Minister of Foreign Affairs appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on Main Estimates 2020-2021

2020-11-24

Scenario note
Standing Committee on foreign affairs and international development
Question Period monitoring
Opening statement
2020-2021 Main Estimates overview
Issues notes

Meeting scenario

Your two-hour appearance before the House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) begins at 3:30 p.m. In addition to Main Estimates, Committee members typically ask questions on a broad range of topics related to your portfolio.
The following officials are accompanying you virtually during the appearance and may be called on to respond to questions:
- Marta Morgan, Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs
- Anick Ouellette, Chief Financial Officer
- Bruce Christie, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy and Negotiations
- Elissa Golberg, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy

Committee membership & interests

You last appeared before FAAE on March 12, 2020 regarding the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2019-2020 and your mandate letter. The membership of FAAE has changed as follows since your last appearance:
- Liberals
  - Sven Spengemann (Chair)
  - New Julie Dabrusin
  - Peter Fonseca
  - Hedy Fry
  - Robert Oliphant
  - Ruby Sahota
- Bloc Québecois
  - Stéphane Bergeron (Critic, Vice Chair)
- NDP
  - Jack Harris (Critic)
- Conservatives
  - New Michael Chong (Critic, Vice Chair)
  - New Garnett Genuis
  - Kerry Diotte
  - New Marty Morantz
Committee members and leaders’ questions during committee meetings and Question Period have focused on the following areas:
- MP Chong – arms exports to Turkey, conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, sanctions on Iran.
- MP Bergeron – France and Islamic terrorism, freedom of expression, relations with China, human rights (Badawi)
- MP Genuis – human rights, , freedom of expression, Canada-China relations, Taiwan, Israel (BDS & antisemitism), persecution of religious minorities, Venezuela, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC)
- MP Harris – arms exports to Turkey, conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, human rights, relations with China (Vice-Chair of CACN)
- MP Diotte – Ukraine, Russian aggression, Crimean Tartars, returning ISIS fighters
- MP Fonseca – international trade, trade agreements, temporary foreign workers.
- MP Fry – human rights, trade agreements and gender equality.
- MP Oliphant – consular cases, rules-based international order
- MP Sahota – public safety and immigration
- MP Morantz – antisemitism and discrimination, Israel, Canadian exports of drone systems to Turkey
- MP Dabrusin – public safety, climate change
- MP Spengemann – diplomacy, peacekeeping, UN, NATO, Iraqi Kurdistan region, Rohingya, Yemen, defence policy, relations with Africa
- PC Leader O’Toole – human rights in China (Uighurs), democracy in Hong Honk, China’s threats towards Canadians living in Hong Kong
- BQ Leader Blanchet – France and Islamic terrorism, including freedom of expression
- NDP Leader Singh – largely silent on GAC issues

Committee work

Since the beginning of the 2^nd session of the 43^rd Parliament, FAAE has held or planned multiple sessions to hear from GAC ministers and officials.
Minister Gould is scheduled to appear on Main Estimates 2020-2021 on November 17.
GAC officials have already appeared on Nagorno-Karabakh and Belarus, and the Committee has passed a motion to hear from GAC officials on Venezuela; no date yet been set for this appearance.
As well, the Committee has passed a motion to study and report on the vulnerabilities created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly in crisis- and conflict-affected situations. No departmental briefings for the Committee have yet been scheduled related to this motion.
On October 29^th, the Committee passed a motion brought forward by MP Jack Harris to study the granting of arms exports permits and the controls, protocols and policies that inform the granting of such permits and the imposition of export freezes including Canada’s freeze of arms exports to Turkey. The study will begin with GAC officials appearing before the Committee on December 8, 2020 (TBC). As part of the motion, GAC has been ordered, within 60 days, to produce papers on arms export permits permits (including all documents, briefing notes, memos and emails) between the Department and your office, PMO and PCO from October 2019 to October 28, 2020.
During the 1^st session of the 43^rd Parliament, FAAE met twice and did not table any report.
During your March 12, 2020, appearance on Supplementary Estimates B, members asked you a broad range of questions, including on Canada’s response to COVID-19, China, India, Israel, export permits, cultural diplomacy, trade negotiations with MERCOSUR, the UNSC campaign and Canada’s feminist foreign policy

Remarks

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, November 19, 2020

Introduction

Mr. Chair, Committee members, thank you for this invitation to appear before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
My last appearance before the Committee was on March 12, the day after the WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the virus has aggravated international instability and amplified trends towards a fragmented global order.
This virus is also the cause of the largest repatriation of Canadians in postwar Canadian history, and it has made text messaging and Zoom the new tools of diplomacy.
It is in this context that I continue to work alongside the extraordinary men and women of Global Affairs Canada to implement a dynamic and responsive foreign policy, which shapes the continuously evolving international landscape, and through which we will convey the values and interests of Canadians first and foremost.

PS752

The last time I appeared before this committee, Flight PS 752 had been downed only two months prior.
Since that time, our commitment to supporting the families of victims of the PS752 tragedy has not wavered.
We continue to work with the International Coordination Group which Canada founded and includes the UK, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan. Through this group we are pushing for transparency, justice, accountability and reparations for families.

China – consular cases

The Members should know that I will be appearing tomorrow at the Canada-China relations committee but I feel it is important to speak to several issues pertaining to China here as well.
We remain deeply concerned by China’s arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and the arbitrary sentencing of Robert Schellenberg.
We continue to call for the immediate release of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor, and for clemency for Mr. Schellenberg, as we do for all Canadians facing the death penalty. This is a top priority.
After almost 9 months, we recently secured virtual consular access to Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. Since October, Ambassador Barton has on two occasions led virtual visits to personally confirm the health and wellbeing of these two Canadians while they remain unjustly detained; this is a very important development. We continue to work very hard to secure their release.

China – Uyghurs

I am also concerned about reports of gross human rights violations in Xinjiang, China. These violations target Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities on the basis of their religion and ethnicity under the pretext of counter-extremism measures.
We are consistently calling on the Chinese government to put an end to this repression, and I have raised this matter directly with my Chinese counterpart, most recently in Rome at the start of this year.
We have also asked the Chinese government to grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Procedures unfettered access to Xinjiang for a meaningful visit. This is something I have raised directly with Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Hong Kong

Regarding Hong Kong, Canada is on the frontlines of the international response.
We were the first to suspend our extradition treaty with Hong Kong. We announced a series of other measures in response to China’s imposition of the national security law on Hong Kong. In addition to the provisions on extradition, we announced export control measures and updated travel advice for the region.
Committee members will have also noted the measures announced by Minister Mendicino last week.

Belarus

Shifting our focus to eastern Europe: Canada has rejected the results of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus and is calling for free and fair elections.
We are working with partners to ensure Belarusians’ voices are heard and accountability for those who are undermining democracy and committing violence.
Over the last month, we have imposed three sets of sanctions against government officials of Belarus. We are working with the U.K. and the E.U. on this. The aim is to maintain international pressure on the Government of Belarus to find a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis.
On a personal note, I want to say how inspired I have been by the leadership and resolve shown by somebody who I now consider to be a great friend – Opposition Leader Svetalana Tikhanovskaya. She has shown tremendous courage in the face of repression. Her fight for her peoples’ rights and freedoms is something that I have been proud to support, as I know all members of this committee, and all Canadians, are as well.

Nagorno-Karabakh

With respect to Nagorno-Karabakh, there have been large-scale military manoeuvres in the region over recent months, which has deeply concerned us. We have repeatedly asked for an immediate end to fighting, compliance with the signed ceasefire agreements and the protection of civilians.
Two weeks ago, I raised this matter directly with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Canada is aligned with its allies’ position in recognizing that a comprehensive resolution of this conflict can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement. We support the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, and—while we are taking note of the recent ceasefire and Russia’s involvement—we will continue to play an active role through the OSCE to work towards a sustainable and long-term resolution.

Export permits (Nagorno-Karabakh)

I know that this committee has received a briefing from my department’s officials on the region and on export permits, and intends to further study export permits to Turkey.
As you know, we have suspended a number of export permits to Turkey following the allegations that Canadian technology is being used in Nagorno-Karabakh. This allows us time to assess the situation and consult experts.
The export permits have been suspended in line with Canada’s robust export control regime.
We will continue to carefully scrutinize export permits to ensure they are consistent with our legal obligations and the protection of human rights and international humanitarian laws.

Conclusion

Allow me to conclude on one of the most important lessons taken from the COVID-19 crisis and by specifying that the situation is close to our hearts at Global Affairs.
The pandemic reminds us that we are all in the same boat.
This is particularly true when it comes to the fight against the virus: we will only recover once everyone recovers. However, this also applies to the complex and interrelated challenges that face the world today.
With this in mind, we are playing a creative and constructive role in shaping the continuously evolving world order. And in this, we are guided by the values and interests of Canadians.
Thank you.

Afghanistan

Canada welcomes peace negotiations between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban. We recognize that this is a historic, yet fragile opportunity for peace.
Canada believes that a ‘conditions-based’ withdrawal of U.S. and Coalition forces is the most prudent approach to managing this transition with the Afghan government.
Canada remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and Afghan government. We are focused on ensuring that hard fought gains of the last 19 years are not lost, and that Afghanistan does not, once again, become a safe-haven for terrorism. We will track developments closely and our future commitments will be calibrated accordingly.

Supplementary messages

Canada is deeply concerned about the troubling increase in levels of violence witnessed in Afghanistan in recent months.
Canada has urged the Taliban to cease hostilities and negotiate in good faith, and, with other donors, called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to permit the ongoing provision of safe assistance to those in need.
Canada recognizes the fragility of the peace process but remains committed to supporting the negotiations in Doha as they represent the best opportunity for the two sides to achieve peace in nearly two decades.
Canada has encouraged the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to include women, youth and minorities meaningfully in all aspects of the peace process. An inclusive process is much more likely to lead to durable peace.

Update

On September 12, 2020, the long-awaited Afghan Peace Negotiations began in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government and the Taliban meeting formally for the first time in nearly two decades of war. So far, discussions have been focused on establishing the rules of procedure and the agenda for the negotiations.

Supporting facts and figures

Forty thousand Canadians served as part of the NATO mission from 2001 to 2014. 158 Canadian Forces members and one Canadian diplomat died during the intervention.
US has reduced its troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 in February to approximately 4,500 by 1 November. NATO has also reduced its troops in a commensurate fashion. Any further withdrawal will be conditions-based.
Canada has contributed an additional $1.6M to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) to help respond to COVID-19; this funding is in addition to $14M allocated to respond to humanitarian needs in Afghanistan in 2020.
Canada is among the top ten donors and continues to support stabilization, development, and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, providing a total of $3.6 billion in international assistance since 2001.

Africa relations

Canada is keen to deepen our partnership with this diverse and dynamic continent for the mutual benefit of Africans and Canadians alike. This was the key message of the visit of Prime Minister Trudeau and his Ministerial and business delegation in February 2020.
Canada remains committed to working with our African partners on shared global challenges, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing gender equality, enhancing the effectiveness of peace operations and tackling the challenges of climate change.
Africa has significant economic potential. We know that trade and investment builds vibrant economies and diversifies growth. In the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Canada is committed to deepening commercial relations with the continent, especially in this crucial post COVID period.

Supplementary messages

The continent entered 2020 with optimistic economic prospects including boasting 6 of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world. Post-COVID, Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to suffer its worst economic contraction on record with the potential to push 27 million people into extreme poverty and to lose 20 million jobs - potentially setting back decades of progress.

Update

Canada has strongly supported measures to provide system-wide relief to the poorest countries making an additional $1 billion available for IMF loans related to COVID19 and supporting the G20 initiative to suspend debt service payment. Canada has announced some $1.1 billion in direct support to the global response. This includes $6 million responding to calls for support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Affairs Canada regularly reviews all planned bilateral cooperation across Africa (valued at almost $700 million annually) to maximize our contribution to COVID-19 responses.

Supporting facts and figures

While still at risk, the number COVID-19 cases in Africa has since stabilized.
Mortality rates and the proportion of severe cases have been low compared to elsewhere in the world. World Health Organization says the virus is taking a “different pathway” in Africa.
Still the continent is facing severe economic hardship in the face of the pandemic. IMF estimates real GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will contract by -1.6% in 2020 representing the worst contraction on record for the region.
Canada has a diplomatic presence in 23 African countries, maintains 18 bilateral development programs and a regional development program. Prime Minister Trudeau led a Ministerial and business delegation to Africa in February 2020.
In 2018-19, Canada provided over $2.5 billion in international assistance to Africa making it the largest regional recipient of Canadian international assistance.
Canada has committed to increase the share of bilateral international assistance provided to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to 50 per cent by 2021-2022.
In 2019, Canada had $9.7 billion in two-way merchandise trade with Africa and $5.8 billion with Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018-19, Global Affairs Canada provided $81.8 million in Peace and Security programming to Africa, of which $76 million was allocated to SSA.

Arctic sovereignty

Canada’s Arctic sovereignty is longstanding and well established.
The waters of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, including the “Northwest Passage”, are internal waters of Canada by virtue of historic title.
Everyday, through a wide range of activities, governments, Indigenous peoples and local communities all exercise Canada’s enduring sovereignty over its Arctic lands and waters.

Supplementary messages

Canada welcomes navigation in its Arctic waters provided that vessels comply with Canadian rules on, among others, safety, security and the protection of the environment.
Existing boundary disputes with Denmark and the U.S. are well managed and will be resolved in due course in accordance with international law.
Canada’s differences with the U.S. on the status of the Northwest Passage are well managed, including through the 1988 Arctic Cooperation Agreement.
Canada filed its continental shelf submission for the Arctic Ocean in May 2019. Canada’s continental shelf submission spans 1.2 million km²of seabed and subsoil in the Arctic Ocean and includes the North Pole. Overlaps with the submissions of neighbouring states are a normal part of the process and will be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law.

Background

No one disputes Canada’s sovereignty over the lands and islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with the exception of tiny Hans Island. Ongoing negotiations are taking place with Denmark to reach agreement on the dispute over the sovereignty of Hans Island, and the delimitation of the Labrador Sea continental shelf boundary.

The waters of the archipelago, including the waters commonly referred to as the “Northwest Passage,” are internal waters of Canada by virtue of historic title, and thus Canada has full sovereignty over them. For greater clarity, in 1986 Canada drew straight baselines around the archipelago.

The U.S. disagrees with Canada’s characterization of the Northwest Passage as internal waters and considers the passage to be a strait used for internal navigation, in which a right of transit passage exists. This disagreement is well managed, including through the Arctic Cooperation Agreement, under which the U.S. has committed to seek, and expects Canada to grant, consent to voyages by U.S. icebreakers through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Also, the dispute with the U.S. regarding the maritime boundary between our two countries in the Beaufort Sea continues to be well managed and will be resolved in due course, in accordance with international law.

Under international law, Canada has exclusive sovereign rights over resources of the seabed and subsoil of its continental shelf. Canada’s continental shelf, located beyond the limits of its Territorial Sea, goes to and may extend beyond 200 nautical miles from its coast. Filing a continental shelf submission with the UN is the first step in the process that will clarify the outer limits of this shelf, when located beyond 200nm.

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Belarus

Canada is committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Coordinated sanctions with the U.K., EU and U.S. reinforce our assertion that violence and acts that undermine democracy will not be tolerated.
Canada continues to actively engage with all partners to find a way toward positive change in Belarus, including advocacy efforts on human rights and ending violence by the authorities, support for dialogue and mediation, and funding to civil society.

Supplementary messages

Canada continues to condemn the ongoing allegations of gross and systematic human rights violations throughout Belarus and is deeply concerned by the targeted violence against peaceful protestors, opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders. Canada also condemns attacks on freedom of speech, including internet shutdowns.
Canada believes Alexander Lukashenko, who continues to show disdain for the people’s will, lacks the legitimacy to lead Belarus.
Genuine and inclusive dialogue between true representatives of the opposition and the authorities is needed; Canada supports dialogue facilitation through the OSCE.

Updates

Protests against the Lukashenko regime continue in Belarus. The Interior Ministry has threatened to use lethal weapons against peaceful protestors, many of whom continue to be arbitrarily detained by the police. On October 25, police arrested over 500 people during anti-government demonstrations, which saw hundreds of thousands take to the streets in Minsk and across Belarus. Social media channels broadcasted videos of police brutality, which included the use of rubber bullets and stun grenades against protestors. Private businesses, students and some workers from state-run factories have begun to strike following Lukashenko’s refusal to step down by October 26, per Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s ultimatum.

Supporting facts and figures

Minister Champagne met with the Baltic Foreign Ministers and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius to reinforce support to the people of Belarus and to explore additional measures to increase pressure on the Lukashenko regime.
Canada invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism with 16 other states to investigate allegations of human rights violations in Belarus via a selected expert.
Canada has issued 9 statements to date, including through the Media Freedom Coalition Executive Group (Canada and U.K.-led) and a joint one on internet shutdowns (Canada-led).
Canada announced $600,000 in funding to support civil society in Belarus, with a focus on independent media and women.
42 Belarusian officials – including Alexander Lukashenko and his son – have been sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures Act for gross and systematic human rights violations.
Canada continues to advocate for mediation through the OSCE, to be led by Albania and Sweden.
Canadian advocacy on human rights continue at OSCE and UN bodies.

