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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
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