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441-00884 (Foreign affairs)

Paper petition

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas, ongoing and escalating violations of fundamental human rights in China include the targeting of Christians.

Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to prioritize the advancement of human rights in our relationship with the Government of China, and to include as part of it's broader human rights advocacy attention to the worsening plight of China's Christian community

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant

The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in the government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.

Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.

Canada will continue to engage at the highest levels regarding the human rights situations in China. In multilateral forums, Canada will act in concert with partners to face the complex realities of China’s impact on the world stage while pushing back against behaviours that undermine international norms. Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China on November 21, 2022.

On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and stressed the importance of frank dialogue and made clear that Canada will continue to defend and promote the values it has always stood up for, including human rights and the rule of law. On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Minister Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.

The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and the government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.

Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, as well as the broader international community, to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide.

In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is a U.S.-led initiative focusing on issues of religious freedom violations worldwide and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. This platform has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief and helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.

The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.

The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in China and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.

Presented to the House of Commons
Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan)
November 28, 2022 (Petition No. 441-00884)
Government response tabled
January 30, 2023
Photo - Garnett Genuis
Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan
Conservative Caucus
Alberta

Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.