Brexit

Canada encourages the U.K. and EU to agree to the terms of their future relationship so that all stakeholders have as much certainty as possible prior to the end of the transition period.
Canada accepts that it will interpret its agreements with the EU to include the U.K. during the transition period.
Any future Canada-U.K. trade agreement should best reflect our bilateral relationship and must take into account the future U.K.-EU trade relationship, as well as any U.K. internal measures.

Supplementary messages

Canada looks forward to maintaining and growing our relationships with both the U.K. and the EU.
To ensure undisrupted continuity of its relations with the U.K., Canada has transitioned certain Canada-EU agreements into Canada-U.K. instruments.

Background

The U.K. ceased to be a Member State of the EU as of February 1, 2020, and is no longer represented in the EU institutions. However, during the Brexit transition period which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020, the U.K. remains bound by the entire body of EU law and continues to access the benefits of EU membership.

Canada has agreed to continue treating the U.K. as an EU Member during the transition period in terms of its agreements with the EU. Key agreements such as the CETA, the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, and the Air Transport Agreement will continue to cover our relationship with the U.K. in those areas until the end of the transition period. Following the transition period, however, Canada-EU agreements will cease to apply to the U.K. New instruments between Canada and the U.K. will replace certain key Canada-EU agreements. Since 2017, line departments and agencies of the Government of Canada have been discussing such instruments with their U.K. counterparts in the event of a no-deal Brexit and, for the most part, have new instruments ready to enter into force at the end of the transition period.

U.K. Global Tariff (UKGT) and possible implication for Canadian exporters

On May 19, 2020, the U.K. published its Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) applied tariff schedule (UKGT) that it intends to apply when the Brexit transition period ends and the U.K. leaves the EU single market, as soon as January 1, 2021. As published, and in the absence of an extension of the Brexit transition period or a bilateral preferential trade agreement, Canadian exporters would be subject to the UKGT. Compared to EU MFN applied tariff rates (i.e. “pre-CETA” rates), which the U.K. currently applies, the UKGT is more liberal. Under the UKGT, 94.6% of average Canadian exports from 2017-2019 would enter the U.K. MFN duty-free. However, gold exports (duty-free) account for 64% (or $12.4 billion of $19.2 billion) of average Canadian exports. Removing gold from trade totals, the percentage of Canadian exports that would enter the UK duty-free decreases to approximately 84%. During the Brexit transition period, the CETA continues to apply to the U.K. Beyond transition, discussion on any potential Canada-U.K. agreement should reflect our bilateral relationship and take into account the future EU-U.K. trade relationship, as well as any unilateral U.K. approaches.

China consular cases

Canada remains deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention/arrest of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor and the arbitrary sentencing of Robert Schellenberg.
Canada calls for the immediate release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor and clemency for all Canadians facing the death penalty.
Canada opposes the death penalty in all cases. We have raised our firm position on this issue with China and will continue to do so.
Due to the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.

Supplementary messages

Canada is deeply concerned by the detention of Mr. Huseyincan Celil and we continue to raise this case at senior levels.
We continue to call upon the Chinese government to give Canadian officials consular access in order to determine Mr. Celil's well-being.
Due to provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.

Update

In October 2020, Canadian officials had virtual consular access to Mr. Kovrig, Mr. Spavor and Mr. Schellenberg. This was their first consular visit since January 2020. Canada continues to seek access to all Canadians detained in China.

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Erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy

The Central Government’s direct imposition of national security legislation on Hong Kong, without the engagement of its own institutions as provided for under the Basic Law, undermines the confidence of the people of Hong Kong, as well as of the international community, in the integrity of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
This action and subsequent moves overruling the legislative and judicial systems in Hong Kong threaten protection of rights and freedoms and exacerbate rather than reduce the existing deep divisions in Hong Kong society.
Canada is assessing the impact on the legitimacy of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and its relationship with Hong Kong and the PRC.

Supplementary messages

Canada has raised its deep concern with Chinese authorities regarding China’s imposition and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.
Canada continues to examine existing arrangements with Hong Kong and other measures in response to the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the rights and freedoms of its people.
Canada, Australia and the UK issued a joint statement on May 22, another statement was issued with the US, the UK and Australia on May 28. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging the Government of China to reconsider its decision.
On July 3, Canada announced a series of measures in response to the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, including export control measures, the suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and an update on the travel advice for the SAR.
On November 12, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino announced a new immigration initiative that will offer a new open work permit and pathways to permanent residency for students and youth from Hong Kong.
On November 11, Canada condemned China’s decision to remove democratically-elected legislators in Hong Kong. This action was followed by a joint statement involving Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States on November 18, reiterating serious concern over China’s imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong.
Canada urges all sides involved in the current crisis to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence and to engage in peaceful and inclusive dialogue.
Canada continues to support the right of peaceful protest and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and freedoms under the Basic Law and the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.

Update

On June 30, 2020, the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China approved and signed into law a bill that imposes national security legislation (NSL) on Hong Kong in a process circumventing the legislative channels of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The legislation criminalizes a wider range of politically-related activities and greatly shrinks the range of freedoms Hong Kong residents have traditionally enjoyed, notably those related to freedom of association and expression. Beijing’s unilateral act follows months of civil unrest in the territory and takes advantage of the focus on combatting Covid-19 and limits on assembly. On May 22, Canada, the UK and Australia released a joint statement to express common concerns. On May 28, Canada, the US, UK and Australia released another statement, reiterating those concerns, followed by a joint statement with the G7 and the EU on June 17. On June 30, Canada joined 27 other countries in releasing a statement expressing our ongoing concerns with the National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong at the UN Human Rights Committee’s 44th session. On July 3, Canada announced a series of measures in response to the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, including export control measures, the suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and an update on the travel advice for the SAR. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged ongoing evaluation of the implications of the law and further responses, including measures around immigration.

On July 31, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that she would invoke emergency powers to postpone legislative elections for one year, saying that such measures were necessary in response to a recent rise in COVID-19 infections. On August 9, Canada jointly released a statement of concern alongside the rest of the Five Eyes countries, calling on Hong Kong to reconsider its decision to postpone elections. Most recently, on November 11, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee imposed new rules that resulted in the disqualification of “unpatriotic” opposition lawmakers, which prompted the entire pan-democratic caucus to resign in protest. In response, Minister François-Philippe Champagne released a statement condemning this latest assault on Hong Kong’s high degree of freedoms, and followed up with a joint statement involving Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States on November 18 reiterating serious concerns over this latest escalation.

There are continuing calls, both from Parliament and among civil society groups, for Canada to take more decisive measures, including imposing “Magnitsky” sanctions against officials responsible for rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Supporting facts and figures

An estimated 300,000 Canadians are living in Hong Kong and Canada has a significant business presence in the Special Administrative Region.
Hong Kong is a major investment partner for Canada, acting as both a source of investment and as a hub mediating investment flows from third party countries (most notably China).
In 2019, Hong Kong ranked as Canada’s tenth largest market for merchandise exports ($4.2 billion). Canada’s services exports to Hong Kong totalled $1.8 billion, and services imports totalled $5.3 billion.
Multilaterally, Canada and HK cooperate in international organizations, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Canada’s recommendation in the Human Rights Council’s 2018 Universal Periodic Review of China was “Ensure the right of the Hong Kong people to take part in government, without distinction of any kind”, which was accepted by China.

Human rights and freedom of religion in China

While China’s economic growth has led to overall improvements in the standard of living, there continues to be a worrying decline in civil and political rights, including in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. Freedom of religion or belief is also challenged. Arbitrary detention/sentencing, including as a political and diplomatic tool, presents particular risks for Chinese and foreign citizens alike.
Canada is deeply concerned about the ongoing repression of human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, academics, activists, ethnic minorities, religious minorities and vulnerable groups, including women and girls, and LGBTI community members.
Publicly and privately, as well as in bilateral and multilateral fora, we continue to call on Chinese authorities to uphold international human rights obligations.

Supplementary messages

Canada is alarmed by the mass detention, repressive surveillance, separation of children from parents, by Chinese authorities under the pretext of countering extremism, affecting Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang.

Update

Canada continues to raise human rights concerns as a priority in its engagement with China, however, the situation continues to worsen. Canada was among 39 countries that signed on to a joint statement on Xinjiang and Hong Kong during the U.N. General Assembly’s Third Committee in New York on October 6, 2020. Key issues of concern remain the human rights situations in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.

Supporting facts and figures

In a statement on June 26, 2020, 50 UN experts called for decisive measures to protect fundamental freedoms in China. They called for renewed attention on the human rights situation in the country, particularly “in light of the moves against the people of the Hong Kong SAR, minorities of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, the Tibet Autonomous Region, and human rights defenders across the country.”
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) raised its concerns over the human rights situation in Xinjiang in August 2018. Canada has made and joined several statements on Xinjiang at the UN. Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Champagne have spoken out in support of the human rights of Uyghurs.
In a 2016 study of religious restrictions by the Pew Research Centre (most recent data available), the Chinese government was found to be the most restrictive toward religious groups among all the 198 countries in the study. Freedom House’s 2020 Freedom in the World Report ranked China as ‘not free’ with a score of 10/100. The same report ranked Tibet at 1/100.
Additional human rights concerns have arisen from the Chinese authorities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the increased use of digital surveillance, censorship, media control, and a crackdown on freedom of speech, especially on criticism on the government’s handling of the outbreak.
In the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, China ranks 177 out of 180 countries.
Canada discusses issues routinely with Chinese officials and works closely with like-minded, including in multilateral fora to address human rights issues.

Meng Wanzhou arrest and U.S. extradition request

Canada is a rule of law country with an independent judiciary. There was no political interference in the arrest of Ms. Meng Wanzhou, nor in the decision to issue an Authority to Proceed.
Extradition in Canada is conducted in conformity with the Extradition Act, our extradition treaties and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Ms. Meng was fairly treated during her arrest in December 2018 and is currently afforded a fair process before the courts, represented by her own counsel.

Supplementary messages

Canada respects its international legal commitments, including by honouring its extradition treaty with the United States.
The rule of law is fundamental to all free societies; we will defend and uphold this principle and will not compromise or politicize the rule of law and due process.
Canada is grateful to those who have spoken in support of the rule of law as fundamental to free societies.

Update

The judicial phase of Ms. Meng’s extradition proceedings is currently underway. The dual criminality hearing is complete. The abuse of process hearing is expected to begin in February 2021. Other hearings under this phase are ongoing. The next hearing, scheduled for October 26-30, 2020, will be witness testimony of CBSA and RCMP officers involved in the arrest of Ms. Meng.

Background

Ms. Meng’s extradition proceedings are currently in the judicial phase. During this phase, the BC Supreme Court has dismissed Ms. Meng’s argument that dual criminality (for Canada to extradite an individual, the foreign charges must amount to a criminal offence in Canada) does not apply to her extradition case.

The extradition process will therefore proceed. This includes a hearing on a defence motion regarding abuse of process, and a committal hearing. Both are expected to take place in 2021. From the day of her arrest, Ms. Meng has had full access to Chinese consular assistance as well as her lawyers.

Canadian agricultural exports to China

The Government of Canada continues to work in close consultation with affected industry stakeholders and is pursuing various channels to address canola market access issues, including through technical discussions with China and WTO consultations.
The Government is closely monitoring economic developments related to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the impact on Canada’s agriculture exports to China.
Canada and other trading partners have concerns about the trade impact of China’s COVID-19 measures on imports of food products

Supplementary messages

Canola

Canada is committed to working with China to find an expeditious solution that fully restores market access for Canadian canola seed.
Canada requested WTO consultations related to China’s restrictive import measures on Canadian canola seed, which took place on October 28, 2019.
Canada and China also held a face-to-face technical discussions in Beijing December 18-20, 2019, regarding China’s canola seed quarantine and inspection methodology.

China-COVID-19 import measure on food products

China’s imposition of COVID-19 measures on imports of food products is one of the Government’s top market access priorities with both bilateral and multilateral efforts underway to manage the issue.

Supporting facts and figures

In the first eight months of 2020 (Jan-Aug), Canada’s exports to China increased 2.4 percent versus 2019, partly driven by increasing agri-foods exports.
There were strong increases (versus 2019) in exports of: pork - up 151.5%; wheat - up 89.0%; and peas, up 29.8%.
China was Canada’s second largest canola export market after the United States in 2019. For Jan-Aug 2020 the combined value of Canada’s exports of canola seed, oil and oilcake to China was up 28.9% versus 2019, to $1.9 billion.

Background

Canola: In March 2019, China suspended canola seed shipments from two major Canadian exporters, Richardson and Viterra, and increased inspection of all Canadian canola seed exports to China, citing alleged discovery of pests. Canada has investigated the concerns raised and concluded that the Canadian shipments met China’s import requirements. Canada has repeatedly requested scientific evidence from China to support its findings to no avail.

Given the limited progress made through bilateral engagement, on September 9, 2019, Canada requested formal consultations at the WTO; consultations took place on October 28, 2019. During the consultations, Canada requested a face-to-face technical meeting to discuss China’s canola seed quarantine and inspection methodology. This meeting took place in December 16 – 20, 2019, in Beijing. Further technical discussions were planned for early 2020, but have since halted due to travel restrictions. Canada sent China a revised investigation report June 2020 and is waiting for China’s reaction to the report.

Canada is assessing next steps, including whether to request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel to adjudicate the dispute. Although Canada’s canola seed exports to China decreased by 70% (to $852.9 million in 2019, from $2.8 billion in 2018), Canadian canola seed exports from January to September 2020 have increased by 52.08% compared to the same period in 2019. The Government has created a working group comprised of industry and officials from AAFC, CFIA, GAC, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to discuss opinions for regaining market access and market diversification.

China/COVID: Since mid-June, 2020, China has imposed a series of COVID-19 related import measures on food products (affecting mainly meat, fish and seafood) from trading partners based on alleged concerns that food or food packaging may be a source or route of transmission of the virus. China’s measures have included testing of imported food products and suspension of imports from establishments where there have been outbreaks of COVID-19 among workers. Canada’s position, shared by other trading partners, is that there is no evidence that food or food packaging is a likely source or route of transmission or route of transmission of the COVID 19.

The U.S.-China “Phase One” Trade Agreement that entered into force February 14, 2020 requires China to purchase an additional US$200 billion of U.S. goods and services in 2020 and 2021 over 2017 levels. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, so far in 2020 China has purchased 71% (US$23.6 billion) of its “Phase One” target for agricultural products (US$33.4 billion). Given the current wide-ranging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to measure the impact that “Phase One” purchases are having on Canada’s agricultural and agri-food industry.

Regional maritime tensions

Canada remains concerned by tensions associated with territorial and maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas, including recently off the coast of Vietnam and Indonesia.
Canada opposes unilateral actions that escalate tensions and undermine stability and the rules-based international order, such as the threat or use of force, large-scale land reclamation and building of outposts on disputed features.

Supplementary messages

Since 2016, Canada and its G7 partners have consistently expressed their opposition to unilateral actions that escalate regional tensions and undermine regional stability in the South and East China Seas.
Canada generally does not take positions with respect to foreign maritime disputes. However, we have spoken on the issue in multilateral forums and supported language in negotiated G7 statements that emphasize the importance of respecting the international rules-based order, most recently at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in April 2019.
Canada supports lawful commerce, and the exercise of navigation and overflight rights in accordance with international law, including respect for the rights and jurisdiction of coastal States, in the South China Sea. Canada stands ready to contribute to initiatives that build confidence and help restore trust in the region.
We urge all parties to live up to previous commitments, including those made in the 2002 Declaration of Conduct for the Parties in the South China Sea and to demilitarize disputed features.

Update

In recent months China has established new administrative districts to cover two disputed island chains in the SCS, shadowed a Malaysian vessel undertaking natural resource exploration in waters that are claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam and China, and reportedly sank a Vietnamese fishing boat. Regional tensions have heightened as several ASEAN countries as well as Australia and the U.S. have publically criticized recent Chinese actions.

In recent years, Beijing has pursued a more assertive policy to defend its claims in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) through persistent entries by Chinese coast guard and militia fishing vessels in disputed waters, including off the coasts of Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam. Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated concurrently, as the U.S. has increased the frequency of its “Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONOPs) to challenge China’s claims. In July of 2020 the U.S. announced a more forward leaning policy towards maritime claims in the SCS, which includes a rejection of any Chinese claim to waters beyond a 12-nautical mile territorial sea derived from land features it claims in the Spratly Islands. In September, 2020, the U.K., France and Germany submitted essentially identical note verbales to the United Nations challenging the legality of China’s maritime claims in the SCS, that are not consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Supporting facts and figures

With over $5 trillion of the world's trade passing through the SCS annually, the disputes are threatening regional stability and security, with the potential to disrupt the global economy. The SCS is also rich in fish stocks and oil and gas reserves, fueling competition over fishing rights and offshore energy exploration.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Canada has not taken a position on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Canada calls on China to address the concerns raised by the international community around transparency, governance and financial sustainability in future BRI projects.
We support opportunities for Canadian companies to engage in global infrastructure initiatives that seek quality and professionalism, all while respecting international standards on transparency and governance.

Supplementary messages

In the context of COVID-19, some already heavily-indebted BRI countries are facing even further economic challenges. Canada is closely monitoring the situation.

