441-02438 (Foreign affairs)

WHEREAS:

• Since 2019, peaceful protestors in Hong Kong have been fighting for freedom and democracy;
• Many protestors were arrested, charged and convicted for penal offences through a judiciary that is not impartial, independent or fair, for example the violation of National Security Law;
• The Government of Canada has recognized the negative effects of the imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong on 30 June 2020, including, but not limited to, the suppression of freedom of speech and peaceful expression of alternative views, and the elimination of meaningful political opposition; and
• Protestors in Hong Kong who have committed or been convicted of a foreign offence outside of Canada inadmissible on grounds of criminality even if related to pro-democracy movement for political purpose.

We, the undersigned citizens, and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) should take a greater care when receiving the applications of Hong Kongers who are recently released from prison and have criminal convictions related to the pro-democracy movement;

2. Involvement in the pro-democracy movement should not be an impediment for Hong Kongers eligible for immigration pathways in coming to Canada;

3. IRCC should create a mechanism by which Hong Kong people with pro-democracy-movement-related convictions may provide an explanation for such convictions;

4. IRCC should create a mechanism by which Hong Kong people with convictions related to the pro-democracy movement may be provided admission to Canada; and

5. Ensure the translation of police documents on arrests, charges, and convictions, as well as a personal declaration regarding criminal history but remove an explicit requirement for a Hong Kong police certificate.