44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2024441-02142441-02142 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 12, 2024March 22, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s 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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2024441-02135441-02135 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 8, 2024March 22, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s 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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 18, 2024441-02031441-02031 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 30, 2024March 18, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s 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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsFebruary 26, 2024441-02203441-02203 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 29, 2024441-02005441-02005 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 12, 2023January 29, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s 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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 29, 2024441-01931441-01931 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 20, 2023January 29, 2024February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s 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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 13, 2023441-01852441-01852 (Foreign affairs)BradRedekoppSaskatoon WestConservativeSKOctober 30, 2023December 13, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01909441-01909 (Foreign affairs)AnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONNovember 8, 2023December 12, 2023November 22, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01885441-01885 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 2, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01884441-01884 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 2, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01883441-01883 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 1, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01882441-01882 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 2, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01881441-01881 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 1, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01880441-01880 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023February 3, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01879441-01879 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 12, 2023October 31, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 20, 2023441-01740441-01740 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 5, 2023November 20, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 20, 2023441-01716441-01716 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 4, 2023November 20, 2023December 12, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01668441-01668 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 26, 2023November 9, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01704441-01704 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 29, 2023November 9, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 6, 2023441-01647441-01647 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 21, 2023November 6, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01651441-01651 (Foreign affairs)JamieSchmaleHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockConservativeONSeptember 21, 2023November 3, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01649441-01649 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 21, 2023November 3, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01643441-01643 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 20, 2023November 3, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 2, 2023441-01622441-01622 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 19, 2023November 2, 2023February 9, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 2, 2023441-01618441-01618 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 19, 2023November 2, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023441-01573441-01573 (Foreign affairs)LucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservativeQCJune 19, 2023August 16, 2023April 28, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • Millions of people in China and around the world have benefitted from practising Falun Gong, a spiritual practice that consists of the principles of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance and a set of health-improving meditative exercises;
  • Former Chinese Communist leader Jiang Zemin launched an eradication campaign against Falun Gong in China 24 years ago when the number of people practising Falun Gong outnumbered the Communist Party members;
  • Millions of innocent people have been fired, jailed, tortured, or killed simply for practising Falun Gong, as was reported by human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and condemned by the western world like US Congress, European Parliament and Canadian government when the persecution started in July 1999; and
  • Canadian citizen Ms. XinMiao's mother, LanYing Cong, 78, was illegally kidnapped in China on October 15, 2022, and has been illegally sentenced to 4 years for practising Falun Gong.
WE, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, request that the Canadian government:
  • Condemn the illegal arrest of a Canadian citizen's family member for practising Falun Gong; and
  • Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ms. LanYing Cong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongImprisonment and prisoners
44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023441-01572441-01572 (Foreign affairs)LucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservativeQCJune 19, 2023August 16, 2023April 28, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Falun Gong is a spiritual discipline guided by Truth, Compassion and Tolerance that is practiced by diverse communities in Canada;
  • For 23 years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has torture, killed and imprisoned millions of Chinese citizens who practice Falun Gong in a state sponsored, nationwide campaign where mass numbers are being killed for their organs. Experts say crimes against humanity and genocide is occurring; and
  • Canadian citizen Ms. Qian Sun was sentenced to 8 years and 12 Canadians' family members are jailed because of their faith in Falun Gong.
