Rob Oliphant

[Questions on the Order Paper, May 3rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.

Diplomatic representation varies considerably by country and depends on a host of factors, such as foreign policy objectives, the size of the diaspora community requiring consular services, and the need for specialized technical and language services.

With regard to part (a), based upon these aforementioned considerations and the fact that that there are ongoing rotations of officers, the number of diplomats currently registered in the country does tend to fluctuate. The most recently available figure is that China has 178 registered diplomats accredited to the embassy and consulates in Canada plus an additional five accredited to the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal. This information is updated daily by the office of protocol. For the most up-to-date information, which includes a breakdown of the numbers by city, please consult the following website: https://w05.international.gc.ca/Protocol-Protocole/Detail.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.253317963.333778327.1681259541-16336162.1620220341.

With regard to part (b), as noted above, Canada’s numbers in China also tend to fluctuate given changing circumstances. It should also be stated that Canada relies quite heavily across its entire global mission network on locally engaged staff to support accredited Canadian diplomats in-country. These staff are not formally accredited and thus do not count towards Canadian numbers, but often assist with important, although not commercially or politically sensitive, issues and provide administrative and logistical support.

China does not employ locally hired staff and brings in all personnel from China. This is a practice also maintained by other countries.

For Canada’s presence in China, the latest figure is 147 accredited personnel. This includes 81 positions at the embassy in Beijing, of which 10 are currently unstaffed, and the following at Canada’s various consulates: five in Chongqing, five in Guangzhou, 15 in Shanghai and 23 in Hong Kong. This is also updated on a daily basis.

[Democratic Institutions, May 3rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I want to be extra clear: Our Minister of Foreign Affairs has been clear to her Chinese counterpart, as recently as a few weeks ago, when she was absolutely clear that any interference in Canada by any agency of the Chinese government is inappropriate and we will deal with it.

[Democratic Institutions, May 3rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, it is increasingly clear, and it has been for several years, that China is a disruptive power. China is interfering in our society. We are very aware of that and we are fighting it every day. We are also very aware of the Vienna Convention. We are very aware of our abilities and our responsibilities.

[Democratic Institutions, May 3rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, let us dial down the rhetoric on this a little bit. Let us dial down the temperature a little bit.

I will state very clearly that their government might have operated in their best interest, but this government will always operate in the best interest of all Canadians, every member of Parliament and all people of every persuasion.

We will act with due diligence, following the rule of law and following the conventions that we have signed. We will take our time and always do it appropriately to ensure that Canadians are protected and members of the chamber can do their work as well.

[Democratic Institutions, May 3rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, that assertion is utterly false and below the dignity of this chamber.

Let me be very clear. Our government has repeatedly stated that we follow the Vienna Convention. If there is any evidence that is brought to our attention that a diplomat is acting outside of the Vienna Convention, we will act upon it because we take the rule of law seriously, and we take the rule of law to the core.

We will continue to fight to ensure that not just members of Parliament are protected, but every Canadian is protected from foreign interference.

[Democratic Institutions, May 1st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment, and this is uncharacteristic of me, to express my outrage at what has happened to the member for Wellington—Halton Hills. It could be any of us in this House who was targeted for actions we have taken. It is an outrage, and we should all express that collectively. The Prime Minister will continue to work for Canadians and for Canadian democracy. We will continue to stand together and make sure that foreign interference will never be tolerated. If a diplomat has broken the Vienna Convention, he or she will be expelled.

[Petitions, April 26th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition initiated by residents of Don Valley West. I want to thank Gilles Fecteau for his leadership on this issue.

This petition calls on the Minister of Natural Resources to direct the Canada Energy Regulator to limit Canadian oil exports by requiring that they do not exceed Canada's current percentage of total world exports and by banning the transfer of licences for domestic consumption to export when Canada's domestic consumption declines.

Protecting the environment is top of mind for many Don Valley West residents and this petition reminds us of the importance of building a clean economy that works for everyone.

[Questions on the Order Paper, April 25th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, Canada expects all foreign representatives to exercise their functions in keeping with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, or VCDR, and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, or VCCR, including respecting applicable Canadian laws and regulations and avoiding interference in internal affairs. The context for a decision to declare a foreign representative persona non grata, under either article 9 of the VCDR or article 23 of the VCCR, varies from case to case, and each decision would be based on specific circumstances. The Vienna conventions provide that the receiving state, which is Canada, does not have to explain its decision to the sending state. In order to protect this prerogative, data with respect to the concerns giving rise to persona non grata declarations cannot be disclosed.

[Foreign Affairs, April 24th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member raises an important question. It took a long time today to get out of the weeds and into a very life-threatening situation. The situation in Sudan is changing by the minute. The minister is in constant conversation with her counterparts around the world.

I want to take a moment to thank our diplomats, who have been courageous and working extremely hard. They have now been removed from the embassy. The embassy is closed. However, they continue to work to support Canada's efforts at both engaging in peace and helping Canadians. If anyone has a Sudanese Canadian friend, please make sure they register with ROCA so that we can help them immediately.

[Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022, April 20th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, with all her concerns about Facebook, is the member aware she is broadcasting this speech today live on her Facebook feed?