Update

According to Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China’s investment in 54 BRI countries increased by 31.5% between January and August 2020. Nevertheless, construction projects went down 6.2% in 61 BRI countries in the same period. China proposed the revival of a “Health Silk Road” to deal with global health issues such as COVID-19.

Supporting facts and figures

The BRI was codified into the Constitution of the Communist Party of China following the 19th Party Congress in October 2017. This strategy will influence China's economic planning, overseas investment and foreign policy for years.
According to China's National Development and Reform Commission, as of May 2020, 138 countries and 30 international organizations have signed 200 cooperation agreements under the BRI, the aggregated trade with BRI countries has surpassed US$6 trillion and 244,000 new jobs have been created for the participating BRI countries.
So far, Canada's official engagement regarding the BRI is limited to the inaugural meeting of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in May 2017 in Beijing, where Canada was represented by Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.
The second BRF was held April 25-27, 2019 in Beijing. Thirty-six Heads of Government or Heads of State reportedly participated. The Government of Canada was not invited to participate.

Background

In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced a pair of new development and trade initiatives for China and the surrounding regions later known as BRI. The reaction to the BRI has been mixed. While recipient countries generally welcome funding from China for much needed infrastructure build-out, there are questions about China’s geopolitical motives, concerns over whether BRI projects are economically and financially sound, whether China is practicing “debt trap diplomacy”, and whether BRI projects conform to global standards on environmental protection and labour.

Procurement of physical security equipment (Nuctech)

A standing offer for x-ray equipment was awarded to Nuctech by Public Services and Procurement Canada in July 2020. Global Affairs Canada has not and will not use the Nuctech standing offer.
Deloitte was contracted to conduct an independent review of the procurement process for security equipment and the Nuctech Standing Offer. The review confirms opportunities for improvements. Our revised procurement approach will include consultations with security experts and creating a National Security Exception to limit solicitations to trusted suppliers with the required security clearances.
Our current priority is to establish an interim procurement instrument that will allow GAC to procure for X-Ray machines for urgent needs while a new Standing Offer, aligned with GAC’s current security posture, is established with the assistance of PSPC.

Supplementary messages

Global Affairs Canada is developing a go-forward procurement approach that will include: creating a National Security Exemption for security equipment which could include armoured vehicles, personal protective equipment, chancery electronic security system, personal safety radio network, chancery site plan, CCTV, detection, minor security equipment, lockshop equipment, physical security infrastructure; and global positioning systems that will enable Global Affairs Canada to limit solicitations to trusted suppliers; applying the recommendations from the July 2020 threat and risk assessment to create and vet a list of trusted suppliers; and carefully managing the publication of information related to security equipment procurements.
Collaboration is underway with Public Services and Procurement Canada and stakeholders on our go forward approach. An aggressive procurement timeline, which is dependent on establishing a National Security Exemption currently under development in consultation with Public Services and Procurement Canada, Public Safety Canada and the Communications Security Establishment of Canada, could result in a new standing offer for x-ray machines within a 12-month timeline. Ad hoc purchases, also aligned with our go forward approach, required in cases where x-ray machines have become obsolete, are unrepairable or there is an imminent need could be completed within a few months.

CanSino vaccine

The shipment to Canada of CanSino vaccine candidate seeds intended for Phase 1 clinical trials has not been approved by Chinese authorities.
There are no indications that Chinese authorities intend at this stage to grant approval for joint clinical trials with Canada.
Due to the delay, the National Research Council is currently focusing on other partners and COVID-19 priorities.

Supplementary messages

Health Canada is tracking all potential COVID-19 vaccines in development, including CanSino’s, and working closely with domestic and international partners to ensure an effective vaccine is made available to Canadians quickly.
Embassy officials continue to monitor this issue and engage with Chinese counterparts as part of the global effort to combat COVID-19.

Update

Despite the department’s sustained advocacy efforts with Chinese interlocutors to secure the release of the CanSino vaccine candidate shipment, Chinese authorities have not granted the necessary approval. There are no indications that Chinese authorities intend at this stage to grant approval for joint clinical trials with Canada.

In mid-July 2020, when exports of Chinese vaccine candidates to countries other than Canada were first approved, the Embassy in Beijing and the National Research Council (NRC) agreed that all possible efforts to secure approval had been made. The NRC announced publicly on August 25, 2020, that it would move on to focus on partners other than CanSino.

Embassy officials continue to monitor this issue and engage with Chinese counterparts, including CanSino, as part of the global effort to combat COVID-19.

Background

Under its collaboration agreement with CanSino, the NRC intended to conduct Phase 1 clinical trials of CanSino’s vaccine candidate in Canada. The shipment of vaccine candidate seeds necessary to begin the trials was originally scheduled to depart China on May 20, 2020, however Chinese Customs rejected the shipment, citing an issue with the format of the approval letter. Thereafter, the department liaised with multiple Chinese ministries to determine what additional approvals would be required, and coordinated advocacy efforts on behalf of NRC, Health Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development to relevant Chinese counterparts in support of the shipment’s release.

During this period, the Chinese authorities had not authorized the export of Chinese vaccine candidates to any other country outside China. In mid-July 2020, when exports to countries other than Canada were first approved, the department provided its assessment that all possible efforts to secure release of the shipment had been made, with no indication that the Chinese government would approve the shipment to Canada. NRC announced its decision to focus on other partners shortly thereafter.

Consular cases

We are closely monitoring developments in this case.
Canada is providing consular assistance to individual and the family.
Due to the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.

Supplementary messages

Clemency - Canadians facing the death penalty abroad

Canada opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases, everywhere.
Canada abolished the death penalty, and we encourage the abolition of the death penalty internationally.
Canada will undertake clemency intervention in all cases of Canadians facing the death penalty in foreign jurisdictions.
In the interests of the individuals involved, the Government of Canada cannot comment or provide details on any specific case.

Consular assistance for Canadian children and families

Canada provides consular assistance to Canadian children and families in situations of distress and vulnerability.

COVID-related costs

Global Affairs Canada provides consular assistance – help, support and advice to Canadians abroad – through 260 points of service in 150 countries. It also operates an Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa where officials are available to respond to inquiries 24/7.
Over the course of this operation, GAC spent an estimated $40.7M over two fiscal years for flight facilitation costs to airlines and travel companies.
As of August 31^st, 4,748 loans totalling $17.82 million have been allocated through the COVID-19 Emergency Loan program.

Update

The flight facilitation costs include a variety of expenses ranging from underwriting seats on flights, costs of ticketing agencies and of domestic fees, or ground travel arrangements (this can include feeder flights and other modes of transportation organized to bring Canadians to departure cities for their commercial flight to Canada).

Supporting facts and figures

$15.8M was allocated to GAC in 2019-20 and $16M in 2020-21 for flight facilitation costs.
As of October 1^st, 2020 the total expenditure of the Assisted Flights Program, without any reimbursement, is evaluated at $40.7M for 2019-20 and 2020-21.
- This includes a variety of expenses, ranging from underwriting seats on flights, paying the costs of ticketing agencies, as well as various other fees, including costs of travel arrangements in foreign countries.
- This also include feeder flights or other modes of transportation (e.g. buses) organized to bring stranded Canadians from various locations to departure cities for their repatriation flight to Canada.
- Expected reimbursements from Credit Card Transactions and Travel Agencies are estimated at approximately $24M. These reimbursements are credited directly to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Reimbursement from Covid-19 Loan will only be known once reconciliation of all flights are completed by GAC. This will also determine the overall cost of the Assisted Flights Program.
Indirect Costs: As of October 1, 2020, GAC had incurred $4.1M in indirect costs for repatriation. These indirect costs include; $2.12M in overtime for the Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC) and 569K for the C-19 Loan Program; $333K in other costs for the EWRC (hospitality, translation, additional cleaning costs and supplies); $307K in Travel costs for the Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT); $ 170,138.01 in contract with Red Cross for repatriation support in Japan; and $590,319 for EPAS licenses due to SSC.

Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad continues to provide financial support to Canadians affected by COVID-19 who want to return to Canada or need to shelter in place abroad.
To date, the program has successfully assisted more than 4,900 Canadians and Permanent Residents to return home, by issuing loans totalling over $18.3M.

Update

Although the loan program continues to operate, the volume of new loans has greatly diminished since late summer. The focus of the program now centers around loan recovery.

Supporting facts and figures

The total amount of loans issued as of October 19, 2020 represents $18.3 million.
The total number of loans approved as of October 19, 2020 is 4,908.
The five countries with the highest number of approved loans are: India (668), Pakistan (340), Philippines (274), Ghana (200) and Peru (173).
Loans are interest-free and repayable within six months of invoicing.

Background

The Emergency Loan Program continues to support Canadians abroad without any other financial means to get home.

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program is a temporary financial assistance program to help Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents outside Canada affected by COVID-19 to return home, or to help them shelter in place while they are working toward returning to Canada. They must demonstrate that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had existing plans to return to Canada that have been disrupted by COVID-19 impacts on travel, and that they do not have another source of funds.

The maximum amount of a loan is $5,000 per person to cover the return to Canada and/or short-term needs while they work toward returning home.

Loans are granted on an interest-free basis and are repayable within six months of invoicing.

Impact of COVID-19 on human rights

COVID-19 has exacerbated restrictions to human rights in many countries, and has had a disproportionate impact on specific groups already marginalized before the pandemic.
Respect for human rights must be at the center of all efforts to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19.
Canada's steadfast commitment to and promotion of inclusion, respect for diversity, promotion of human rights, and non-discrimination against the most vulnerable remains crucial to our international and domestic response to the pandemic.

Supplementary messages

The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and remains a priority for the Government of Canada during the global COVID-19 outbreak.d
Canada is deeply concerned about the discrimination and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms that have already occurred in some countries during the implementation of emergency measures.d
In the fight against COVID-19, Canada recognizes the need for trust, cooperation, multilateralism and solidarity to protect the rights of the most vulnerable, and ensure no one is left behind.

Supporting facts and figures

In April 2020, Minister Champagne and Minister Gould issued a statement on the human rights implications of COVID-19, reiterating the government’s priority to promote and protect the essential liberties and rights of all.
Canada has invested over $1.1 billion in the global effort to combat COVID-19, which includes a focus on safeguarding the human rights of everyone.

Background

Canada recognizes that the adoption of extraordinary measures to tackle the pandemic may be necessary in some cases; however, it is imperative to ensure such measures are not used to roll back human rights. Some governments have exploited the COVID-19 crisis as justification for enacting legislation that limits human rights and fundamental freedoms; including, additional restrictions on civil society or media organizations, criminalizing protest, and using unlawful, excessive or arbitrary surveillance.

Although the virus may seem to strike indiscriminately, its spread and consequences along with measures taken to combat the pandemic affect specific groups differently. Depending on existing vulnerabilities, inequalities and extent of exclusion in societies, the most marginalized can become even more vulnerable. These include the elderly, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons, religious and belief minorities, persons deprived of their liberty, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. COVID-19 and related mitigation measures such as physical distancing and lockdowns has exacerbated gender-based violence as well as violence, exploitation and abuse of children. The pandemic has also amplified forms of exclusion and discrimination, including systemic racism, xenophobia, and discrimination targeting many identifying with a minority or historically disadvantaged group.

Response and recovery measures taken must ensure that marginalized groups are not negatively affected, or exploited to pose further repression or unwarranted restrictions using public health as a guise. The measures taken must be in accordance with international and domestic laws, necessary for the protection of public health, non-discriminatory, time limited and proportional to the threats faced.

Impact of COVID-19 on democracy

Emergency measures to fight COVID-19 must never be used to weaken democracy or human rights.
Respect for human rights must be at the center of all efforts to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19.
Governments cannot solve this alone: a democratic approach is required that includes contributions from civil society, the private sector, and individuals to better understand the impacts of the crisis and to assist in recovery.

Supplementary messages

Canada remains committed to protecting and promoting democracy at home and abroad, through collaboration with like-minded partners, multilateral organizations, and international assistance.

Supporting facts and figures

To date, Canada has announced over $1.1 billion to support the response to COVID-19 in developing countries.
In June, Canada announced a $1.5 million project with Journalists for Human Rights to fight COVID-19 through human rights based journalism in 12 countries across Africa and the Middle East. This program will train and support local journalists to provide credible information and debunk misinformation on COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls' rights.

Background

Measures to address the COVID-19 crisis can present significant risks to democracy, as do the ensuing political, economic, social, and humanitarian crises. These include:

The suspension of rights under emergency powers (e.g. the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and to freedom of opinion and expression).
The centralization of power and the weakening of opposition, media, and other accountability mechanisms.
Delayed and/or flawed elections, and election observation rendered more difficult.
Increased restrictions on civil society and civic space (e.g. restrictions on protests and online freedoms; government control of information; and the targeting of human rights defenders, women’s rights organizations, marginalized groups and minorities).
Increased disinformation and misinformation by state and non-state actors and increased government surveillance through technology.
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on women with negative effects on gender equality; and has lead to further exclusion of the marginalized.

Some positive impacts on democracy emerging from the crisis include:

The mobilization of civil society to respond to health, social and humanitarian needs;
Electoral and parliamentary innovations; and
Increased engagement from citizens seeking reforms and strengthened institutions.

International assistance – personal protective equipment (PPE)

COVID-19 has created unprecedented global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) – causing supply shortages, distribution challenges, and intense competition for limited inventory.
Canada’s top priority is to secure adequate PPE for our domestic needs, but we also recognize the imperative to support vulnerable partner countries to source and secure PPE, in a manner that does not compromise our domestic interests.
Strengthening global PPE supply chains is a priority for the multinational Ministerial Coordination Group on COVID-19, led by Minister Champagne. We are working closely with international partners to improve access to PPE for all.

Supplementary messages

Only by protecting each other can we protect ourselves. As such, this past summer, GAC provided nearly 1.1 million items of personal protective equipment to partners in the ASEAN region and Africa.
In considering PPE requests from international partners, Global Affairs Canada is coordinating closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure a whole-of-government approach.
Canada welcomed the establishment of the UN Supply Chain Task Force, co-chaired by WHO and WFP, to look at ways to improve the availability of essential supplies for COVID-19. Eligible states and partners can request supplies via the COVID-19 Supply Portal (through the UN Partners’ Platform).

Supporting facts and figures

Canada is providing PPE through bilateral and multilateral assistance channels:

GAC’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program committed $7.5 million for the acquisition and delivery (June-July 2020) of PPE to partners, including 90,000 surgical masks for the ASEAN Secretariat, 600,000 N95 masks for member states (Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam), and 400,000 N95 masks to Africa Centres for Disease Control (to distribute to states with the greatest need).
GAC’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program provided $150,000 to Institut Pasteur du Laos for the acquisition of PPE and other critical COVID-related supplies.
GAC is supporting a number of humanitarian partners providing PPE to frontline workers and vulnerable populations. Over $100 million (includes unannounced funding) in funding has been allocated to partners providing lifesaving assistance.
This funding includes support to partners such as the WHO, which – in coordination with partners – has coordinated UN Solidarity Flights delivering PPE and other essential supplies to countries across Africa; and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has procured over 15 million PPE items for frontline workers, amongst others initiatives.
This funding also includes $13.5 million to World Food Programme to provide common services to the humanitarian response, including helping to maintain supply chains for essential goods such as PPE. This enables PPE to reach both humanitarian partners delivering assistance, as well as the populations they serve.

International efforts and Canadian leadership

Repatriation of over 57,000 Canadians from 109 countries - the Department’s biggest and most complex consular undertaking ever.
Canada has played an instrumental leadership role in shaping global efforts to respond to COVID-19 challenges, such as through the Ministerial Coordination Group.
International coordination is essential to delivering strong and efficient global health response, to mitigate disruptions to global trade, and encourage sustainable and inclusive recovery.

Supplementary messages

Since February, Canada’s network of 178 missions in 110 countries has been providing critical on-the-ground support to Canadian travelers and despite challenging operating environments worldwide, all missions remain open to serve Canadians.
We have and continue to contribute to the global response by actively engaging countries to coordinate in addressing the pandemic and deliver on global health needs; promoting the continued flow of people and goods supporting open trade; and assisting the most vulnerable populations around the world.
We have identified and begun to articulate opportunities for global influence and leadership over the mid-to-long term in three interrelated categories that reflect our feminist approach: fighting the pandemic; managing financial stresses and stabilizing economies; and supporting the most vulnerable and reinforcing recovery.

Supporting facts and figures

$1.1B in total Canadian international assistance allocated to COVID-19 response (as of October 23, 2020).
10 Ministerial Coordination Group on COVID-19 meetings since March.
5 Development Ministers Contact Group on COVID-19 meetings since April.
At least 26 joint statements by GAC ministers with international partners since March.
2 high-level events co-convened by PM Trudeau (on May 28 and September 29) with PM Holness of Jamaica and UN Secretary General Guterres to advance and maintain momentum behind a coordinated global economic recovery effort.
At least 31 G7 and 12 G20 ministerial and leader-level meetings on COVID-19 have been held so far.

Update

On September 25, Canada announced funding of $220M to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) to purchase vaccine doses for low- and middle-income countries, with an additional $400M in international assistance funding announced on September 29 to support the recovery and resilience of developing countries.