WE, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to proactively deploy all possible avenues to:
  • Call on CCP to end Falun Gong persecution and release all prisoners of conscience;
  • Include Falun Gong persecution explicitly in foreign policies and statements when addressing human rights issues in China; and
  • Sanction Chinese Communist perpetrators using means like the Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun Gong
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 19, 2023441-01528441-01528 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBJune 9, 2023July 19, 2023December 20, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 19, 2023441-01488441-01488 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMay 30, 2023July 19, 2023February 1, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 19, 2023441-01463441-01463 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMay 17, 2023July 19, 2023February 3, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 19, 2023441-01451441-01451 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 15, 2023July 19, 2023December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2023441-01428441-01428 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMay 8, 2023June 21, 2023February 6, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2023441-01409441-01409 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMay 2, 2023June 15, 2023February 6, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2023441-01402441-01402 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMay 1, 2023June 14, 2023February 6, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas: Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched a nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested and put in custody and many sentenced to long prison terms of up to 20 years, where torture and abuse are routine and tens of thousands are feared dead as a result;Investigators including Canadian lawyer David Matas, former Canadian Secretary of State for AsiaPacific David Kilgour, and China expert Ethan Gutmann have concluded that the Chinese party-state and its related institutions have put to death tens of thousands of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;In December 2013, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the crime of forced organ harvesting in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience; and On February 3, 2015, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed an all-party motion condemning and calling for an immediate end to state-sanctioned organ harvesting in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:a) Establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime against humanity by systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;b) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andc) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 2, 2023441-01305441-01305 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONApril 19, 2023June 2, 2023February 3, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMay 15, 2023441-01237441-01237 (Foreign affairs)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONMarch 30, 2023May 15, 2023February 6, 2023Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas: Falun Gong practitioners have been the largest and most severely persecuted group in China since July 1999 for their spiritual belief in "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance", and in 2006, allegations emerged of large scale murder of Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;Canadian lawyers David Matas and David Kilgour have compiled more than 50 pieces of evidence and concluded the regime and its agencies in numerous parts of China have put to death a large number of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high prices;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in November 2013;On December 12, 2013, the European Parliament adopted an urgent resolution which asked for an end to the forced organ harvesting in China; andDemocratic nations have a responsibility to condemn such atrocities, wherever they occur.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian government to:a) Condemn the Chinese Communist Party's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs; andb) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.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.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 27, 2023441-01135441-01135 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBFebruary 10, 2023March 27, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government of Canada has presented and continues to present its concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2023441-01114441-01114 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 6, 2023March 22, 2023December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government of Canada has presented and continues to present its concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 20, 2023441-01094441-01094 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 31, 2023March 20, 2023May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong.Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved; and
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government of Canada has presented and continues to present its concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 20, 2023441-01080441-01080 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJanuary 30, 2023March 20, 2023June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong.Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved; and
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government of Canada has presented and continues to present its concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00944441-00944 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBDecember 8, 2022January 30, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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 promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00927441-00927 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBDecember 5, 2022January 30, 2023November 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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 promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00898441-00898 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 30, 2022January 30, 2023June 12, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw. the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to “eradicate” Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000-100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the 42nd Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on November 24, 2021.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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 promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00863441-00863 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 22, 2022January 30, 2023June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong.Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved; and
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 will make it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.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 promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 18, 2023441-00827441-00827 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 2, 2022January 18, 2023October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 14, 2022441-00826441-00826 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 1, 2022December 14, 2022October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 9, 2022441-00814441-00814 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABOctober 26, 2022December 9, 2022June 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw. the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to “eradicate” Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000-100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the 42nd Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on November 24, 2021.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 8, 2022441-00804441-00804 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBOctober 25, 2022December 8, 2022October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2022441-00782441-00782 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBOctober 24, 2022December 7, 2022October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 5, 2022441-00778441-00778 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBOctober 21, 2022December 5, 2022October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 2, 2022441-00767441-00767 (Foreign affairs)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 19, 2022December 2, 2022October 11, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance;In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result;Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price;The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; andThe European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience.Therefore we, the undersigned, request the Canadian parliament and government to:A) Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs;B) Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting; andC) Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 1, 2022441-00755441-00755 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 18, 2022December 1, 2022June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong.Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved; and
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 14, 2022441-00713441-00713 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABSeptember 27, 2022November 14, 2022June 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw. the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to “eradicate” Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000-100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and state sanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the 42nd Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on November 24, 2021.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.On July 8, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting. She once again reiterated Canada’s concerns with human rights in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2022441-00409441-00409 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 9, 2022June 20, 2022June 12, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw. the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to “eradicate” Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000-100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the 42nd Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on November 24, 2021.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2022441-00431441-00431 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 10, 2022June 20, 2022June 8, 2018 PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw. the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to “eradicate” Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000-100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.On April 5, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministers stressed the importance of frank dialogue, and that with our strong cultural and people-to-people ties, both countries must pursue avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs 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. She also reiterated Canada’s concerns with ongoing human rights violations in China.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the 42nd Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on November 24, 2021.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 31, 2022441-00089441-00089 (Foreign affairs)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABDecember 15, 2021January 31, 2022December 9, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption; and
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of “Truth, Compassion and Tolerance,” including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang; and
  • Refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our 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, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.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 the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our 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.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 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.The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on December 17, 2021.The Government of Canada has and continues to present concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li Keqiang also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed 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. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Sean FraserAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsFalun GongForeign policy