I have three questions. They are pretty short.
Thank you very much for coming in. I note our agenda says “Human Rights Situation in China”. It should be “Human Rights Situation in China and Hong Kong”. That should be specifically laid out in the meeting agenda.
I know your presentation today doesn't tie in directly with the study we have, but I do have a question that relates to the study and to the situation in Hong Kong.
Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Marco Rubio have tabled legislation in the United States Congress calling for asset freezes and travel bans against individuals involved in the decisions to abduct, kidnap, prosecute, and oppress certain members of the Hong Kong assembly and also the booksellers involved. One of them was kidnapped directly from Hong Kong, one from Thailand, and three from PRC.
Thus, that's my first question. Would it be effective to sanction the officials involved in these actions, yes or no?
My second question is regarding the two legislators who were barred by the judicial court and disqualified. I'm talking about Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus “Baggio” Leung. What will be the effect on the democracy movement and the rule of law movement in Hong Kong? Will they accept their disqualification from taking their seats in the assembly, or will there be further protests and demonstrations? Will other legislators as well dissent and then not take their seats?
My last question has to do with the report of the committee from the previous Parliament, which had three recommendations. Although it reiterated its support for the “one country, two systems” principle as well, it had the following recommendation:
The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada state its support for the democratic aspirations of Hong Kong people, including the need for genuine universal suffrage in the election of their political leaders.
I would like to get your comments on that and your viewpoint on what that means to you in the activism you do.