Mr. Speaker, after what I know has been a long and difficult night for my colleague across the way, I am glad we have a chance to exchange in this important conversation.

My colleague will know that the promotion and protection of human rights is a core and fundamental part of our foreign policy, and it remains an unwavering priority for our government, for Canadians, and for Canada's engagement abroad. We are well aware of the recent sentencing of Edward Leung Tin-kei for his conviction on the charge of rioting.

The ability to gather and protest peacefully is a core human right. Hong Kong is widely recognized as an open society with a long tradition of popular engagement in political expression, and we support efforts to ensure this tradition continues. Canada strongly supports the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Hong Kong under the one country, two systems principle under Hong Kong basic law. Hong Kong's protection of civil and political rights guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has been essential for the integrity of this framework.

Canada champions the values of pluralism, democracy, inclusive and accountable governance and respect for diversity, and universal human rights, and we do so at every opportunity. Our government has never and will never hesitate to voice our human rights concerns at every possible opportunity in our exchanges with China. This is a core component of our engagement, of Canada's engagement with China. Canada has expressed concerns about the shrinking space for civil society in China, and raises human rights situations in China with Chinese officials regularly. I have had the chance to do so, as has my colleague sitting beside me.

Canadian engagement on human rights is done in high-level visits, public statements, and outreach to both government officials and civil society in mainland China, Hong Kong, in multilateral fora, and here at home. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect, and promote the freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of religion or belief of all Chinese citizens.

Canada has a strong interest in a stable and prosperous Hong Kong. We share very strong people-to-people ties, and Hong Kong is an important trade and investment partner for Canada. An estimated 300,000 Canadians reside in Hong Kong, and there are approximately 500,000 people of Hong Kong descent living in Canada. Canada and Hong Kong also share a Commonwealth heritage with a number of values, including the rule of law and freedom of expression, which are essential components of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. Young people in Hong Kong should not be discouraged from exercising their rights of freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration.

Canada calls for Hong Kong's legal status to be protected.

Matt DeCourcey

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Adjournment Proceedings

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