Background

Since the onset of the pandemic, Minister Champagne has played a leadership role in advancing international cooperation in responding to the global pandemic and its ramifications, and has reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue in order to share best practices and lessons learned through engagement with his counterparts in bilateral and multilateral meetings. He has also led Canada’s biggest and most complex consular undertaking ever, while together with Ministers Gould and Ng, he has advanced Canadian interests and values in protecting and promoting human rights, gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and inclusion in shaping the global response to the pandemic.

On international trade, Minister Ng has worked both at home and abroad to secure the health and prosperity of Canadians and Canadian businesses by championing international initiatives to promote trade resilience and resurgence through the WTO and the Ottawa Group on WTO reform, the G20, and APEC. She has also engaged bilateral and regional counterparts (e.g. Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, New Zealand and the EU) to promote free trade agreements and secure business supply chains that will support Canadian exporters in the global marketplace.

Minister Gould has led Canada’s international assistance efforts by engaging with her counterparts at bilateral and multilateral meetings to promote ongoing international cooperation on COVID-19 via the creation of the Development Ministers’ Contact Group on COVID-19. The Contact Group provides likeminded development donors with a forum to identify solutions to the mid-to-long-term development implications of the pandemic and to help enable greater coherence, efficiency and strategic impact in the international assistance response to COVID-19.

Further opportunities for global leadership consistent with Canadian interests and values could include: delivering on global health needs; advocacy on global supply chains, rules-based trade and the movement of people; enabling financial liquidity and stability while supporting the real economy; championing the unique demands of COVID-19 responses in fragile and conflict-affected states; and increasing support towards food security and education in developing countries.

PPE and medical supplies global market support

Global Affairs Canada continues to work with its international partners on maintaining strong global supply chains ensuring the continued flow of medical supplies across borders.
The Trade Commissioner Service is supporting Canadian companies with global solutions for COVID-19, including to access international procurement opportunities.

Supplementary messages

Canada has been consistent in standing with like-minded international partners to support global trade and investment and maintain open supply chains during this health crisis.
Canada is a signatory to a number of international declarations to remove existing trade-restrictive measures on essential goods, especially medical supplies.
Global Affairs Canada is committed to working to resolve disruptions to global supply chains to ensure the flow of vital medical supplies, including PPE, testing kits, vaccines and vaccine supplies to those in need both domestically as well as globally.
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has been working to support Canadian companies that have capacity to meet domestic and international demands of medical supplies throughout the pandemic.

Supporting facts and figures (as of October 21, 2020)

To date, the TCS has tracked over 400 companies with solutions related to COVID-19. Of these companies, at least 60 produce PPE.
To date, 1,242 COVID-19-related services have been delivered by the TCS at regional offices and missions abroad to support Canadian organizations in their international activities.

Background

Assisting Canadian suppliers of COVID-19 solutions: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, there have been a number of TCS successes. A number of opportunities have arisen beyond purely commercial transactions to promote Canadian companies, including potential opportunities with United Nations agencies and other multilateral, regional and plurilateral procurement initiatives (e.g. Africa Union platform, World Bank Group). In order to increase awareness of international opportunities, the TCS has developed a directory of Canadian companies that provide solutions to support the fight against COVID-19. The Directory is intended to be a tool for Trade Commissioners at post to match COVID-19-related opportunities with Canadian suppliers that have interest and capacity for internationalization.

Global supply chains: Canada depends heavily on imports of medical products and pharmaceutical inputs. Given our highly integrated supply chains, the current pandemic could impact Canadian production capacity. Elements most critical to Canada’s supply chains include facemasks, protective suits, hand sanitizers, ventilators, vaccine supplies, therapeutics and some pharmaceutical inputs. The current crisis has had impacts on Canada’s ability to secure medical supplies and pharmaceutical inputs. While existing supply chains are not expected to be greatly transformed, the industry is working to build in more redundancy to ensure they are more flexible and resilient. Canada is bolstering its manufacturing capacity for urgently needed medical supplies and working with allies and industry to ensure international trade rules are respected and supply chains are not interrupted. Canada will continue to require inputs from international markets to build finished products and to support companies with export capabilities of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.

World Health Organization

Canada values the WHO’s leadership and coordination role in the COVID-19 response.
Canada welcomes and is closely following the independent and comprehensive review of the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19 which is already underway.
Canada continues to work with other countries to ensure that the WHO is a strong, accountable, inclusive and well-governed institution.

Supplementary messages

Canada remains strongly committed to constructive engagement in multilateral organizations, including the WHO. The rules-based international system is now, more than ever, essential to helping us accomplish together what no country or stakeholder could accomplish alone.
Canada, alongside like-minded countries, continues to advocate for Taiwan’s participation as an Observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA).

U.S. membership in the WHO

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration issued a notification of the United States’ intent to withdraw from the WHO, which would take effect in July 2021 unless there is a change in US policy before then.
Presidential Candidate Joe Biden has promised, if elected, to rejoin the WHO on the first day of his presidency (which would be January 20, 2021).

Supporting facts and figures

Over the last ten full fiscal years, Canada has contributed approx. CAD$713M to the WHO. In addition, since February 2020, Canada has provided CAD$20.6M to the WHO for the COVID-19 response.

Background

A 2-day session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) convened virtually on May18-19, 2020 at which Canada co-sponsored the EU-led Resolution on the COVID-19 response. The Resolution provides a solid, consensus-based foundation for next steps in the global COVID-19 response. It also outlines parameters for a review of the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19 which is already underway through the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response. The Panel will share its progress report with the resumed session of the WHA on November 9-14, 2020.

Similar to previous years, Taiwan’s participation as an observer at the WHA will be discussed at the resumed WHA in November. [REDACTED]

On 27-28 October a bilateral virtual strategic policy dialogue took place between senior officials of the Government of Canada and the WHO. Minister Gould, Minister Hajdu, and the WHO Director General took part in the second day of the event to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the importance of the Government of Canada-WHO relationship and our shared priorities.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement CUSMA

Committed to working with our North American partners to ensure the effective implementation of the new Agreement.
Welcome the U.S. decision to remove its aluminum tariff.
Have been clear that if the U.S. re-imposes tariffs, we will respond proportionally, reciprocally, and immediately with surtaxes on imports of U.S. aluminum and aluminum containing goods.

Supplementary messages

CUSMA implementation

Reinforcing our strong economic relationships with the U.S. and Mexico is important to Canada’s ongoing economic prosperity and recovery.

Autos rules of origin

We are working closely with automotive producers in Canada to ensure that they have the support they need to effectively transition to the new Agreement.
This includes company-specific transition periods, as well as ensuring that the Agreement is implemented as negotiated.
I am aware that our autos manufacturers have raised concerns regarding the recent U.S. interpretation related to the origin calculations for core parts; we are discussing this issue trilaterally.

Supply management

CUSMA preserves and maintains the supply management system, while providing for some additional market access to the United States.
The Government remains fully committed to providing full and fair compensation to supply-managed producers and processors of supply-managed commodities to address the impacts of recent trade agreements.

Blueberries/Seasonal produce

Canada will participate in the U.S. safeguard investigation to defend Canadian blueberry producers, and to ensure the U.S. abides by its CUSMA safeguard obligations.
We are also in close communication with the bell pepper and strawberry industries in relation to the potential fact-finding investigations into imports of those products.

Solar

The U.S. safeguard tariff has decimated Canadian solar panel producers, as the United States was by far their largest market.
We are in close contact with industry and with the U.S. Administration on this issue, and are exploring all options, including litigation.

Transformers

Canada will defend our transformer industry against unfair and unwarranted national security measures. Canada is not a threat to U.S. national security.
Under the CUSMA 232 side letter, no tariffs can be imposed against Canada for at least 60 days following the imposition of a measure, to allow for Canada to negotiate an appropriate outcome with the U.S.

Background

CUSMA implementation

CUSMA entered into force on July 1, 2020. CUSMA committees have begun to meet including on SMEs and Competitiveness. On autos rules of origin, parties are in the final stages of the approval process for producer-specific “alternative staging regimes” (ASR) to provide more time to comply with more stringent CUSMA rules of origin. Parties are expected to approve ASR requests in November. Separately, the U.S. has recently adopted an interpretation of the rule of origin applicable to core auto parts that is inconsistent with the treaty text and will create challenges for Canadian producers.

Supply management – compensation

The Government has assured dairy, poultry and egg producers and processors that they will be fully and fairly supported for impacts of recent trade agreements, most recently in the Speech from the Throne. In August 2019, the Government announced $1.75 billion in compensation for dairy producers. Details regarding the remaining funds, as well as compensation for CUSMA, have not yet been announced.

U.S. 232 tariffs on Canadian aluminum

On August 6, President Trump announced a 10% Section 232 tariff on imports of non-alloyed aluminum products from Canada effective August 16. On September 15, USTR announced the U.S. would remove the tariff, but retroactively impose it if aluminum shipments exceed monthly volumes limits in the USTR statement. Canada stated it would impose reciprocal tariffs if the U.S. re-imposed the tariffs.

Blueberries/Seasonal produce

On October 6, 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) initiated a global safeguard investigation into fresh and frozen blueberries. The USITC is expected to present its recommendations to the President by March 29, 2021.

Solar

In May 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) launched a global safeguard investigation into imports of solar products. It found that while imports had caused serious injury to U.S. industry, Canadian imports were not a substantial share and should be excluded from any safeguard tariff. On January 22, 2018, the President imposed a 30% safeguard tariff on all imports of solar modules, including Canada, with a reduction of 5% per year. On October 9, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation adjusted aspects of the solar safeguard but provided no relief for Canadian producers.

Transformers

On May 11, 2020, the U.S. launched a Section 232 national security investigation on electrical transformers and parts, which targets Canada and Mexico. There are indications a decision to impose import restrictions could come before the election. The CUSMA Section 232 side letter provides for a 60-day consultation period before these tariffs are to be put in place on Canada.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the grave threat posed to international peace and security by North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
International pressure through the full implementation of the UN Security Council’s sanctions on North Korea remains essential.
Dialogue and diplomacy represent the only path to security, stability and economic prosperity for the North Korean people.

Supplementary messages

Canada continues to call on North Korea to completely, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
Canada is making significant diplomatic, military, and financial contributions to support implementation of UNSC sanctions.
We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in North Korea and urge the country to abide by international human rights standards.
Canada provides humanitarian assistance to affected persons in North Korea through experienced multilateral partners.

Update

North Korea continues to develop its WMD and ballistic missile programs. During an event marking the ruling party’s founding (Oct. 2020), North Korea paraded an array of military hardware, including a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Inter-Korean relations deteriorated sharply in 2020; In September 2020, South Korea confirmed that a fisheries official missing at sea was killed by North Korea, further straining relations.

Supporting facts and figures

Since 2005, Canada has provided over $38.9 million in humanitarian assistance.
Since 2011, Canada has imposed autonomous sanctions on DPRK under the Special Economic Measures Act, including a full export and import ban (subject to certain humanitarian exceptions) and a ban on the provision of financial services and technical data to DPRK.
Since 2018, Canada has periodically deployed ships, aircraft and personnel to conduct surveillance activities in support of a broad multinational initiative countering North Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion; the most recent deployment, including HMCS WINNIPEG and a CP-140 maritime patrol aircraft, began in October 2020.
Since 2017, Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program (WTRP) has committed over $16 million to address North Korea’s proliferation activities and build international capacity to implement sanctions.
Canadian Armed Forces have an enduring presence in the United Nations Command, which supervises the armistice between the two Koreas.

Background

Despite extensive international efforts to isolate North Korea, constrain its economy, and counter its WMD proliferation, Pyongyang continues to evade sanctions, generate illicit funds, and improve its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. March 2020 saw the largest number of missiles launched by North Korea in a single month. North Korea is also increasingly adept at using cyberspace to evade sanctions.

While North Korea claims to have no cases of COVID-19, Pyongyang implemented drastic measures early on in the pandemic, including closing its borders to all goods and travel. These strict limits have caused NGOs and foreign missions to recall staff, including Germany, the UK and Sweden. The travel ban has led to difficulties in monitoring the humanitarian situation, which has worsened due to three typhoons and significant flooding in August and September 2020.

Export controls - Turkey

Following allegations made regarding the possible use of Canadian technology in the Nagorno-Karabakh military conflict, relevant export permits to Turkey have been temporarily suspended.
Canadian officials are currently investigating these allegations and the suspension will allow time to further assess the situation.
All permit applications for controlled items are reviewed under Canada's robust risk assessment framework, including against the Arms Trade Treaty criteria which are enshrined in Canada's Export and Import Permits Act.

Supplementary messages

Canada has one of the strongest export controls systems in the world, and respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls legislation.
Canada will take appropriate action should credible evidence be found regarding the misuse of any controlled Canadian good or technology.
Canada will continue to carefully scrutinize all export permits and export permit applications for the export of controlled goods and technology to ensure that they are consistent with our legal obligations and the protection of human rights and international humanitarian laws.

Update

On October 5, 2020, Canada announced the suspension of export permits to Turkey relevant to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This decision followed various allegations of the possible export to Azerbaijan of Turkish drones with Canadian components, and reports that these drones may have been used in combat operations. Canadian officials are currently investigating these allegations and the suspension will allow time to further assess the situation.

Supporting facts and figures

For the 2019 calendar year, Turkey was Canada's third largest non-U.S. export destination for Military Goods and Technology, receiving approximately $151.4 million in Canadian military exports - accounting for approximately 4.03% of the total value of non-U.S. military exports.
Since 2014, the largest exports to Turkey by subcategory of military items have consisted of "imaging or countermeasure equipment" (Export Control List; ECL 2-15) valued at $230,703,300; "fire control, and related alerting and warning equipment" (ECL 2-5) valued at $161,555,998; and "electronic equipment and military spacecraft" (ECL 2-11) valued at $55,049,592.

Background

Following Turkey's October 2019 military incursion into northeastern Syria, Canada put in place a temporary suspension on the issuance of all new export permits for controlled items destined to Turkey.

On April 16, 2020, Canada issued a Notice to Exporters and narrowed the scope of Canada's policy on exports of controlled items to Turkey. While restrictions continue to apply to Group 2 (military) exports to Turkey, Canada will consider on a case-by-case basis if there are exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to NATO cooperation programs, that might justify issuing an export permit for Group 2 (military) items. Exporters who were issued permits for the export of such items to Turkey prior to October 11, 2019 may continue to export against those permits during their period of validity.

Feminist foreign policy

Before COVID-19, Canada had made respect for human rights, gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and inclusion core priorities at home and abroad.
The pandemic has only reinforced these priorities and has shaped our COVID-19 response through the lens of our Feminist Foreign Policy. Minister Gould and I have engaged civil society representatives to discuss this in detail.
We continue to pursue our commitment to strengthening the foundations of our Feminist Foreign Policy by working with civil society to develop a white paper.

Supplementary messages

COVID-19 affects people differently. Absent careful attention to the gender dimensions of this crisis, through the use of gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), COVID-19 will exacerbate existing inequalities and vulnerabilities – risking decades of progress combating poverty and advancing empowerment and inclusion.
Advancing gender equality and inclusion remains an effective way to foster prosperity, create lasting peace, achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and promote human rights while fighting the pandemic.
When all people, regardless of their gender, can fully benefit from and participate in economic, political, social, and cultural life, we build safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable communities and countries.
Canada has been extremely active diplomatically in responding to the pandemic and has been a leader in making sure that gender equality considerations are reflected in international discussions including at the UN, G7, G20, in the Ministerial Coordination Group it established, and in the Alliance for Multilateralism and OECD.

Update

In May 2020, Ministers Champagne and Gould held a Virtual Roundtable with 14 Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss Canada’s feminist response to the pandemic. Participants encouraged Canada to maintain its global feminist leadership as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to COVID-19. There was convergence in messaging among CSOs, especially on the following themes: support for civil society and women’s rights organizations; economic impacts, human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexual and gender based violence, LGBTQI, and women peace and security. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening the foundations of Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy by working with civil society to develop and launch a white paper in this regard. This inclusive dialogue is unfolding between the months of October and December 2020, and includes domestic and international stakeholders to be engaged through series of conversations, virtual roundtables, webinars and as well as written contributions to inform the white paper.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada’s feminist foreign policy is being operationalized through a suite of complementary international policies, programs, and initiatives. This includes Canada’s:
- Trade Diversification Strategy, with its Inclusive Approach to Trade;
- Feminist International Assistance Policy;
- National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), supported by the Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, Jacqueline O’Neill, and the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations; and
- Defence Policy, “Strong, Secure, Engaged”.

India bilateral relations

Canada is committed to pursuing an ambitious agenda with India in areas including trade and investment, climate change, peace and security, and the rules-based international order.
We have a growing bilateral trade relationship, with two-way trade reaching $10.1 billion in 2019 and two-way investment surpassing $45 billion, for a total commercial partnership estimated at over $60 billion.
Our people-to-people ties with India are strong and robust. There are over four times as many Indian students in Canada compared to 2014 and India is now Canada’s largest source country across most immigration categories

Supplementary messages

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada and India have collaborated bilaterally and multilaterally, and have held ten calls at the prime minister and ministerial-levels.
Canada continues to closely follow developments around the Citizenship Amendment Act in India. [REDACTED]
We are closely following developments in Jammu and Kashmir and remain concerned about continuing restrictions on telecommunications, ongoing preventative detentions, and the mounting economic impact.

