Canada-PRC Committee Meeting Cannot Be Suspended 加中關係委員會會議不容暫停

Open letter from 9 organizations in Canada to members of the Special Committee on the Canada–PRC Relationship for an Urgent Appeal Regarding the Proposal to Suspend Regular CACN Meetings.

九個香港裔加拿大人組織聯合發聲,對加拿大-中國關係特別委員會擬暫停定期會議深表震驚。 認為委員會工作比以往更為重要,呼籲委員會繼續定期會議,調查中國如何通過香港影響本國。

團體敦促特別委員會應該:
- 調查加拿大香港經濟貿易辦事處(HKETO)的運作,防範潛在的間諜活動和跨國壓迫。
- 審查中國、俄羅斯和其他受制裁國家如何利用香港規避制裁。
- 考慮對參與人權侵犯的香港官員實施制裁,並禁止他們進入加拿大。
- 設法防止加拿大法官和法律專業人士支持香港的司法系統。

團體強調:「此時暫停委員會定期工作有不負責任、疏忽職守之虞。」

October 18, 2024

Dear members of the Special Committee on the Canada–PRC Relationship,

Urgent Appeal Regarding the Proposal to Suspend Regular CACN Meetings

As Hongkonger-Canadians, we are deeply shocked by the recent proposal from members of your committee to suspend regular meetings. At a time when China’s malign influence is a growing focus for Canadians, and amidst the public inquiry led by Justice Hogue and the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Asia, this proposal sends the wrong message to both Canadians and the global community: that the Parliament of Canada does not fully grasp the threat of China’s influence nor the importance of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. With China’s increasingly aggressive interference in Canada, this Committee’s role is more critical than ever.

A particular focus should be placed on Canada’s relationship with Hong Kong as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) extends its influence through this Special Administrative Region. Recent revelations have intensified these concerns. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London was found to be involved in espionage, with employees charged with assisting foreign intelligence services. This raises serious questions about the activities of the HKETOs in Toronto and Vancouver and whether they might also be involved in such operations. Furthermore, Hong Kong, under Beijing’s control, is also a strategic loophole for sanctions evasion. Russia is reportedly sourcing semiconductors and drone parts for its invasion of Ukraine via Hong Kong. This exploitation is facilitated by Hong Kong’s special status in international trade, making it a critical area of concern for Canada.

Shockingly, individuals such as Hong Kong’s Police Commissioner, Chak-yee Siu, a human rights violator, are still allowed to attend public events in Canada. Canadian judges also continue to have the option to serve in Hong Kong’s courts, which now conduct sham trials and political prosecutions. Canada must uphold its values by addressing human rights violations. While we appreciate Canada’s ongoing concern and special immigration policies for Hongkongers, more decisive actions are needed to protect national security and uphold Canadian values. A thorough reassessment of relations with Hong Kong is essential.

We call on the Special Committee to continue regular meetings and to:

  • Investigate the operations of HKETOs in Canada for potential espionage and transnational repression and consider stripping or revoking their privileges and immunity or even closing these offices;
  • Examine how China and Russia are using Hong Kong to evade sanctions and propose ways to close these loopholes;
  • Study the imposition of sanctions on key Hong Kong officials involved in human rights violations and ban their entry into Canada;
  • Identify means to prevent Canadian judges and legal professionals from supporting Hong Kong’s legal system, which now operates under Beijing’s control for political prosecutions.

We strongly urge the Special Committee to maintain its regular meeting schedule and the vital study of Canada’s relationship with the PRC. There is urgent work to be done. While Hong Kong is only one element of the Canada-PRC relationship, it exemplifies the broader and increasingly serious issue of China’s interference. At this critical moment, Parliament must stand firm in protecting Canada’s national security and values. Suspending the Committee’s activities now would be a failure of responsibility and a dereliction of duty.

Yours sincerely,

Signatories (in alphabetical order)
C^Mind Think & Do Tank
Canada-Hong Kong Link
Friends of Hong Kong (Calgary)
Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong
Somebody.hk
Toronto Association for Democracy in China
Toronto Hong Kong Parent Group
Vancouver Activists of Hong Kong
Vancouver Society In Support of Democratic Movement