Madam Speaker, six years ago the world watched in horror as the tragic events of Tiananmen square unfolded. For many Canadians these events changed our lives forever. They propelled us into action. We rallied, we spoke out and we made the difference.
To commemorate those who lost their lives in Tiananmen square, on May 28 I participated in a democracy walk at the University of British Columbia. I paid tribute again on June 4 at Forest Lawn cemetery in Burnaby, British Columbia. At both locations there is a statue of democracy erected by Canadians to remind us about the tragedy.
My decision to run for political office was in large part due to the events of June 1989, for as I watched Chinese men and women risk their lives for something we all too often take for granted here in Canada, I realized that I needed to give back something to the country that welcomed me with such open arms in 1969.
I am proud to say I am still fighting for human rights improvements, both in China and around the world. Unfortunately the human rights situation with regard to human rights advocates in China has not improved significantly since 1989. The recent arrest of several Chinese dissidents in the run up to the sixth anniversary of the Tiananmen square crackdown and the strict surveillance imposed on others once again demonstrates that China continues to violate international standards of human rights.
One of the most enduring values uniting Canadians is our common commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights. Respect for human rights is a key to international peace and prosperity and it contributes to a global environment within which we Canadians can best pursue our interests.
As I have long believed, the issue is how to promote most efficiently good governance and the rule of law in China.
There are a number of ways to help influence and encourage China to better respect human rights. Multilaterally we take steps in organizations such as the United Nations to make our point. Bilaterally we discuss human rights issues with our Chinese counterparts. Development assistance lets us work with China to strengthen areas vital to human rights development. Trade is also a powerful tool. It encourages co-operation, and co-operation leads to understanding and appreciation, with which we can better manage concerns such as human rights development.
Furthermore, initiatives undertaken by people like ourselves continue to emphasize to all concerned that Canadians care about human rights. Rest assured that I will continue to work for the improvement of respect for human rights and democracy in China.
As I tell both my cabinet colleagues and my Chinese counterparts, I am a friend of China. I will continue to speak out against human rights violations in China, but at the same time I will continue to work within my means as a federal minister to help China develop in a meaningful way.
Pointing out violations of human rights is essential. So too is dialogue between Canada and China. Dialogue lets China and Canada share concerns and provides the foundation to address
important issues such as human rights proactively. This is the effective way to promote change in China and this is the cause my government and I will continue to follow.