Update

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Canada and India have worked together in ensuring the global supply of critical medical supplies and pharmaceuticals; supporting respective repatriation efforts; and advancing multilateral cooperation through the UN, WHO, G20, and other fora. Additionally, India has joined the COVID-19 Ministerial Coordination Group led by Canada Canada and India are also revitalizing Ministerial Dialogues and convening bilateral working groups across trade and investment, environment and climate change, immigration, and peace and security. On human rights, the Department is preparing responses to three recent petitions submitted to parliament on Jammu and Kashmir and one on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Supporting facts and figures

The Canada-India commercial partnership is estimated to be worth $60 billion and rising. 2019 was a record year with two-way trade reaching $10.1 billion, up 75% since 2013, and trade in services up from $441 million in 2009 to$4.0 billion in 2019 . While official two-way direct investment totalled$3.5 billion in 2019, Canadian portfolio investments in India are now estimated to exceed $45 billion.
In education, India was the largest source of foreign students before the pandemic with 220,000 Indian students in Canada in 2019.
Meanwhile, tourism numbers increased to 353,800 in 2019, an increase of almost 19% from 2018.
India is also the number one source country for new permanent residents to Canada. In 2019, over 74,000 Indian citizens were able to call Canada “home”.

Canada’s contribution to peace operations

Delivering on commitments made in Vancouver in 2017.
Championing efficient and effective peacekeeping, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Supporting the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire due to COVID-19.

Supplementary messages

COVID-19 poses particular challenges in conflict contexts and for global efforts to restore or maintain international peace and security. The pandemic affects all countries in which UN peace operations are active.
Canada’s commitment and contribution to the multilateral system, including peace operations, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, are crucial.
Canada is one of the largest bilateral donors to UN peace operations, and to the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
Through the Elsie Initiative, Canada is working with the UN and Member States to increase uniformed women’s meaningful participation in peace operations.
Canadian military and police personnel are currently deployed to a number of peace operations around the world.
Canada is in its second year of providing Tactical Airlift support to UN missions from the UN Regional Service Centre in Uganda.
Thanks to Canada’s leadership, 97 UN Member States have endorsed the Vancouver Principles on child soldiers and the protection of children in armed conflicts is at the heart of the UN’s agenda.

Supporting facts and figures

Funding: Canada is the 9^thlargest contributor of assessed contributions to the UN peacekeeping budget. We are also one of the largest donors of voluntary funding to UN peace operations, with over $70 million provided since 2016 for training, strategic planning, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Deployments: Canada ranks 77^th out of 119 Troop and Police Contributing Countries to UN peace operations (August 2020 UN statistics), with over 40 military and police personnel deployed to five UN peacekeeping missions (MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNMISS, UNTSO, UNFICYP) and one UN Special Political Mission (BINUH). Canada is currently exceeding the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy targets (22% for police and 17% for military staff officers), with women comprising 40% of Canadian civilian police and 32% of military personnel deployed. Canadian military and police are also deployed to non-UN peace operations in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Elsie Initiative: Through the Initiative, Canada has established bilateral partnerships with the Ghana Armed Forces, the Zambia Police Service, and the Forces armées sénégalaises. Canada is the largest donor to the UN Elsie Initiative Fund ($17.5M).
Military Support: Canada’s Air Task Force (ATF) provided 24/7 medical evacuation, logistics and transport support to MINUSMA in Mali from August 2018 to August 2019, moving over 5,500 troops and 360,000 pounds of cargo. Since August 2019, Canada’s Tactical Airlift (TAL) Detachment has conducted eight missions from the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) in Uganda, transporting close to 680,000 pounds of cargo and 700 passengers for the UN.
Institutional Support: Canada is a leading supporter of the Agenda for Peacekeeping reform initiative. As chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Canada is strengthening the PBC's capacity to advise on inclusive, coherent UN engagement in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the WPS ambassador

Since the launch of Canada’s Second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in 2017, Canada has more than doubled its investments in WPS programming and is leading catalytic initiatives globally.
In June 2019, the PM appointed Jacqueline O’Neill as Canada’s first Ambassador for WPS with a role to enhance implementation of Canada's National Action Plan on WPS and to reinforce Canada's efforts on WPS internationally and domestically.
Since her appointment, the WPS Ambassador has engaged with stakeholders in Canada and abroad to raise awareness, build motivation and capacity, increase connections and coordination, and create an enabling environment for advancing the WPS agenda. Guiding the Ambassador, and her team, is a commitment to work with government and external stakeholders to broaden WPS actions, connect and amplify excluded voices, and to reinforce and celebrate successes all with a view to advancing C-NAP implementation. As such, she has positioned her office to be a key resource for supporting the implementation of Canada's National Action Plan on WPS.

Supplementary messages

Canada's National Action Plan on WPS guides Canada’s development, humanitarian and peace and security efforts at home and abroad.
Canada is seizing new opportunities to lead global WPS initiatives that are accelerating the implementation of the WPS agenda.
For instance, Canada leads the global Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies to transform the way gender-based violence is addressed in humanitarian emergencies.
Canada champions women’s full and equal participation in disarmament decision-making in the UN Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda.
In 2020-2021, Canada is co-hosting with Uruguay the WPS Focal Points Network, a global grouping of senior officials from 80 countries and 7 regional organizations who are responsible for WPS implementation, with a focus on impact-driven action plans.
20 years ago, the international community recognised the clear link between international peace and security and women’s participation and protection of their rights by adopting UNSCR 1325. Canada is proud to have strongly supported this effort.

Update

The first annual report for Canada’s National Action Plan on WPS was tabled in Parliament in September 2018. The second was tabled in Parliament on June 10, 2020. It outlines in detail the progress made to advance WPS in the last fiscal year (2018-19). The tabling of the report was delayed due to the election and COVID-19.

Supporting facts and figures

In fiscal year 2018-2019, Canada disbursed approximately $497 million in development, humanitarian and peace and security programming to advance the WPS agenda, as compared to $221 million in 2016, before the 2^nd Action Plan was launched.
Canada helped increase the participation of women and girls in peace processes across five Iraqi provinces affected by Daesh, and contributed to the provision of legal and psychological support.
By supporting the offices of the African Union’s Special Envoy on WPS and the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for WPS, Canada contributed to deepened mainstreaming of WPS objectives in these critical organizations.
Canada's support to the Ujamaa Africa's Girls' Empowerment and Self-Defence program has empowered more than 10,000 South Sudanese girls and boys to defend themselves and others against sexual assault and harassment.

Bill to amend the chemical weapons Convention Implementation Act

Canada is proud to be a leader in the fight against chemical weapons.
Seeking adoption of the amended Chemical Weapons Convention as well as separate legislative amendments to the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act that resolve a discrepancy.
The current version of the Implementation Act contains a copy of the original list of chemicals controlled under the Convention – which is now out-of-date. Amendments to the Act simply remove the old list.

Supplementary messages

Amendments to the Convention, which Canada should adopt, are part of an unprecedented collective response taken by several allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, to the brazen attacks in Salisbury, UK, in 2018.
The amendments add a total of four new categories of chemicals to the Chemical Weapons Convention; these chemicals have only one use: to kill.
We also propose amending our domestic Implementation Act, to remove the old (and now out-of-date) list of controlled chemicals.
Amending the Act will not impact how the Act applies to Canadians. It in no way changes Canada’s obligations or commitments under the CWC.

Update

The Minister of Foreign Affairs introduced C-9, An Act to amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act on March 10, 2020. Following prorogation of Parliament, it was reintroduced in the Senate on October 27, 2020 as Bill S-2. This legislation helps to align Canada’s domestic implementing legislation with our international commitments. As the chemicals to be added have no use except as chemical weapons, there will be no impact on Canadian industry.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada worked closely with allies including the US, the UK, and the Netherlands, to propose these changes to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program is supporting the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to keep pace with new threats.
Canada is assisting the OPCW to better safeguard its assets against cyber-attacks, such as that carried out by Russia in April 2018.
Canada has committed $10 million to support the OPCW to build a new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.

Background

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) seeks to completely eliminate and prohibit an entire category of weapon of mass destruction in a verifiable manner. The CWC's Annex on Chemicals includes three lists of chemicals (the "Schedules") that are subject to declaration and verification by the OPCW – the most common chemical weapons and their precursors.

At the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the CWC, in November 2019, two binding decisions were adopted to add new toxic chemicals to Schedule 1. Among these chemicals are the family of "Novichok" type agents used in the attempted assassination of former British spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the UK in March 2018.

Disinformation and the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)

Disinformation has emerged as a critical threat to the rules-based international order and democratic governance.
Hostile state actors and their proxies leverage disinformation to reshape the international order and erode support for democracy and human rights.
Canada continues to support international efforts to counter disinformation, especially through the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, stood up at the 2018 Charlevoix Summit to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy.

Supplementary messages

State sponsored disinformation has become a challenge for democratic governments. This is especially true since the onset of the global pandemic, as hostile states and their proxies leverage COVID-19 related disinformation to advance their geopolitical goals. Canada has been at the forefront of international efforts to counter state sponsored disinformation, namely through our leadership of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism. Since the start of the pandemic, the mechanism has enabled extensive real-time information sharing on disinformation and served as a platform to discuss national approaches and coordinated responses.

Supporting facts and figures

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is facing an “infodemic” – an overabundance of information, some accurate, some not – that makes it hard to identify reliable information. A combination of misinformation (erroneous) and disinformation (deliberate), propagated by state and non-state actors, pollutes the online information environment. Disinformation is driven by geopolitical, ideological or financial objectives.
Some states have used disinformation to pursue their geopolitical objectives, including reshaping the international rules-based order. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to accelerate these efforts.
Hostile states are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to blur lines between domestic and foreign activity, and between overt and covert messaging, leveraging a multiplicity of social media platforms and, increasingly, web sites.
Canada’s premium forum to address state sponsored disinformation is the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (G7 RRM). It has enabled real-time information sharing on pandemic-related disinformation and served as a platform to discuss responses among G7 and other like-minded partners.
Canada has underlined the importance of countering disinformation to international efforts to address COVID-19 in joint ministerial statements with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and under the auspices of the Alliance for Multilateralism.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others have removed hundreds of thousands of accounts, groups and pages tied to state and other hostile actors spreading disinformation. Some of these removals were likely triggered by collaboration enabled by the G7 RRM.

Background

Canada’s international efforts to counter threats to democracy culminated in the announcement of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism in 2018 during the Charlevoix Summit. Since then, Canada has worked to operationalise and consolidate the mechanism, leveraging it to contribute to safeguarding our federal election in 2019 and addressing pandemic-related disinformation.

Cybersecurity and cyber threats

Canada is working to promote and protect a free, open and secure cyberspace, which is critical to our economic and security interests, and to our values.
We believe that peace and stability in cyberspace is grounded on the acceptance of the applicability of existing international law and respect for human rights, both online and offline.
Canada actively seeks to promote stability in cyberspace by promoting respect for voluntary norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and international law, as well as the use of confidence-building measures (CBMs).

Supplementary messages

Responses to cyber threats should protect free speech, preserve an open Internet, and not give license to the suppression of dissenting views by oppressive regimes.
To counter cyber threats, Canada has supported the adoption of voluntary norms for responsible state behaviour, the development of confidence-building measures, and recognition of the applicability of international law in cyberspace.
Together with our friends and partners, Canada is committed to deterring malicious cyber acts, and responding when they occur.
We will continue to work with our international partners to develop measures aimed at deterring and discouraging malicious cyber acts, which may include public attributions, diplomatic engagement and other restrictive measures.

Update

Malicious cyber actors are using the COVID-19 crisis to target vulnerable institutions in the health sector. GAC’s April 30 Statement on malicious cyber threats to the health sector called on all actors to refrain from malicious cyber activity that could damage or harm critical infrastructures, particularly hospitals, treatment research facilities and the health sector.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada continues to work with international partners in deterring unacceptable behaviour and attributing malicious cyber activity.
Most recently, in July 2020, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) issued technical information about Russian cyber threat activity directed at Canadian, United Kingdom and United States organizations, including vaccine research entities, involved in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
Since 2015, Canada has contributed over $13M to cyber capacity building projects around the world to support the resilience of States to malicious cyber activity.
Canada is pleased to have commissioned research on the gender dimension of cyber security. We also support the Women in Cyber fellowship program which has allowed 30 women diplomats from the Global South to participate meaningfully in UN cybersecurity negotiations.

Background

For Canada, the major forum for advancing discussions on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace remains at the United Nations. The UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), supported by the US and all G7 members, is best able to advance the international consensus on how international law applies in cyberspace and how to advance the promotion and implementation of international norms of responsible state behaviour. Although not chosen for the 2019-21 GGE, Canada is engaging actively in the 2019-21 Open Ended Working Group (OEWG), which has a similar mandate to the GGE, but is open to all States.

Media freedom

Freedom of media and expression remains a cornerstone of democratic societies and is essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Threats to the safety of journalists and other media professionals remain one of the key obstacles to the full implementation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Supplementary messages

Canada is concerned about undue restrictions on free expression resulting from government measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada and Botswana will co-host the Global Conference for Media Freedom on November 16, 2020 to bring key stakeholders together to identify solutions to emerging media freedom issues.

Supporting facts and figures

Over 600 journalists and media workers have been killed in the past decade, constituting approximately 1 death every 5 days on average.
Nearly 9 in 10 cases of killed journalists remain unresolved, and rates of impunity are chronically high.
The proportion of countries with a “very bad” media freedom ranking rose to 13% in 2020, exacerbated by political and societal pressures during COVID-19.
Canada and the UK co-chair the Media Freedom Coalition, a group of 37 states committed working together to advocate for media freedom and protection of journalists.

Promoting and protecting democracy

Canada is committed to advancing democracy internationally as well as countering threats to democracy.
Canada is working with international partners to support those seeking democracy in places where it is under threat – like Venezuela, Belarus, and [REDACTED].
We have strengthened our efforts to advance democracy, particularly in the areas of media freedom, electoral processes, enabling civil society, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Supplementary messages

Democracy and its values, processes, and institutions are under threat.
The advancement of democracy internationally remains a core component of Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy and the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

Supporting facts and figures

In 2019/20, Global Affairs Canada disbursed $168 million towards democracy programming, representing approximately half (51%) of overall inclusive governance funding of $326 million.
Canada’s Pro-Dem Fund has provided $7.15 million in critical support to electoral processes in emerging democracies such as Ethiopia, Myanmar, Bolivia, Georgia, and Ukraine (2019-2022).

Background

Democracy programming supports a wide range of partners working to strengthen public leadership, decision-making, democratic processes and institutions; inclusive and gender-sensitive policies and human rights. Global Affairs Canada recently established “Pro-Dem” – the promoting and protecting democracy fund – a new programming tool of $10 million per year operating alongside the development cooperation program and the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.

Canadian Centre for Peace, Order and Good Government

In December 2019, the Prime Minister gave me [the Minister of Foreign Affairs] the mandate to “establish the Canadian Centre for Peace, Order and Good Government”.
The Centre will aim “to expand the availability of Canadian expertise and assistance to those seeking to build peace, advance justice, promote human rights and democracy, and deliver good governance”.
Options for establishing the Centre are under development, and have included some initial informal consultations with stakeholders.

Supplementary messages

Consideration is currently being given to how best to pursue this commitment in light of other priorities and pressures that have emerged in the COVID-19 context.
I would welcome any views you may have on the establishment of the Centre, including thoughts on its proposed mandate, potential areas of focus, and governance.
I intend to consult more formally with stakeholders as the process for establishing the proposed Centre unfolds.

Supporting facts and figures

The mandate letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs also states that the Minister of International Development will support you in establishing the Centre.
The platform indicated new investments of $50 million for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 for establishing the Centre.

Iraq – potential close of U.S. embassy

Attacks on diplomatic and military premises and foreign personnel are unacceptable and must be addressed by the Iraqi Government.
We are working in close contact with US, Iraq and our partners and allies on the situation.
Canada does not intend to close its Embassy in Iraq, and remains committed to its relationship with Iraq and to our military efforts.

Supplementary messages

The stability of Iraq remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
During a call with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on October 2, I conveyed Canadian concerns over the repeated attacks in Baghdad’s international zone, and reiterated our support to Iraq.
In addition to our military contribution, Canada has committed $489 million in humanitarian, security and stabilization, and development assistance for Iraq since 2016.

Background

Media reporting indicates that the US had decided to close its Baghdad embassy in response to SMG attacks. The US has refrained from commenting on the reports, but has stressed the importance of ensuring the security of US personnel, highlighting the threat posed by SMGs to Iraqi stability. The US has reiterated its commitment to work with Iraq to ensure the safety of its personnel. No final decision has been taken.

The US provides critical support and enablers to the US-led Global Coalition against Daesh and NATO Mission Iraq, commanded by Canada until late November 2020. [REDACTED]

Canada shares the US’ concern over the increase in attacks. Allied and partner ambassadors met with Prime Minister al-Kadhimi on September 30 to convey their deep concerns and to urge the Iraqi government to do everything necessary to halt attacks. On October 2, you had a call with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to convey Canada’s concerns, while expressing support for Iraq. Minister Sajjan and other senior officials have engaged with stakeholders to assess the situation.

