Mr. Speaker, Canada's relations with China are positive, comprehensive and enduring. Canada will continue to promote and engage constructively with China on human rights.
With this in mind, I draw to the attention of the House the fact that June 4 marks the 22nd anniversary of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Tiananmen Square. We express our deepest condolences to those who lost friends and family in the Tiananmen Square massacre.
We urge China to account for those who remain missing, and to release those who continue to be imprisoned two decades later for their participation in this non-violent event.
In light of the ongoing suppression in China of freedom of expression, freedom of religion and other universally held human rights, we urge the Government of China to abide by international human rights standards and to engage in ongoing and open dialogue with its people about the events of 1989.