Rob Oliphant

[Foreign Affairs, February 26th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, this government takes any accusation of genocide extremely seriously. We have repeatedly said that we remain disturbed by troubling reports of human rights violation in Xinjiang. We have repeatedly called on the international community to work to investigate the egregious human rights abuses taking place in Xinjiang. We have repeatedly called for an international investigation in response to these allegations.

We will continue to stand up for human rights in Canada and around the world.

[Foreign Affairs, February 24th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled: “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America Concerning Cooperation on the Civil Lunar Gateway”, done at Saint-Hubert and at Kennedy Space Center on November 12 and 15, 2020; “Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention Against Doping in Sport”, notified on October 1, 2020; “Amendments to Annex II of the International Convention Against Doping in Sport”, notified on October 1, 2020; and “Agreement Between Canada and the Italian Republic Concerning Youth Mobility”, done at Ottawa and Rome on December 11, 2020; at Rome on January 20, 2021; and at Toronto on February 3, 2021.

[Points of Order, February 24th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I do understand that. I just do not know whether you had ruled on a question before. I know you have ruled on S.O. 31s before.

[Points of Order, February 24th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I did have my hand up to speak to the original point of order by the member for Vancouver Kingsway. Maybe I am echoing what has been said, but it seems to me that there has been a tremendous openness and magnanimity in the House toward ensuring that people get a chance to redo their S.O. 31 statements. I do not know whether there has been a question that has had this same response.

I do understand, Mr. Speaker, that you have made a ruling. However, I would like a chance to see if you would consider retesting the House to see whether there is unanimous consent. I am not sure the House was aware of what you were asking at that time. I would ask if you would possibly reconsider that.

[Foreign Affairs, February 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the registry, all good things come in good time and due course of thorough consideration to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that we have, as I said, a made in Canada solution for Canadian problems.

With respect to other issues, our government continues to be seized with all activities related to potential interference. As I said, we have laws in place with respect to lobbying, with respect to conflict of interest, with respect to elections. Those are pieces of legislation with appropriate authorities and appropriate people responsible, who will follow up anything they consider to be inappropriate.

The government is focused on protecting Canadians and democracy here in Canada from foreign influence, and we will continue to be actively engaged in this. We will continue to take a whole-of-government approach to address foreign interference and we pledge to keep Canadians safe.

[Foreign Affairs, February 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I will begin by thanking the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for his leadership this week on the important motion that was passed yesterday in the House of Commons, which is obviously under active consideration by the government.

We recognize as a government that foreign interference presents a strategic long-term threat to Canada, to the rights of Canadians and our democratic values, to our economic interests and to our national security and sovereignty. Canadians should know that their government takes all allegations of hostile state activities seriously. The Government of Canada values transparency as a core value and works diligently to ensure that Canadians are protected from foreign influence.

As members are aware, the Lobbying Act recognizes that the public should know who is engaged in lobbying activities of public officials and it also regulates those activities. The Commissioner of Lobbying further supports these efforts through investigatory powers to ensure that there is compliance. The Conflict of Interest Act establishes clear rules for public office holders in order to minimize the possibility of conflicts arising from private interests and public duties. The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and the Senate Ethics Officer actively work to ensure that public officer holders respect these rules. Moreover, the Canada Elections Act clearly prohibits foreign involvement in any kind of political activity regarding elections and during pre-election periods.

With respect to the exact question, the government is focused on protecting Canadian democracy from foreign influence, and a registry of foreign agent is something that we are actively considering. We are aware that some of our allies, namely, the United States and Australia, already have foreign agent registries in place and we are studying that. We want to make sure that we have a Canadian solution for a Canadian problem.

The safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad is, and always will be, our number one priority.

[Foreign Affairs, February 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, Canada always remains firm and resolute in defending our rights at home and abroad and the rights of Canadians at home and abroad. Canada has a complex and multidimensional relationship with China. It presents challenges for us, our international partners and people all around the world.

Our policy here and abroad is based on Canadian interests; fundamental values; our principles, including human rights; and a strategic understanding of the way we impose international rules-based order. We are firm and we are smart in this approach.

[Foreign Affairs, February 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, our government takes any and every allegation of genocide extremely seriously.

Yesterday's vote in Parliament ensured that every member in the House could make a determination for themselves on available evidence, and express that honestly and clearly.

The government welcomed the voice of Parliament yesterday and the voice of parliamentarians united on this issue, but the government has additional responsibilities and will continue to work with international partners and multilateral bodies to ensure we find a way to bring health, justice and fairness to Uighur people in western China.

[Business of Supply, February 18th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, right now the government has a responsibility to listen to Parliament. It has a responsibility to listen to every member in this place. It also has a responsibility to act with integrity, as we move forward, for the betterment of the Uighur people.

I miss the member at committee as well.

[Business of Supply, February 18th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I will be perfectly clear. There are many ways for us to help the Uighur people, so what I am doing today is utterly committing to listening to this debate and to hearing not only expert opinion, but also anecdotal thoughts about the current issue we are engaging in.

We will continue as a government to take the best course, always concerned about human rights and always concerned about finding the best way to do things. We will make sure we do this carefully and studiously with the best legal minds at stake, and we will make sure we get it right. The goal of government is to get it right, to do it well and to continue to make sure we do the best for the Uighur people, not the best for me or for any member of the House.