Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's a pleasure to be with all of you today.
Right off, I want to address the issue that is top of mind for everyone in the room.
MP Chong—Michael—what has happened is completely unacceptable. I cannot imagine the shock and concern of learning that your loved ones have been targeted in this way. Personally and also as foreign minister, I take this extremely seriously.
You have all heard me say, and I've said it directly to my Chinese counterpart, that we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference, not in our democracy, not in our internal affairs, full stop. I have made my expectations clear: All foreign agents in Canada must abide by the Vienna Convention, and if they do not, there will be consequences.
In light of the facts confirmed by CSIS, I have instructed my deputy minister to summon the Chinese ambassador. That is what he's doing as we speak. We will convey to him directly that we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference, and that all options, including expulsion of diplomats, remain on the table as we consider the consequences for this behaviour.
Of course, I'll have more to say if you ask me questions, which I'm convinced you will, on this topic.
I would also like to briefly update you on the situation in Sudan. As you mentioned, Mr. Chair, I returned yesterday from that region, where I met with Canada's ambassador to Sudan, Philip Lupul, as well as Canada's high commissioner to Kenya, and their teams, including our outstanding diplomats and locally engaged staff. Most importantly, I met with Canadians who were evacuated thanks to the swift work and dedication of our team, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the support of our allies and partners, including many neighbouring countries.
I continue to monitor the situation very closely. My colleagues responsible for defence, immigration and international development are currently working with me to coordinate the government's overall response.
Beyond the immediate crisis, we believe that Canada can and must play its part in delivering humanitarian assistance by supporting the Sudanese people in their desire for a democratic future and by working for long-term peace and stability in the region.
Last week marked 18 months in my role. It has been a busy time and not just for me personally. Thousands of Global Affairs employees in Ottawa and around the world have been at work as well, and they have been working extremely hard.
For decades, we have faced conflicts, natural disasters and an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. Today, we face increasingly rapid change and increasingly complex challenges, whether it's the illegal invasion of Ukraine—