Michael Chong

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, January 25th, 2021]

With regard to the government’s reaction to measures taken by the Chinese government against those living in Hong Kong: (a) how many asylum and refugee claims have been granted, since January 1, 2019, to those who were previously living in Hong Kong; (b) how many asylum and refugee claims from individuals in Hong Kong does the government project will be received in the next 12 months; (c) has the government made contingency plans to ensure that safe return of all Canadians who wish to return, including those with dual citizenship and, if so, what are the details of such plans; and (d) what specific steps, if any, has the government taken to ensure that Canadians in Hong Kong are not arbitrarily arrested or detained under the guise of the so-called national security law?

[Foreign Affairs, January 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's official opposition recognized that the Chinese government was committing a genocide against the Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. Two consecutive U.S. administrations have recognized this genocide, which new secretaries Anthony Blinken and Janet Yellen recently confirmed.

What is the Government of Canada's position?

[Canada-U.S. Relations, January 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's Conservatives would like to congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris on their inauguration. Canada and the United States enjoy a unique relationship, unlike any in the world. We share a geography, similar values, common interests and family ties. We share the largest trading relationship in the world and note that the first call the President made to a foreign head of government was to Canada.

We have a shared future. Our successes and failures hinge on our co-operation on matters such as trade, investments and diplomacy.

The Canada-U.S. relationship has never been more important as we focus on vaccine distribution and securing North America's economic recovery. Canada's Conservatives look forward to working with the new Biden administration.

[Foreign Affairs, December 10th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, that answer demonstrates why the government's policy on China is such a complete mess.

The Prime Minister took one position on Meng Wanzhou, Ambassador McCallum another. The government was going to make a decision on Huawei before the last election, and then it was not. The government was going to come forward with a new framework on China, then it was not. Instead, we got an evolving and shifting policy, the opposite of a framework.

Enough is enough. When will the government start defending Canadian interests and Canadian values, work with our allies and come forward with a clear, coherent policy on China?

[Foreign Affairs, December 10th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, we learned that two departments disagreed on the terms of engagement between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Chinese army. There is no evidence the Prime Minister gave orders to either department. What an appalling lack of leadership. Two departments are operating at cross purposes. Diplomats and soldiers are working against each other.

When will this government come up with a clear China policy?

[Canadian Federation of University Women Georgetown Chapter, December 10th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Georgetown chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women in Wellington—Halton Hills.

In the summer of 1971, a group of friends gathered with the idea of promoting public education, human rights and civic engagement. They became the Georgetown chapter of the CFUW, a self-funded non-partisan organization with over 8,000 members and 100 chapters across Canada.

Over the past 50 years, the Georgetown chapter has raised thousands of dollars for local youth scholarships, hosted election debates, run children's programming and supported numerous community causes.

I congratulate the Georgetown chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women on this bicentennial. Many thanks for their contribution over so many decades to our community.

[Foreign Affairs, December 9th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, first we were going to have a decision on Huawei before the election, and then we were not. Then we were going to have a new framework on China, and then we were not. All the while, Canada’s national security is being threatened, and Canadians are being harassed and intimidated, by China’s foreign influence operations here on Canadian soil.

When will the government get its act together on China, respect the will of the House and come forward with a robust plan to counter China’s foreign influence operations here on Canadian soil?

[Public Safety, December 9th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, it is not about how great 5G is. It is about respecting democratic norms. The Prime Minister talks a good game about respecting democratic norms abroad. He has said, “Canada recognizes the critical need to strengthen democratic norms and institutions around the world”.

The PM talks the talk, but he does not walk the walk here at home. He fails to uphold democratic norms here at home. He has ignored the call by the House to list the IRGC as a terrorist group.

Is he also going to ignore the call by the House to make a decision on Huawei by next Friday?

[Public Safety, December 9th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, the House passed a motion calling on the government to make a decision on Huawei by Friday, December 18. The motion may not be legally binding, but it is morally binding.

Will the Prime Minister honour the will of Parliament and make a decision on Huawei by next Friday?

[Foreign Affairs, December 8th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, that answer demonstrates why this government's policies are such a mess. The Liberals cannot answer a simple question.

Two weeks ago, the minister appeared in front of committee and gave contradictory messages. The Canadian Press reported that the government had already put in place its new framework on China. The National Post at the same time reported that the government had yet to put in place this new framework. If we cannot figure it out and the media cannot figure it out, how on earth is anyone else, including China, supposed to figure out this government's policy on China?