four years ago, he was forced to shut down his popular pro-democracy daily, Apple Daily, which was critical of China. Thrown in prison, Jimmy Lai was subjected to a political trial that violated every rule of law. He is 77 years old, suffers from diabetes and is in declining health.
What efforts is Canada making to secure his release? His life is at stake, according to his lawyers.
Thank you for the question. I want to emphasize that Canada has consistently condemned Hong Kong’s national security law since it was first imposed five years ago. It infringes on the democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed by Hong Kong’s basic law, which is why our government has continued to call on Hong Kong and Beijing to act in accordance with their obligations to respect the protected rights and freedoms and to ensure that the judicial system follows the rule of law. To answer your question more directly, I’ve been told that the government has conveyed its concerns directly to Hong Kong officials.
Thank you. In the meantime, Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, was in Ottawa on Tuesday with former minister Irwin Cotler, calling on the government to act and to do more.
Would the government be willing to make an important gesture right now by granting honorary Canadian citizenship to Jimmy Lai, who has family and business ties in Canada?
Thank you for the question. I believe, esteemed colleague, that a motion has been introduced in the other place and adopted. I’m confident that the Government of Canada will examine this issue carefully.