On October 10, Iran-linked SMGs announced a 40-day ceasefire on attacks against US targets in Iraq, conditional to a rapid and full US troop withdrawal from Iraq, [REDACTED]

[REDACTED]

Iran-U.S. tensions

Iran continues to solidify its relationships with a wide constellation of militias and terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East to challenge the U.S., its regional rivals and the broader Western presence in the region.
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. remain high and could escalate either through deliberate action or through miscalculation.
Iran also continues to exploit difference in approaches to Iran’s nuclear program between the U.S. and its allies.

Supplementary messages

Canada continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, justice, and compensation on behalf of the families and loved ones of those who perished in the downing of Flight PS752. Canada and the other countries of the International Coordination and Response Group continue to press Iran to hold a full, independent and transparent investigation into the tragedy.
Canada is committed to holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing regional activities through targeted sanctions and diplomatic means.
Canada has called on Iran to restore its commitments under the Iran nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA), which Canada sees as vital to regional and international security, a position shared with the UK, France and Germany.

Update

U.S.-Iran tensions remain heightened. The U.S. is continuing with its policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran, and in October 2020, imposed a flurry of new sanctions against Iran, including virtually all Iranian banking institutions. Repeated attacks against the U.S. by Iran-backed Shia militias in Iraq have continued and have led to the U.S. threatening to close its embassy in Baghdad.

Human rights

Canada is deeply concerned by the situation of human rights in Iran.
Canada is a global leader in holding Iran to account for its human rights violations, including by leading international efforts on the resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the UN General Assembly this year and each year since 2003.
Canada regularly works with likeminded countries and human rights groups, including Iranian religious and ethnic minorities, in order to press Iran to improve its human rights record.

Supplementary messages

The situation of human rights in Iran remains of serious concern, including extensive use of the death penalty, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, women's rights, and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.
The UN Resolution on the Situation of human rights in Iran resolution is a valuable tool to hold Iran to account, and encourages Iran to improve its human rights record.
Canada further works to hold Iran to account for its human rights record by making recommendations in each of Iran’s Universal Periodic Reviews, including in its latest review in November 2019.

Update

Canada routinely speaks out on specific cases to hold Iran accountable by drawing international attention to them and indicate that Canada and the global community are monitoring the cases. In September 2020, Canada spoke out on two cases. @JustinTrudeau issued a Tweet on September 20, 2020 on the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh, a well-known Iranian human rights lawyer who recently conducted a hunger strike while in prison. Sotoudeh was arrested for representing women who removed their headscarves during public protests and sentenced to multiple charges, totalling 38 years – one of the longest received by a human rights defender. @CanadaFP issued a Tweet on September 14, 2020 joined the international community in condemning the execution Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler who was executed in Iran on September 12, 2020 for allegedly murdering an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps security guard during protests.

Background

Trends suggest that grievances in Iran continue to multiply, along social economic, ethnic, and political lines. The frequency of protests has subsided due to COVID-19, however, it is likely that the grievances underpinning the protests will continue to grow. The Iranian regime often demonizes marginalized groups in the face of domestic instability, including targeting women, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities, and other minority groups. Iran may consider that while the international community is preoccupied with the COVID-19 global pandemic, there will be less attention on Iran’s actions against marginalized and vulnerable groups. Canada continues to monitor human rights violations in Iran and remains engaged with the international community to ensure the global spotlight remains on human rights issues in Iran despite the pandemic.

Flight PS752

Families of the victims are at the heart of the Government of Canada’s efforts. By working for accountability, justice, and transparency in the safety and criminal investigations, we are helping families and loved ones have the answers they deserve.
Issues associated with aviation accidents are complex and take time to be resolved or settled. Ensuring that Iran makes full reparations for its actions, including in the form of compensation for the victims of PS752, remains our priority.
Canada continues to work closely and remains united with the other members of the Coordination Group to achieve accountability, justice, compensation, and a full, independent and transparent investigation.

Supplementary messages

Canada and the Coordination Group countries have finalized the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation concerning the negotiations on reparations with Iran. We are now working to discuss our common negotiating position.
The Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Ralph Goodale as his Special Advisor to examine lessons learned from Flight PS752 and other air disasters and to develop a framework to guide Canada’s responses to international air disasters and provide recommendations on best practices, including advice on tools and mechanisms needed to prevent future events.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Goodale and Global Affairs Canada’s PS752 Task Force have been in regular communication with the families of the victims since January and will continue to do so for as long as it will be necessary.

Background

Canada and the Coordination Group countries have finalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation concerning the negotiations on reparations with Iran. This MOU sets out the terms of reference for Ukraine’s prominent role as the Negotiating Spokesperson and creates an Advisory Committee consisting of all members of the Coordination Group who will be present during the negotiations and will support the work of the Spokesperson.

Before negotiations can begin, another MOU will have to be negotiated among the Coordination Group members to set out the group’s common negotiating position, which will be a guide for the Spokesperson and the Advisory Committee during the negotiations with Iran. Iran has expressed an interest in compensating victims equally without regard to nationality. In preparations for this MOU, Canada will have to conduct an analysis and evaluation of the claims linked to Canada.

Suspension of Israeli annexation plans / Israel normalization/ agreement

Canada welcomed the signing of the Abraham Accords as a positive step toward peace and security in the region.
Canada also welcomed the Israeli decision to suspend its intention to annex parts of the West Bank. Annexation would be would be damaging to peace negotiations and contrary to international law.
Canada remains firmly committed to a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations between the parties.

Supplementary messages

Canada’s longstanding position is that we do not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Consider the unilateral acquisition of territory to be contrary to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
Have expressed our clear concerns over the possibility of annexation directly to Israel at the highest levels.
Unilateral action by either side is unhelpful to the cause of peace.

Update

On August 13, 2020, the US, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a historic agreement whereby the UAE and Israel would begin normalizing relations. This was followed soon thereafter by Bahrain and Sudan which also announced they would normalize relations with Israel. These agreements make the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan the first Arab-Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel since Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). In a joint statement that accompanied the Israel-UAE agreement, it was announced that Israel would “suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace” to focus its efforts on expanding ties with other regional states. This effectively pauses Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank for the foreseeable future, which seemed imminent following the April 2020 coalition agreement between PM Netanyahu’s Likud party and its rival Blue & White party. This pause is welcomed by Canada, as we have strongly opposed annexation. Recent announcements regarding planned settlement expansion have, however, showed that Israel’s commitment to suspend annexation does not extend to ending its settlement activities.

Background

Canada’s policy on annexation is clear: Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, including the West Bank. Canada has, and will continue to engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and other leaders in the region to ensure that Canada’s position is understood clearly and expressed effectively to a broad set of stakeholders.

PM Trudeau notably relayed Canada’s concerns on annexation publicly on June 3, and directly to Israeli PM Netanyahu and Alternate PM Gantz on May 18 and 19, respectively. Minister Champagne also expressed Canada’s concerns to Israel Foreign Minister Ashkenazi on June 2.

Jerusalem

Canada's longstanding position is that the status of Jerusalem can be resolved only as part of a general settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
We continue to support the building of conditions necessary for the parties to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Canada does not recognize Israel’s unilateral annexation of East Jerusalem.

Supplementary messages

Canada opposes unilateral actions that undermine prospects for peace.
We are concerned by recent announcements regarding the possible advancement of settlement construction near Jerusalem in Giv’at Hamatos, Har Homa, and the E1 area.
As the Prime Minister has clearly stated, Canada will not be moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Supporting facts and figures

The future status of Jerusalem, including the Old City, is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Jerusalem is highly significant to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.
Israel considers Jerusalem to be its “eternal, undivided capital.” Many Israeli institutions, including its Supreme Court and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are located in West Jerusalem. Israel’s National Police HQ and Justice Ministry HQ are located in East Jerusalem.
Following the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017, the Palestinians cut off bilateral relations with the US.
Under the US peace plan:
- Jerusalem would be unified under Israeli sovereignty.
- The status quo at the city’s holy sites, including Jordanian administration, would be maintained, with Israel retaining overall security and control.
- The Palestinians are offered a location for a future capital in eastern Jerusalem, in existing communities outside of Israel’s separation barrier, which does not meet their stated goal of a future capital in East Jerusalem.

Background

The Palestinians have long sought their future capital to be in East Jerusalem, however the 2020 US peace plan proposes a future Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem, falling well short of Palestinian aspirations. During Israel’s last election campaign, PM Netanyahu pledged to push forward with the expansion of several settlement projects in and around Jerusalem, which would further diminish the Palestinian presence in, and connection to, Jerusalem. Several states have issued public statements criticizing the Israeli plans.

As the international consensus on Jerusalem begins to weaken, Israel is continuing the expansion of settlements and challenging the status quo at the Old City’s holy sites, raising tensions between the city’s Jewish and Arab residents. While the US peace plan did not propose any change to the status quo at the holy sites (including the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif complex), the plan’s proposal for overall Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem would, if implemented, further erode the Palestinians’ claims to East Jerusalem, risking increased tensions and further violence.

Gaza-Israel violence

Canada unequivocally condemns the rocket attacks on Israel by armed groups in Gaza.
The protection of civilians is absolutely necessary. Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace, with dignity, and free from violence.
We remain very concerned about the humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip.

Supplementary messages

Responsive - Israel has the right to take the necessary measures to protect the security of its citizens against attacks from terrorist groups, in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Update

On August 31, 2020, Israel and Hamas would have agreed to a Qatari-brokered ceasefire, which is regularly tested by rockets fired from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Most incidents since then have not resulted in any casualties, on either side.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada provides significant international assistance annually in support to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as to Palestinian refugees in the region. Palestinian refugees comprise roughly 70 percent of the Gaza population.
From 2016 to 2019, Canada provided a total of $110 million to support Palestinian refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
On April 23, 2020, Canada announced an allocation of CAD $18 million in humanitarian assistance over two years to address urgent priorities identified in the UN’s 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan for the West Bank and Gaza. More than half of Palestinians in need of humanitarian assistance live in Gaza.
Canada exercises enhanced due diligence for all humanitarian and development assistance for Palestinians.

Background

Hamas, which controls Gaza, is a listed terrorist organization. The Government of Canada has no contact with Hamas.

Since the 2014 conflict, there have been periodic exchanges of fire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza, as well as violence in 2018 and 2019 associated with protests along the Gaza-Israel boundary.

The population of Gaza faces high levels of acute vulnerability. Recurrent violence, severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods via Israel or Egypt, limited economic growth, poor governance, and poverty have eroded Gazans’ resilience. Approximately 82 percent of the population require some form of humanitarian assistance. Unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, the majority of the population is food insecure and 96 percent of the groundwater in Gaza is unfit for human consumption.

U.S. Middle East peace plan

Canada welcomes any efforts that can help bring the parties back to the negotiating table.
The conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties.
Canada continues to urge both parties to resume direct negotiations for a lasting peace to be achieved.

Supplementary messages

We remain committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East and will continue to play a constructive role in supporting peace in the region.
Canada supports a two-state solution to the conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
The final status issues (Jerusalem, refugees, borders, security, recognition) should be negotiated directly between the parties.
We oppose unilateral actions, which undermine prospects for peace.

Supporting facts and figures

The plan calls for a Palestinian state to be created in roughly 70% of West Bank + Gaza + two areas in the Negev Desert.
Jerusalem would be unified under Israeli sovereignty & overall security and control.
The Palestinians are offered a location for a future capital in eastern Jerusalem, in existing communities outside of Israel’s separation barrier. This does not meet their longstanding demand for a future capital in East Jerusalem.
The plan calls for neither Israelis nor Palestinians to be uprooted, with Israel retaining control and sovereignty over West Bank settlement blocs.
Israel would have secure and recognized borders, including the Jordan Valley which would constitute its eastern border with Jordan.
Palestinian refugees would either be absorbed into the new State of Palestine, integrated in current host countries, and/or up to 50,000 possibly resettled (over ten years) in individual Organization of Islamic Cooperation-member countries.
Recognition of an eventual State of Palestine would be contingent on Palestinian demilitarisation, commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, among other conditions.

Background

The US Vision for Peace was released in its entirety on January 28, 2020. The plan addresses the key final status issues (Jerusalem, refugees, borders, security, recognition), however the plan strongly favours Israel, and crosses several Palestinian red-lines, with the result that the Palestinian Authority rejected it the same day it was released. In engagements with likemindeds and others since the plan’s release, Canadian officials have been clear that Canada remains committed to supporting peace between the parties, but ultimately it is up to Israelis and Palestinians to reach an agreement through direct negotiations. International reactions to the plan were at first cautiously supportive of US efforts, however more recently several states and groups such as the EU, Arab League, and others have reiterated their support to the longstanding international consensus of a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, rather than the vision laid out in the US plan. Many observers have also indicated that the US plan may have the effect of shifting the baseline negotiating positions on the conflict in Israel’s favour, which could affect future negotiations between the parties.

International criminal court investigation

Canada is monitoring the International Criminal Court's consideration of the situation in the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
Canada's longstanding position is that it does not recognize a Palestinian state and therefore does not recognize the accession of such a state to international treaties, including the Rome Statute.
In the absence of a Palestinian State, it is Canada’s view that the Court does not have jurisdiction in this matter under international law.

Supplementary messages

In 2015 and 2018, Canada submitted our position regarding the lack of jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On February 14, 2020, Canada submitted a letter reiterating that position to the ICC. The ICC Prosecutor herself referred to Canada’s position on Palestinian statehood in her request to the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC.
As a friend and ally of Israel and friend of the Palestinian people, Canada is firmly committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel, achieved through direction negotiations between the parties.

Background

On December 20, 2019, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided to formally advance the investigation on the “Situation in Palestine” after finding that in her view, war crimes had been or are being committed in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. However, due the contested legal issues surrounding territorial definitions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, the prosecutor requested from the Pre-Trial Chamber, a ruling confirming whether the ICC has the jurisdiction to investigate in those territories.

Canada has expressed its position to the treaty depositary in January 2015 that it does not recognize a “State of Palestine” and it does not consider “Palestine” to be a party to the Rome Statute or to have any treaty relationship to Canada as a State Party. In the absence of a Palestinian State, it is Canada’s view that the Court does not have jurisdiction under international law. Canada further reaffirmed this position in 2018 and on February 14, 2020, Canada once again reiterated this position in a letter submitted to the ICC.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)

Canada is concerned by efforts, such as BDS, to single out Israel for criticism and isolate Israel internationally.
Parliament clearly expressed its concern for the BDS movement when the House of Commons voted in large majority, on February 18, 2016, for a motion rejecting the movement.
The imposition of restrictions and sanctions in this context exacerbates tensions, and does nothing to improve the quality of life for Palestinian citizens.

Supplementary messages

The Prime Minister most recently expressed Canada's concerns when he condemned the BDS movement and antisemitism during the April 2019 state visit by the President of Israel, and the May 7, 2019 National Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

Supporting facts and figures

On February 22, 2016, a House of Commons motion condemning the BDS movement passed by 229 votes to 51 votes.
Canada adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism in June 2019.
The Governor General travelled to Jerusalem and Poland in January 2020 for commemorations of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Background

The BDS movement is a campaign founded in 2005 by Palestinian NGOs. The BDS movement "urges nonviolent pressure on Israel until it complies with international law by meeting three demands”: (i) Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the barrier between the West Bank and Israel; (ii) Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and (iii) Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194. Much of the movement is focused on university campuses in Europe and North America and includes academic and cultural boycotts.

Critics of the campaign argue that the BDS movement is antisemitic and promotes the de-legitimization of Israel. There are also more targeted calls for boycotts of products produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank or the Palestinian boycott of Israeli goods sold in the West Bank.

On February 12, 2020, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a list of 112 companies operating in Israeli settlements (no Canadian companies were listed). Canada had previously expressed concerns to the High Commissioner in writing.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Canada is committed to helping vulnerable Palestinians, a group which UNRWA is mandated to serve. Ensuring that UNRWA has sufficient and predictable resources is important for meeting the needs of refugees and regional stability.
Canada exercises enhanced due diligence for all international assistance funding for Palestinians, including funding for UNRWA.
We are monitoring UNRWA very closely. Our continued engagement with UNRWA allows us to insist on accountability and to ensure greater transparency and neutrality.

Supplementary messages

Canadian officials have reviewed the confidential investigation report prepared by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services regarding allegations of misconduct among former UNRWA senior managers.
The report, which was partially redacted in line with personal privacy requirements, supports the UN's earlier confirmations that no fraud or misappropriation of operational funds occurred.
UNRWA's new senior management has committed to significant management reform initiatives aimed at strengthening UNRWA's accountability, transparency, management and governance. Canada will remain closely engaged on these efforts.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada provided a total of $110M to UNRWA from 2016 through 2019.
Canada also provided $1.5M to UNRWA in April 2020 to support the Agency's preparedness and response to COVID-19 in the region.
UNRWA provides education services to more than half a million Palestinian refugee students.
In 2019, over 8.7 million medical consultations were provided by UNRWA’s health-care professionals, covering approximately 3.5 million individuals.
UNRWA also delivers critical food or cash assistance to approximately 2 million beneficiaries, with a focus on the very poorest.

Background

UNRWA faces financial constraints and operates in a volatile environment. Since 1948, it has been mandated to provide basic services (including health, education, humanitarian assistance) to Palestinian refugees in five areas: West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA is the only UN organization mandated to provide assistance to over five million Palestinian refugees living in these five areas.

