Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Allow me to congratulate you on your election as chair. It's great to have you here as someone who knows the world well.
Mr. Chair, members of the committee, thank you for this invitation to appear before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Mr. Chair, you have introduced the officials joining me. I would like to thank them for their work, as well as all the diplomats in Ottawa and abroad serving Canadians with pride and professionalism.
My last appearance before the committee goes back to March 12, the day after the WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the virus has increased international instability and amplified trends leading to the erosion of the world order.
We live in a time of great challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic is still causing loss of lives and uncertainty across the globe. Rapid change and ever-increasing humanitarian needs are challenging and pressuring the international system. Disregard of international law, including human rights, combined with a lack of accountability is threatening the rules-based international order, and the world is still faced with the ever-evolving fundamental threat of climate change.
With these great challenges come great responsibilities, and Canada is willing and ready to do its part and to lead. This is why we have been deeply engaged with our partners and friends around the world to develop solutions that work for the benefit of all and that advance Canada's interests and values. In March, it was difficult for all of us to imagine that in a matter of days Canada would undertake the repatriation of tens of thousands of Canadians from every corner of the globe, the largest such operation in Canada's history in peacetime.
There, Mr. Chair, I think I can speak on behalf of all parliamentarians. The work that has been done by our diplomats around the world and our staff here in Ottawa is just extraordinary. People have spent countless hours to help Canadians. This was one of the best things. Everyone worked hard, but I think Canadians are grateful to have the diplomats in a time of great need.
However, we must not forget that, beyond our borders, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the world's most vulnerable populations and has exacerbated inequality. As you heard from my colleague Minister Gould last week, that is why we have been working to alleviate suffering through humanitarian relief. This is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do. Much is still unknown about this virus, but what we know for certain is that no one will be safe from the pandemic until everyone is safe.
Let me move on to our feminist foreign policy. We also need to ensure that our institutions work for everyone. A free press is essential to the protection of human rights, democracy and good governance. That is why I was so proud to co-host the 2020 media freedom conference with Botswana just a few days ago. Our feminist approach to foreign affairs also means promoting rights-based, open and inclusive societies where all people, regardless of their backgrounds or identities, can fully benefit from equal and meaningful participation in economic, political, social and cultural life.
Canadians know that this is the only way to build a safer and more prosperous world. We cannot take the rights of women for granted. In too many places around the world, women still find themselves fighting for their basic human rights. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1325 at the United Nations. Canada is proud to support and advance the women, peace and security agenda hand in hand with dedicated actors from around the world. Our feminist foreign policy white paper will anchor our core foreign policy conviction that all people should enjoy the same human rights and the same opportunities to succeed and fulfill their potential.
As Canadians, we have always understood that our influence is greatest when we work closely with our partners. Canada sits at the table of the world's most important international institutions, whether it's the G7, the G20, NATO, the OECD, the OSCE, La Francophonie or the Commonwealth. In all of those forums, we are resolved to advance Canadian values and interests while bringing about a more just and equitable world.
Now let me turn to the United States. We all know that Canada and the United States enjoy a truly unique relationship. Our shared geography, strong economic ties and deep personal connections have made us friends, partners and the closest of allies. Just as we work with the current administration and Mexico to renew the free trade agreement, we look forward to working closely with the new administration to tackle the major challenges of the day, such as keeping people safe throughout the pandemic, advancing peace and prosperity, and fighting climate change together.
Let me move on to China. Our relationship with China is a complex and multi-dimensional one, not just for Canada but for democracies around the world. Our approach is to be firm and smart. When dealing with China, we will be firmly guided by Canadian interests, our fundamental values and principles, including human rights, as well as by global rules and strategic partnerships. We will challenge China when it comes to human rights, compete with our innovative businesses and abundant natural resources that allow us to do so, and co-operate on global challenges like climate change, because there is no easy path forward without China.
Let me be clear. The safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad will always be at the heart of our approach. It has been almost two years since the arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and we continue to call for their immediate release. I also want to acknowledge the resilience and support of their families at every step of the way. After many months, we recently secured on-site virtual consular access to Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. This—
