Evidence of meeting #4 for Canada-China Relations in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was kong.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Steve Tsang  Director, SOAS China Institute, University of London, As an Individual
Adam Nelson  Senior Advisor for Asia-Pacific, National Democratic Institute
Mabel Tung  Chair, Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement
Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Marie-France Lafleur
Bill Chu  Founder, Canadians for Reconciliation, As an Individual
Victor Ho  Retired Editor-in-Chief, Sing Tao Daily, British Columbia Edition, As an Individual

1:05 p.m.

Retired Editor-in-Chief, Sing Tao Daily, British Columbia Edition, As an Individual

Victor Ho

Yes. One of the aspects is that the Chinese government united a lot of organizations here in Canada and even some new societies and some organizations. They have created a lot of names like “All Canada” or “Greater Vancouver”, the biggest names to post for these organizations, to make them a total voice from Canada's Chinese community and to create these societies. They then control the leadership of those societies, no matter if they're old societies or new societies.

The second thing is that the Chinese government tries to influence the journalists here, especially the Chinese ethnic ones, to take the line of Beijing policies. The method they use is to send the press release and then gather the news managers to the consular office to have a so-called news briefing, and then they use all their chances to persuade or influence the editors to publish or voice government policy.

The third thing is that they just send out some so-called underground CCP members here to make friends with journalists. They also try to persuade the journalists in Canada, especially the ethnic Chinese ones, to take trips to China, so-called free trips, in order to influence their mindset.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

Thank you, Mr. Ho, and thank you, Mr. Harris. This will conclude our second panel.

On behalf of the members, I want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Ho and Mr. Chu, our witnesses today. We very much appreciate your joining us and sharing your thoughts and your views with us.

1:05 p.m.

Retired Editor-in-Chief, Sing Tao Daily, British Columbia Edition, As an Individual

Victor Ho

It was my pleasure. Thank you very much.

1:05 p.m.

Founder, Canadians for Reconciliation, As an Individual

Bill Chu

Thank you.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

Now I want to ask members of the committee a question. We don't have time for a deep discussion, but we've received a proposed calendar. Does anyone have a problem with the proposed calendar?

Mr. Genuis, please.

1:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I have no objection at all to the proposed calendar. I had understood that there might be a possibility for us to extend briefly with an in camera discussion about the press release as well. Is that possible today?

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

Let me ask the clerk: Are we able to do that for perhaps 10 minutes?

1:05 p.m.

The Clerk

Absolutely. We do have the room for another 20 minutes or so. We would need to change to go in camera, and I would need to provide members with a new link and a new password.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

Okay.

Do other members have a problem with that? If they do, hopefully they can advise.

I don't see anyone raising their hand.

So we'll have to conclude this, log off and then come back in camera.

Yes, Ms. Zann.

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

Lenore Zann Liberal Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Chair, I'm so sorry. I have another meeting right now. I'm actually 10 minutes late for it.

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

We understand, Ms. Zann. Thank you very much.

Well, I think we can at least have a discussion in camera. We'll try that. Hopefully we can do that.

1:10 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC

Mr. Chair, I don't have much time, but I'll be able to join you very briefly.

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Geoff Regan

Thanks very much.

We'll suspend and come back momentarily for the in camera discussion. The clerk will send us the information.

Thank you so much.

[Proceedings continue in camera]