UNRWA is almost entirely funded through voluntary contributions and receives broad international support. For the past several years, UNRWA has faced a significant funding shortfall partly as a result of growing needs and falling contributions. UNRWA's Programme Budget (education, health and social services) and the Emergency Appeal for humanitarian assistance to the West Bank and Gaza are currently facing deficits and cuts to services. Some services have already been scaled back, and without significant additional resources, more may need to be cut, leading to negative humanitarian consequences.

Canada’s vote on Palestinian self-determination

Canada will always be a steadfast ally and friend of Israel and a friend of the Palestinian people.
Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution, so that both sides can have a secure and prosperous future.

Supplementary messages

Canada is strongly committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
Canada has strongly reiterated our stated position and concern that there are too many resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the UN.
This is a situation which unfairly singles out Israel for criticism.
Canada has voted against the vast majority of these yearly Israel-related votes for many years.

Background

On November 19, 2019, Canada changed its vote from “No” to “Yes” on a resolution titled “The Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” at the UN General Assembly. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 165Y-5N-9A. The only states to vote “No” were the US, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Vanuatu. The resolution was co-sponsored by 129 countries including likeminded (EU, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway).

The resolution reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to an independent Palestinian state. As such, Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, namely the right of both peoples to determine their own future. Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution, so that both sides can have a secure and prosperous future.

Although we voted “Yes” on this single resolution, Canada maintains its position at the UN that there are too many resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a situation which unfairly singles out Israel for criticism. We have thus maintained our voting record on all other resolutions, voting overwhelmingly “No” on these Middle East peace-related resolutions.

United Nations resolutions on the Middle East

Every year, resolutions addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict are tabled at the UN. Canada assesses each resolution on its merits and consistency with our principles. We support resolutions that are consistent with Canadian policy on the Middle East, are rooted in international law, reflect current dynamics, contribute to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and address fairly and constructively the obligations and responsibilities of all parties to the conflict. Canada advocates for a fair-minded approach and rejects one-sided resolutions and any politicization of the issues. Canada believes that the United Nations and its member states have a responsibility to contribute constructively to efforts to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict. Canada will continue to examine carefully each of these resolutions as they come forward.

Lebanon and Canadian assistance

Canada is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the August 4, 2020 explosion at the Port of Beirut, and is committed to assisting the Lebanese people.
In response to the explosion, Canada is providing $30 million for immediate humanitarian needs and early recovery efforts.
This is in addition to over $421 million provided in international assistance for Lebanon since 2016 under the Middle East Strategy.

Supplementary messages

Canada’s assistance is provided to trusted partners based on credible needs assessments.
Canada continues to advocate for the strong engagement of women and youth in response, recovery and reform efforts.
Further assistance to support Lebanon’s economic recovery is contingent on the implementation of critical reforms, including on governance, the economy, the banking sector, and electricity.

Update

On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion at the Port of Beirut devastated central parts of the city. The catastrophe came on the heels of several multi-faceted crises Lebanon had been facing prior to the blast, including government mismanagement resulting in the near-collapse of the economy and financial system, protests and civil unrest and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The government resigned on August 10, 2020, and the formation of a new government is ongoing.

Supporting facts and figures

The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Beirut on August 26-27, 2020, and met affected communities and Canadian partners responding to urgent needs. He also met with Lebanon’s President and Minister of Foreign Affairs to press for reforms.
Canadians showed their concern and generosity by donating over $8 million to Humanitarian Coalition agencies; the Government of Canada matched these donations through the Lebanon Matching Fund.
An additional $12 million in humanitarian assistance has been provided to UN agencies and the Lebanese Red Cross to meet immediate health, protection, shelter and food needs.
Canadian assistance is already yielding results. Canada’s early support contributed to 11,000 highly vulnerable people receiving food assistance, and the distribution of shelter and hygiene kits.
The remaining $10 million will support early recovery efforts and be disbursed in 2020-21.

Background

Lebanon is in the midst of a protracted economic crisis with high public debt, inflation and growing rates of unemployment and poverty. Assistance has been sought from the IMF and the international community, but the government has not yet committed to the transparency, accountability and reform measures needed to secure this assistance. Discussions are ongoing, including to confirm the date and format of international political and donors’ meetings in October and November organized by France. Canada is aiming to secure representation at both meetings.

Mexico trade challenges

Canada is concerned with the challenges Canadian investors are facing in Mexico, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
Canada continues to closely monitor these issues and remains committed to engage with Mexico to discuss the current business climate.
Canada supports dialogue, in good faith, towards mutually agreeable resolutions to current challenges.

Supplementary messages

Energy sector

Canada is concerned with recent changes to Mexico’s Energy Policy, particularly the $4 billion of investments by Canadian companies in renewable energy.
Challenges with permitting have led to delays and uncertainty for Canadian companies operating in the renewable energy sector, as well as in the development of pipelines.

Mining sector

Canada is the largest foreign investor in Mexico’s mining industry, representing 60-70% of foreign mining companies operating in the country.
Canadian companies are faced with challenges such as illegal blockades, security, taxation and permitting issues.

Background

Mining sector: Canadian companies are the largest foreign investors in Mexico’s mining sector. According to Natural Resources Canada, Canadian-controlled companies had CAD$20.1 billion in mining assets in Mexico in 2018. As such, Mexico remained the second largest recipient of Canadian mining assets abroad in 2018 (12% of Canadian mining assets abroad), after the United States (14%).

In addition to their contributions to economic growth and job creation, Canadian mining companies support sustainable local development and community well-being through programs for education, health care, and small business development. However, Canadian investors face longstanding challenges related to uncertain land access, unclear requirements for community engagement and consultation with Indigenous peoples, weak rule of law to protect their operations and personnel, difficult security environments in some regions, and taxation issues. In order to address the issues, the Government of Canada is making use of the working-level bilateral mechanisms put in place for collaboration with Mexico.

Mexico energy policy: Beginning in April 2020, the Mexican government, and its regulatory agencies, introduced a number of regulation and policy changes to favour state-owned generation, largely from fuel oil, over electricity produced by private companies, notably renewable energy. The changes could adversely impact approximately US$4.17 billion in Canadian investment. Additionally, media reports indicate that regulatory agencies have been instructed to not issue new permits to companies operating in renewable energy. Canadian investors have reported significant delays in permitting, and a lack of a communication from Mexican authorities, affecting Canadian investment in both renewable energy and oil and gas pipelines.

NATO

In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, NATO continues to deliver credible and effective deterrence and defence. Its ability to conduct operations has not been undermined.
Canada is proud to uphold security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area through tangible contributions to NATO, including our command of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI); leadership of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in Latvia; and our contributions to the NATO Standing Maritime Group and to NATO Air Policing.

Supplementary messages

A number of NATO Allies and Partners have requested assistance through NATO in their fight against COVID. Canada has been able to respond positively to some of these requests, and stands ready to do more.
Canada is doing our part to ensure fair Alliance burden sharing and will increase defence spending by more than 70% from 2016-17 to 2026-27.
Canada is a leading supporter of NATO’s work on Women, Peace and Security.

Update

NATO’s work to fulfill the Alliance’s three core tasks - collective defence, cooperative security and crisis response – continues despite COVID-19 prevention measures which have restricted some activities, such as in-person ministerial meetings. The NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in April 2020 was the first political-level NATO meeting to be conducted via secure video teleconference.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada has been the Framework Nation for the NATO eFP battlegroup in Latvia since its establishment in 2017 and will lead the battlegroup to March 2023, contributing up to 540 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel.
Canada has led NMI since its launch in 2018 and will continue to lead the mission until late November 2020. Canada deploys up to 230 troops to the mission. NMI training activities were temporarily suspended beginning in early March due to COVID-19 and the escalated security environment in Iraq.
Canada’s annual assessed contribution to NATO was approximately $212.3 million in 2019-2020, making it the sixth largest financial contributor to NATO.
As laid out in Strong, Secure and Engaged, Canada’s spending on defence should reach approximately 1.52% of GDP by 2024 (1.31% in 2019-20).
Canada is among the top financial supporters of the NATO Office for Women, Peace and Security, with $800,000 of funding to the office between 2017-2021 and deployment of a Voluntary National Contribution (VNC) to staff the office.
NATO has been implementing robust measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, to reduce risks to Allied soldiers, civilians and communities, and to ensure that the Alliance’s essential work - to maintain deterrence and defence for Allied nations - continues. NATO’s ability to conduct operations is unimpaired. NATO is also working to combat the spread of COVID-19, including through joint-strategic airlift capabilities, capacity-building for managing the pandemic in-country, military hospital capabilities and medical support for Allies in-need.

Nagorno-Karabakh

Top line messages

Canada welcomes the end of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Now that an agreement has been reached, the focus must be on ensuring that civilians receive the humanitarian assistance they need, and that their rights and safety are fully respected, so that all those displaced by the fighting are allowed to return to their homes.
Canada continues to support the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Minsk Group and stands ready to contribute to its ongoing work.

Supplementary messages

Since the beginning of the conflict, Canada has consistently expressed its concern with the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, particularly the shelling of civilian areas.
The Prime Minister and I have urged all external parties and friends of both states to redouble their efforts in support of ending hostilities and to refrain from taking actions that risk exacerbating the crisis.
We are aware of the allegations that Canadian technology is being used in this conflict. Officials are investigating these claims.
In light of these allegations, and in line with Canada’s robust export control regime, Canada suspended the relevant export permits to Turkey on October 5 to allow time to further assess the situation.

Update

On November 10, after six weeks of fighting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a peace deal to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russia brokered agreement reverses the gains made by Armenia during the 1990s and allows Azerbaijan to keep control of the territory it has now taken back by force. Thousands of ethnic Armenians have fled into the uncaptured part of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia proper. Russian troops have started to deploy to the region to keep the peace.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada contributed $450 000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support their work and address urgent needs that have arisen as a result of the conflict.
MINA and UK Foreign Secretary Raab issued joint statements on September 29 and October 5 condemning the violence and calling for a peaceful, negotiated resolution through the framework provided by the OSCE’s Minsk process.
On October 5, 2020, MINA released a statement announcing the suspension of export permits to Turkey relevant to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Background

Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region within the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. The ethnic Armenian Karabakhis declared independence in 1991, triggering a three-year war until a ceasefire was reached in May 1994. Since 1994, Armenian separatist forces have occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent territories, which account for almost 14% of Azerbaijani territory. On 27 September, fighting broke out between the armed forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. Following six weeks of fighting, Azerbaijan and Armenia have signed a Russian-brokered peace agreement. The agreement cements an outcome in which Azerbaijan has taken much of the Armenian occupied territory by force, forcing thousands of ethnic Armenians to flee into the uncaptured part of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia proper. While the fighting has stopped for now, it is unclear whether hostilities will resume in the near future. The deployment of Russian peacekeepers under the agreement and a still undetermined role for the Turkish military raises further questions about the prospects for stability going forward. Canada’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh is long-standing and emphasizes the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination. Canada supports the leading role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation’s Minsk Group in finding a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) campaign

Canada has been a Member of the OECD since its inception in 1961 and considers it an important platform for discussion of common approaches and best practices for economic and social policies.
Canada wants to contribute to a new multilateralism that identifies positive solutions to global issues now and in the future, especially at this critical juncture as the world addresses the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic.
Putting forward talented Canadian candidates for leadership positions in key international organizations demonstrates Canada’s desire to advance effective and inclusive multilateral discussions and to foster a strengthened rules-based international system.

Supplementary messages

Mr. Morneau is an outstanding candidate with extensive international experience, proven capacity to build consensus, and the necessary vision and leadership to lead this important Organization.
As is the case in other campaigns for leadership positions in multilateral organizations, the government will provide diplomatic support, advocacy and strategic advice to advance Mr. Morneau’s candidacy for the OECD Secretary-General position, which would include support for necessary outreach with OECD members.

Update

As the lead department for relations with the OECD, Global Affairs Canada is coordinating the campaign to advance Canada’s nominee for the position of Secretary-General. In this context, the department will be engaging the interdepartmental community and leveraging its network of missions abroad to mobilize international support. As the OECD Secretary-General selection process is in its early phases, it is not yet possible to estimate the total costs that may be incurred to support Canada’s nominee, particularly for outreach with OECD member representatives and decision makers in light of the global health situation and associated travel implications. Any support that is provided will be cost effective and consistent with relevant Treasury Board guidelines and policies.

Background

The OECD currently has 37 Members States representing approximately 55 percent of the world economy. The European Union is a non-voting participant in the work of the Organization. The OECD’s mandate is to promote better policies for sustainable economic growth, employment, and a rising standard of living through open and stable markets, and mutually supportive economic and social policies.

For the first 35 years of the OECD, it was run by Europeans, then by two North Americans (Donald Johnston of Canada, 1996-2006 and Angel Gurria of Mexico, 2006-2021). The selection process for the Secretary-General position started on September 1, 2020 and should be completed by March 1, 2021 with the new Secretary-General taking up the post on June 1, 2021. Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States have also nominated candidates.

Physical security at missions abroad

Global Affairs Canada operates in a complex risk environment with ever-changing threats and undertakes all reasonable measures to protect Canadian personnel abroad.
As part of a wide-ranging program of security and seismic enhancements investments—known collectively as “Duty of Care”—our government committed, in 2017, $1.8 billion (over 10 years) to improve the safety and security of our people abroad. This is done through enhanced intelligence gathering, security training and more resilient infrastructure.
While the impacts of COVID-19 on missions abroad continue to be felt, including limitations on travel and movements, critical security services continue to be provided and alternative mitigation is in place.

Supplementary messages

GAC’s security investments are governed by the department's Global Security Framework, which ensures appropriate investment oversight, prioritization and performance measurement.
Security infrastructure and practices in our missions abroad are continuously reviewed through rigorous risk assessment analyses to ensure that appropriate physical and operational security measures and safeguards are in place.
Global Affairs Canada has accepted all five recommendations by the Office of the Auditor General following its review of physical security at Canadian missions abroad in 2018. 85% of these are fully implemented.

Supporting facts and figures

47 Major Capital Projects (estimated at $800M) have been initiated (to be completed over the next seven years) to enhance the physical and seismic security of our people and missions abroad.
Over the same period, GAC has allocated funds to 121 missions who have purchased equipment and emergency supplies (water, food, pandemic preparedness kits).
Over the past year, 39 missions have received new armoured vehicles and 47 missions have received various security equipment such as metal detectors and security screening (X-ray) machines. An additional 24 missions received CCTV upgrades.
The Department has now achieved full compliance for mandatory Hazardous Environment Training by staff assigned to critical threat missions.

Rohingya crisis

Our engagement is now shifting from crisis response to longer-term crisis management. Resolution will require political solutions that address root grievances, include all stakeholders, build trust, respect fundamental rights and ensure accountability for crimes committed.
We continue to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, as well as internally displaced and vulnerable populations in Myanmar. We are supporting democratization, peacebuilding, and reconciliation to address root causes of this crisis.
In addition to sustained international advocacy and coordination, we remain committed to promoting justice and accountability for the crimes committed, and our decision to intervene with the Netherlands in the ICJ case against Myanmar is a key component of our efforts.

Supplementary messages

Canada is on track to complete the disbursement of our $300 million commitment of as part of our Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis.
We are committed to supporting Bangladesh in meeting the needs of one of the world’s largest refugee populations, as the sixth largest donor to the international community’s Joint Response Plan.
COVID-19 has exacerbated needs of the most vulnerable from all communities in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and we are working closely with our partners in both countries to adapt to current needs.
Canada continues to advocate for full and effective access for international organizations to assist vulnerable populations across Myanmar and Bangladesh. Canada also continues to advocate for any return to be voluntary, safe, sustainable, and dignified, and for Myanmar to fully implement recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

Update

By March 2021, Global Affairs Canada we will have spent the totality of the $300 million dedicated towards Canada’s Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis. The Department is reviewing options for beyond 2021.

Supporting facts and figures

The $271.6 million committed towards the Strategy to date includes humanitarian assistance ($95.6 million), as well as peace, security and development initiatives ($ 176 million) in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
A joint statement by Canada and the Netherlands was released on September 2, 2020 announcing our intention to intervene in the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, for alleged violation.

Background

Repatriation of Rohingya remains highly unlikely in the short or medium term due to a sharp escalation in violence in Rakhine State, displacing over 200,000 since January 2019. Rohingya in both Myanmar internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps and the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 given congested living conditions.

Russia/Ukraine

Resolute in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, efforts to join the Euro-Atlantic community, and encouraging Ukraine to continue its reforms.
Canada is making important contributions to Ukrainian security, stability and sovereignty through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces training mission, which supports Ukraine’s defence reform agenda, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
January coordinated sanctions with EU and U.S. on illegitimate Crimea elections sent a clear message that the international community does not tolerate Russia’s continued violation of international law.

Supplementary messages

Canada is a consistent supporter of diplomatic efforts under the Minsk peace process and continues to call on all parties to conflict, particularly Russia, to implement the Minsk agreements fully.
Canada is concerned by increasing evidence of Russian efforts to destabilize democracies through disinformation campaigns and other hostile tactics. We are carefully monitoring the matter and responding appropriately.
Since January 2014, Canada has committed over $800 million to Ukraine in financial, development, stabilization and security, non-lethal military and humanitarian assistance.

