QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Canada-China Relations
November 15, 2022
Senator Gold, your government’s inaction on the issue of interference in Canada by the Communist government in China is putting Canadian democracy increasingly at risk.
According to reports by Global News, the Prime Minister was warned by Canadian intelligence officials in January of this year that China has been targeting Canada with a vast campaign of foreign interference. This included funding a clandestine network of at least 11 federal candidates who ran in the 2019 election and conducting research into Canadian MPs who were critical of China’s human rights abuses against the Uighur population in Xinjiang.
Leader, my question is simple: Why is your government not responding forcefully to the Communist regime’s interference in our democracy?
I thank you for your question.
Senators, protecting the public from the threat of foreign interference by China or any other country is precisely what Canadians have mandated this government to do, and that is what it is doing. I’m assured that Canada’s national security agencies are actively and proactively doubling down on threats from foreign bad actors such as China and Russia. I’m further assured that any harassment, intimidation or coercion by a foreign power will be investigated and appropriate charges will be pressed. Canadians can be reassured and assured that no stone will go unturned in the government’s efforts to protect the public’s safety and security.
Senator Gold, saying it does not make it a reality.
The government has not shown any of what you have just said. Leader, the urgency of this threat seems to be evident to our Canadian intelligence officials, to experts on China and to our allies, and yet not to your government.
We know that the Chinese regime is targeting our democratic process. We know that they are targeting Chinese Canadians through police stations operating on Canadian soil. And yet the Prime Minister continues, leader, to sit on his hands.
Leader, when will your government abandon its failed strategy of appeasement, which only emboldens this rogue regime in China?
Thank you for your question. The government’s strategy with China is not one of appeasement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Joly, has given some indications of Canada’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region and the strategy that will go forward governing Canada’s relationships. Canada will always defend its national interests and pursue those relationships in the Indo-Pacific area that will further our interests, and that includes taking strong action against Chinese interference in our internal affairs, democratic and otherwise, and any other interference.
