Evidence of meeting #128 for Public Safety and National Security in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was comment.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON
How much money did you or your company receive from Russia or Russian agents?
Liberal
Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON
Were you aware that the money your company was receiving was from Russia or Russian agents?
Liberal
Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON
Mr. Chair, I find it interesting. I didn't know who Ms. Chen was in advance of the U.S. indictment. These kinds of conspiracy theories-peddling accounts tend to be a dime a dozen. The really interesting factor, though, is who's paying for some of this disinformation.
The witness has actually attacked trans kids, the 2SLGBT community, women and men who stand up for women's equality. She suggested they're on their periods and should eat a tub of ice cream. She doesn't seem to care about the ramifications of comments like this posted on the Internet, or attacking Ukrainians and Ukrainian sovereignty and basically saying whatever she feels like without consideration of implications to those people she attacks.
I find it quite interesting that now, as she has an opportunity to defend some of these comments, perhaps it's the single lady's cat that's got her tongue, because she seems to be very opinionated when it comes to views that she wants to spew, but not how she's making money on spreading those views and getting those likes.
I think it is pretty interesting that those who believe in freedom until they face consequences for their own actions refuse to take responsibility for those actions and for not recognizing laws that exist in Canada and the U.S. regarding sanctions. They think it's okay if an individual wants to make money off sanctioned entities, but then, when it comes time to answer for those things, they don't seem able to find words to speak. I find it incredibly disappointing, but I'm not surprised, if I'm being completely honest.
I'll give you, Ms. Chen, one last opportunity. How much money did you or your company receive from the Russian government, a Russian entity or a Russian-sanctioned entity to promote and spread the materials that you spread online?
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Ms. O'Connell.
Ms. Michaud, you have the floor for two and a half minutes.
Bloc
Kristina Michaud Bloc Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Since the witness refuses to answer our questions, I have no further questions for her.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you.
We go now to Mr. MacGregor.
You have two and a half minutes, please.
NDP
Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
In light of the witness's continued refusal to answer questions of a House of Commons standing committee, I believe it's time for me to move a motion that would authorize you, as our chair, to refer this back to the House of Commons, clearly indicating that we have a witness who is in contempt. Being in contempt of Parliament means that she is willfully obstructing our work into a very serious matter.
We've given her multiple opportunities. She was warned of the consequences that this could be escalated. Given that committees by themselves can't take action, I do believe that this is a matter that needs to be referred back to the House. We can ask the Speaker to take the appropriate actions with Ms. Chen's continued obstruction.
Liberal
NDP
Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
I'm coming up with it orally.
I would move that this committee authorize the chair—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Excuse me.
The clerk is sending a sample motion to the committee that you may consider.
We'll suspend briefly to consider that. We'll be back in five minutes.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
I call this meeting back to order.
Mr. MacGregor, I believe you have a motion you wish to move.
NDP
Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Yes.
Before I move that motion, Mr. Chair, I want to give Mr. Erskine-Smith a quick minute, because he has a question he wants to ask the witness. Then he has agreed to send it back to me, and I will move the motion.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
That's fair enough.
Mr. Erskine-Smith, go ahead, please. You have one minute.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Thanks very much.
Ms. Chen, obviously, you aren't answering questions here.
I'll start with a very easy one: In your view, is Russia a foreign adversary to Canada?
As an Individual
For the reasons already given, I have no comment at this time.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
You've previously said, “I don't believe in democracy.”
Is that still your view?
November 5th, 2024 / 11:45 a.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
My last question is this. Your brand of politics tends to label pretty near everyone who opposes your views as traitors. What would you call someone who accepts $10 million from a foreign adversary to run a covert propaganda operation on behalf of that foreign adversary? What would you call that person?
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
I will answer it, then. You would call that person a traitor.
I cede the floor.