QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canada-China Relations
May 6, 2026
Government leader, the latest annual report from Canada’s intelligence services delivers a clear warning, which the government continues to ignore, unfortunately. China remains the primary source of foreign interference and espionage targeting Canada.
Senator Moreau, Beijing no longer even attempts to conceal its intimidation. Just last week, its ambassador issued a direct order to our government to stop sending MPs to visit and engage with Taiwan. Yet your government remains shamefully silent.
When will this government stop appeasing this hostile regime and finally take a principled stand to defend Canada’s sovereignty and national security?
Thank you for the question, Senator Housakos. The government takes foreign interference and transnational repression very seriously. They are serious threats facing Canadians and Canadian institutions.
The government is moving forward with a foreign influence transparency registry. This will be a tool to hold individuals and entities accountable for conducting interference on behalf of foreign entities that seek to create a climate of fear and intimidation. The government is also providing our national security agency more tools to bolster their ability to detect, disrupt and counter foreign interference, transnational repression and threats against Canadians. It is a matter that the government takes very seriously.
Senator Moreau, when Prime Minister Carney was in Yerevan last week, he talked about strengthening ties with partners who share our history, values and ambition to build a better future. I think we all agree with that.
Leader, can you explain to this chamber what shared values, ambitions or history we have with the communist regime in Beijing? More importantly, can you tell this chamber what mitigating steps have been taken by the government when dealing with Beijing on trade agreements to ensure that they align themselves on —
Thank you, Senator Housakos.
Senator Housakos, Canada and China agreed to work together on trade, agriculture and energy. Canadian canola meal, lobster, crab and peas will not be subject to relevant anti-discrimination tariffs, unlocking $3 billion of exports. This is an important trade deal with China.
However, the Prime Minister was clear that the government remains committed to engaging with China in a manner that is consistent with Canadian values, interests and international obligations. Those are —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
