Canada-China Relations Committee on June 10th, 2024

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken Hardie]

Thank you, Ms. McPherson, and I echo that. We have a very large, very active Filipino community. Narima Dela Cruz is probably known to you, and she is certainly an all-star member of our community.

I'll take the opportunity to ask one question.

With respect to Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy, how do you see Canada's relationship with China and the Philippines' relationship with China? Are they on an equal basis? As well, does the Philippines' involvement with Canada through the Indo-Pacific strategy complicate your relationship with China?

[H.E. Maria Andrelita Sacramento Austria]

Thank you. That's an important and interesting question.

Both Canada and the Philippines have their particular set of challenges in dealing with China, and we have both handled it differently in our own way, but I believe effectively.

The more voices speaking for the rule of law, the better to secure and ensure the peace and stability of our region. If we speak with one voice against issues that are common to us, like defending the rule of law, being fair in dealing with other countries, that's a very important signal. The relations between Canada and the Philippines in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy, I believe, bolster both our positions in dealing with other powers.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken Hardie]

We've heard from other people, especially the ASEAN representatives, who visited us a while back, that one thing that Canada should be considering is an ongoing relationship, given that those are built over a long period of time. Would the Philippines share that opinion?

[H.E. Maria Andrelita Sacramento Austria]

We welcome a more consistent, engaged and reliable partner, which we see Canada as.

There's the fact that you are now putting institutions in the region—for example, in the Philippines, the regional agri-food office. EDC is opening more offices, and FinDev will soon be opening more offices. You have appointed a special envoy for the Indo-Pacific. There's a special trade representative on the ground. These are all signs to us that Canada is engaging, and it will be a long-term engagement that's very welcome.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken Hardie]

Your Excellency, thank you very much for your visit with us tonight.

We will now pause because we are going to go and do some committee business.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

I'm sorry, but I have it that we're going until 8 p.m. with the ambassador. I'm wondering if the ambassador has that extra 30 minutes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken Hardie]

No. The ambassador was very kind, actually, to shift her time to accommodate an earlier start to this.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Okay. I appreciate that. It's a shame. I tried.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken Hardie]

I wish we could talk her into it, to be honest with you, Mr. Kmiec.

Thank you.

[Proceedings continue in camera]