Evidence of meeting #63 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was icc.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:20 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
—that have not expelled a single PRC diplomat. Canadians are being targeted by the over 100 diplomats accredited here.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Thank you.
First and foremost, what we're doing right now, as a government, is assessing the consequences we'll be facing in the case of diplomatic expulsion, because there will be consequences. I think it's important that Canadians know this. What we've learned from the two Michaels' experience is that, of course, China and the PRC will take action. These interests, including economic interests, consular interests and diplomatic interests, will be affected—
11:20 a.m.
Conservative
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
—because this is very important. It's about you, but it's also about the interests of the country.
As we assess these interests—and I know we are under pressure to go fast—we need to make sure, as well, that we protect our democracy. That is why we will take action in light of the facts being presented regarding your case and any MP who could be targeted.
That's why my deputy minister, right now, is meeting with the Chinese ambassador and summoning him. That's also why we're assessing different options—including the expulsion of diplomats—because it is important we take a decision.
11:20 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
Minister, with respect to interests, economic or otherwise, I can't think of an interest more important to the Canadian state than the protection, safety and security of its own citizens—
11:20 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
—here on Canadian soil. That trumps all other interests. It is inexplicable that this diplomat hasn't been told to leave the country already. I would hope the deputy minister is informing the ambassador that this individual, Mr. Wei Zhao, should be on the first plane out or declared persona non grata. I think that is the only course of action here.
If we do not take that course of action, Minister, we are putting up a giant billboard for all authoritarian states around the world that says, “We are open for foreign interference threat activities on Canadian soil that target Canadian citizens, and you can conduct these activities with zero consequences.” That's why this individual needs to be sent packing.
Mr. Chair, I have a question about—
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I hear you and I share your concern regarding foreign interference. I share your concern regarding the message we would be sending. In order for this country to be safe and to prosper, of course, democracy must be our bedrock.
That being said, we will take a decision thoughtfully, one that will have the best interest of Canadians and our democracy in mind.
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
As I mentioned, all options are on the table.
Thank you.
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
I'd like to ask a question about the intelligence assessment dated July 20, 2021.
Did your department receive this intelligence assessment?
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
I understand that, but I'm asking whether your department received it. You were appointed minister on October 26, several months later. I assume your department received it.
The Prime Minister indicated yesterday that the assessment never left CSIS. It seems inexplicable that it would not have left CSIS. CSIS doesn't produce intelligence products for its own consumption. It produces them for departments and central agencies.
I am trying to find out why that information never made it out of CSIS.
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Michael, the Prime Minister has asked for an investigation on this. You know that. You had many conversations with the Prime Minister himself about this issue. You've been briefed about this issue at least six times. You've had access to that information.
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
11:25 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Thank you, Mr. Chong.
We'll now go to Ms. Bendayan.
You have five minutes.