Supporting facts and figures

On July 22, 2020, the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, OSCE) agreed on a ceasefire. OSCE reports suggest a noticeable decrease in ceasefire violations.
July 12, 2020, NATO recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP), which Canada strongly advocated, deepening NATO-Ukraine cooperation.
Ukraine conducted local elections on October 25, 2020. Canada sent 12 long-term Canadian observers through the OSCE Limited Election Observation Mission, and provided $900,000 to support pandemic mitigation measures.
Canada provided over $17.8 million to improve election standards and support election observation in Ukraine.
Canada has provided $1.7 million in support to Ukraine’s COVID-19 response, including ventilators and PPE.
Canada has imposed targeted sanctions through the Special Economic Measures Act against more than 430 Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities.
Operation UNIFIER was renewed in 2019 through to March 2022, and has trained close to 22,000 Ukrainian security personnel. The mission underwent its 10^th rotation in October, and appointed its first woman Commander (LCol Sarah Heer). On October 1, 2020, Canada announced two new projects valued at over $4.3 million in support of Ukraine’s security sector reform efforts.
Russia dedicates significant resources in engaging with a range of malicious activities and promoting disinformation to achieve its geopolitical objectives.
Disinformation pertaining to the West and NATO's intentions/actions towards Russia and to Russia's actions in Ukraine, Syria and beyond, is widespread in Russian state-sponsored and state-run media outlets and online digital platforms.
Canada leads the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy, including disinformation campaigns.

Sanctions

Autonomous sanctions are an important complement to Canada's foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security and promoting respect for human rights.
The Government of Canada seeks to avoid unintended adverse effects of sanctions through the use of humanitarian exemptions for certain activities. Additionally, Global Affairs Canada is accelerating permit and certificate applications related to the global health crisis.

Supplementary messages

Sanctions complement Canada's comprehensive suite of foreign policy tools, which includes engagement, dialogue, and capacity building.
Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate.
Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order - sanctions are a component of this approach.
The Government is continuing to review Canada's sanctions regime with a view to facilitating transparency and greater awareness among stakeholders.

Update

On September 29 and October 15, 2020, Canada imposed sanctions against Government of Belarus officials under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to address human rights-related violations linked to the 2020 presidential elections.

Background

Through the use of targeted sanctions measures, the Government of Canada strives to minimize adverse consequences for civilians and for legitimate humanitarian, business, or other activities. The Government of Canada also mitigates unintended humanitarian consequences of sanctions through legislated exceptions for certain activities, and through the permit and certificate processes, enabling the Minister of Foreign Affairs to authorize activities which would otherwise be prohibited, including implementing any related UN Security Council exemptions or decisions, as required.

The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA) allows Canada to target foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights or acts of significant corruption. There are 70 individuals listed under the JVCFOA, including nationals from Venezuela, South Sudan, Myanmar, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Canadians are prohibited from dealing with listed individuals, effectively freezing their Canadian assets. These individuals are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The SEMA allows Canada to impose sanctions against a foreign state, individuals and entities related to that foreign state either when there has been a grave breach of international peace and security resulting in a serious international crisis, when an international organization calls on its members to impose sanctions, in cases of gross and systematic violations of human rights, or cases of significant corruption.

SEMA sanctions may include a dealings ban for a list of targeted individuals and/or entities, restrictions on trade, financial transactions or other economic activity. To maximize sanctions effectiveness, Canada seeks to coordinate with other countries. There are SEMA sanctions on 12 countries: Belarus, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, DPRK, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

Canada is legally required to implement sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. These sanctions are implemented in Canadian law by adopting regulations under the United Nations Act. There are 12 countries subject to UN sanctions (Central African Republic, Mali, DRC, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, DPRK, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen).

Saudi Arabia – bilateral dispute and human rights

Canada remains open to a resolution of this dispute, which is consistent with the respect for Canadian values.
Canada has chosen not to institute reciprocal measures to prevent any further escalation.

Supplementary messages

Canada remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and the ongoing detention of civil society and women’s rights activists.
Canada will always stand up for the protection of human rights, including women's rights and freedom of expression, around the world.
Canada remains concerned about the dispute's impact on Canadian citizens and businesses.

Update

The bilateral relationship has been fractured since August 2018 and many Saudi punitive measures against Canada remain in place. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing human rights violations remain a predominant concern for Canada.

Supporting facts and figures

Saudi Arabia remained Canada’s 14th largest export market in the world and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region for the year 2019 with significant further growth potential.
Bilateral merchandise trade in 2019 was $6.1 billion (compared to $5.7 billion in 2018 and $4.1 billion in 2017).
An estimated 20,000 Canadians reside in Saudi Arabia.

Background

No progress has yet been achieved in normalizing bilateral relations. Bilateral relations remain fractured since the downgrading of relations by KSA on August 5, 2018, in reaction to a series of tweets by then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Freeland and Global Affairs (including tweets in Arabic from the RYADH account) calling for the immediate release of detained human rights activists. Canada’s sustained public engagement on human rights issues is more than just an irritant from a Saudi perspective: it is unacceptable interference in domestic affairs. Saudi Arabia justifies its actions and policies as being in keeping with its Arab culture and interpretation of Islam and Shari’a law.

At the core of Canada’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is a range of objectives: respect for human rights; international and regional security; and trade diversification and investment. Saudi Arabia’s poor record on human rights domestically and abroad, and the humanitarian impact of its actions in Yemen continue to be problematic. However, KSA remains an integral and valued security partner, as well as the key regional bulwark against Iran’s expansionist ambitions and the threat these pose to global and regional security.

For information pertaining to the export controls review, see separate note provided on that topic.

G-20 2020 presidency

Canada values multilateral engagement, and recognizes the importance of multilateral fora in advancing Canadian priorities.
Canada is committed to defending the rules-based international order, advancing women’s equality and economic empowerment, building economies that benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it, and protecting our shared environment for future generations.
While Canada may not always agree with the actions of all G20 members, Canada’s participation at the G20 allows us to build consensus to pursue strong fundamentals crucial for economic stability and growth.

Supplementary messages

RESPONSIVE – Attending G20 meetings under KSA Presidency

The presidency of the G20 rotates annually among its members and was assumed by Saudi Arabia on December 1, 2019.
Participation in the G20, the primary forum for international economic cooperation among the world's major economies, allows for Canada to emphasize issues of importance to us.

Update

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place virtually on 21-22 November. Since March, KSA has convened 12 extraordinary meetings in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including an Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit on 26 March and an Extraordinary G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 3 September. Originally scheduled ministerial meetings have also now taken place along 13 tracks, including a joint G20 Health and Finance Ministers’ meeting. At their April 15 meeting, G20 finance ministers and central bank governors released a G20 action plan detailing the group’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the crisis, including the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative. In October, G20 finance ministers agreed to extend the initiative through to June 2021.

Supporting facts and figures

The G20 was established in 1999 due in large part to efforts by Canada.
It met initially at the level of finance ministers and central bank governors.
In 2008, in response to the global financial crisis, it was elevated to the level of leaders.
In addition to an annual Leaders’ Summit, the G20 Presidency traditionally hosts a range of annual ministerial meeting ranging from employment to energy.
G20 members represent 85% of global economic output, two thirds of the world's population, and 75% of international trade.
The Saudi Presidency had initially planned to host 12 ministerial meetings.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Presidency has added a series of special virtual meetings, convening 12 additional “extraordinary” ministerials, and introducing a joint Health and Finance Ministers track.
Government of Canada officials are actively engaged on all topics, ensuring that Canadian priorities are discussed across all work streams.

Syria – crisis and peace talks

Inclusive, intra-Syrian peace negotiations are the only path towards a sustainable, long-term solution to the conflict. The Syrian regime must participate meaningfully in these processes, including the UN-led Geneva talks.
Conditions inside Syria are still not conducive to safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable returns of refugees.
Full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access is vital to reach those most in need, throughout Syria.

Supplementary messages

The meaningful participation of women in peace negotiations is critical to the success of peace talks, and an eventual political settlement.
Canada condemns in the strongest terms the deliberate targeting of civilians by the Syrian regime and its supporters.
Canada supports the necessary tools to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to ensure accountability for those responsible for such crimes, including the use of chemical weapons.

Update

In August 2020, the Geneva peace talks resumed, however a lack of meaningful engagement by the regime meant that no significant progress was made. In Idlib, the March 5 ceasefire faces daily breeches which are increasing in severity, and the regime is preparing to resume its full-scale offensive in the near future.

Supporting facts and figures

As of October 21, Syria’s Ministry of Health reported 5,524 confirmed cases of COVID-19: 1,629 individuals have recovered and 257 have died. The actual number of cases and deaths is likely significantly higher as the regime is unable to effectively contain widespread community transmission.
At the Brussels IV Conference in June 2020, Minister Gould announced $339 million in humanitarian, stabilization and development assistance for Syria in 2020, and $281 million for 2021.

Background

Despite an early January 2020 ceasefire agreement, the Syrian regime, with Russian air support, relaunched its ground offensive to capture opposition-held territory in the Idlib governorate in northwestern Syria. Turkish military forces dispatched 21,000 troops to Idlib in an attempt to push back the regime offensive and curb refugee flows towards the Turkish border. In February 2020, 55 Turkish soldiers were killed by a regime airstrike. Between December 2019-March 2020, the offensive displaced nearly one million people, exacerbating the dire humanitarian conditions in the northwest. On 5 March, Turkey and Russia agreed to a ceasefire in Idlib.

On 11 July, the UNSC approved a 12-month extension of the UN cross-border mechanism via the Bab al Hawa border crossing in the northwest. Russian and Chinese pressure has resulted in the closing of three of the original four UN-sanctioned cross-border points, significantly limiting the ability of humanitarian aid to reach millions of Syrians in critical need. It is likely that Russia and China will use their influence/veto powers to block the renewal of the Bab al Hawa border crossing in July 2021, effectively eliminating the UN cross-border mechanism in Syria.

The third round of the Geneva Constitutional Committee talks took place on 24-29 August 2020. No progress was achieved due to the regime’s unwillingness to discuss any matters related to the constitution. Both parties agreed to a fourth session, although a date has not yet been set. The Astana process (led by Russia, Turkey and Iran) lacks the ability to produce a lasting political solution.

Syria consular cases

We are aware of Canadians being detained in Syria and are particularly concerned with cases of Canadian children.
Given the security situation, our ability to provide consular assistance in Syria remains extremely limited.
We continue to seek information from the Kurdish authorities on Canadians in custody, and to monitor the situation closely.
Due to the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.

Supplementary messages

Consular case of orphan child

We have provided repatriation assistance on an exceptional basis to the Canadian orphan. The child is now safely back in Canada with their extended family. Due to the need to respect the child and their family’s privacy, no further information will be disclosed on this case.

Background

The Government of Canada is currently aware of a number of Canadian citizens who are being detained by the Syrian Kurds in northeastern Syria. However, Canada closed its mission in Damascus, Syria, in 2012 and currently has no diplomatic representatives in the country. Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance there is therefore extremely limited.
On October 4, 2020, GAC successfully repatriated the child to Canada with the support of the Canadian Armed Forces. [REDACTED] was reunited in Canada with her extended family on October 5, 2020.
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Turkey

Turkey is an important NATO ally and an indispensable partner on a range of important priorities to Canada – from the response to COVID-19 to shared concern for refugee and migration issues, as well as broader multilateral cooperation.
Concerned by allegations that controlled Canadian technology is being used in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On October 5^th, I announced the suspension of relevant export permits to Turkey, which will allow time to further assess the situation.
With regard to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, we encourage talks between Turkey and Greece and have been engaging actively with our Allies and partners to encourage restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue towards a peaceful and durable solution.

Supplementary messages

Canada appreciates the support we have received from Turkey on key consular issues this year, such as the response to the PS 752 disaster.
I am aware of the detention of Mr. Cihan Erdal, a Turkish citizen and Canadian Permanent Resident. Canada has raised this issue with Turkey.
I am concerned that Turkey’s decision to resume drilling and exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean risks escalating tensions.

Update

Turkey’s vessel, the Oruc Reis has resumed its gas exploration mission in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean that Greece has claimed as its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Supporting facts and figures

Key Trade Statistics from 2019: Total Trade: $3.58 billion; Imports: $1.96 billion; Exports: $1.62 billion. Value of Canadian Direct Investment: Over $2 billion.
Latest interactions: FMs-level call on October 9; Leaders-level call on October 16.

Background

On October 5, 2020, you announced the suspension of relevant export permits to NATO Ally Turkey. This decision followed allegations of the possible export of Turkish drones with Canadian components to Azerbaijan and reports that these drones may have been used in combat operations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Canadian officials are currently investigating these allegations.

Recent Turkish actions to resume exploratory drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the partial reopening of the beaches of Varosha in Cyprus, [REDACTED] EU leaders, in the Oct 15-16 EU Council Conclusions, “deplore(d) renewed unilateral and provocative actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean”. You discussed the situation with key partners during your recent visit to Europe and signalled Canada’s willingness to play a bridge-building role.

On September 25, 2020, a Carleton University PhD candidate and permanent resident in Canada was detained while in Turkey (along with 81 others) as part of an investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over protests that took place in 2014 concerning the Syrian town of Kobani. Since then, there have been several media articles and public focus on the detentions, including a Carleton University statement and letter to you condemning the detention and advocating for Erdal’s release. Given that the individual in question is not a Canadian citizen, he does not have the right in Turkey to consular services. Canadian officials continue to closely follow developments with regard to any potential human rights concerns.

United States – bilateral relations

Canada’s strong relationship with our North American partners remains a top priority for our government.
Ongoing close cooperation with the United States is a key element to our economic recovery from the pandemic.
Canada is committed to working with our North American partners to ensure the effective implementation of the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Supplementary messages

The close and productive ties built by parliamentarians with Members of Congress, subnational leaders, and other American influencers are crucial, especially in the context of the pandemic.
These relationships allow us to conduct important advocacy, as we did recently on aluminum, which led to the U.S. announcement to remove the aluminum tariff.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President-elect of the U.S. Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election win.
The Government of Canada remains focused on protecting Canadian interests, and this means working with the current U.S. Administration, one president and one Congress at a time.

Supporting facts and figures (statistics in canadian dollars)

Canada and the United States enjoy the largest trading relationship in the world in terms of trade in both goods and services. In 2019, Canada’s exports of Canadian goods and services to the United States were valued at $518 billion (71 percent of Canada's total exports), and imports totaled $479 billion (62 percent of Canada’s total imports).
Canada is the largest, most secure, foreign source of energy for the United States. In 2019, Canada-U.S. bilateral energy trade totaled $151.7 billion, including a $86.3 billion surplus for Canada. Canada exported 91% (by value) of its global energy exports to the U.S.
Since 2017, the PM, Ministers, Parliamentarians and Premiers have undertaken over 400 visits to the U.S. to advocate for Canadian interests.
The PM last spoke with President Trump on October 10 and discussed ongoing efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic to seek the immediate release of the two Canadians citizens arbitrarily detained in China.

Background

Economic recovery: Smooth and effective implementation of CUSMA is key to our economic recovery as is ensuring that North American supply chains remain resilient and efficient.

Trade: Canada’s efforts are now focused on ensuring the effective implementation of the CUSMA and defending Canadian interests from the real and potential impacts of U.S. protectionist actions (e.g. U.S. Section 232 national security tariffs). While CUSMA provides a certain degree of stability for the bilateral trade relationship, certain U.S. industries continue to pressure the U.S. administration to use all available tools under U.S. law to further their domestic interests.

North American Energy Security: Canada’s priorities include an ongoing high-level dialogue on a North American approach to energy markets, support for our energy sector and completion of key cross-border energy infrastructure projects (e.g. Keystone XL).

Border Management: The Canada-U.S. temporary border arrangement was renewed on October 21 and has been extended until November 21. Changes to permit entry for key cohorts were implemented on October 8, 2020, including for certain compassionate cases and expanded family reunification with Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Changes to permit entry for international students were also recently approved and are in effect as of October 20.

Elections

Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President-elect of the U.S. Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election win.
Look forward to building on strong Canada-U.S. partnership and engaging on key bilateral and multilateral issues with the next U.S. Administration.
Continue to work constructively with the current U.S. administration.

Supplementary messages

We welcome the ground-breaking election of Kamala Harris as U.S. Vice President, the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian American to hold the position.
The Government of Canada remains focused on protecting Canadian interests, and this means working with the current U.S. Administration, one president and one Congress at a time.
We will move quickly to engage the Biden-Harris Administration on common priorities and interests, including on pandemic response, economic recovery and climate action.

Supporting facts and figures

Former Vice-President Joe Biden won over 51% of the popular votes and has garnered more than the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Political leaders from around the world have also congratulated Joe Biden, with very few exceptions.
As on Nov. 12^th, President Trump has not conceded the election, and his campaign is proceeding with litigation in a number of key states. A hand recount will take place in Georgia, but state officials said it is unlikely to change the election results.
Democrats will keep control of the House of Representatives, albeit with a reduced majority.
Control of the Senate remains unclear and will likely only be decided in January following runoff races for two Senate seats in Georgia.

Background

On November 3rd, Americans voted to elect their President, all 435 members of the House of Representatives (for a two-year term), and 35 of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate (for a six-year term). Mr. Joseph R. Biden Jr. has won a majority of the popular and electoral-college votes. While the result will not be legally confirmed until December 14^th when the Electoral College votes, he is set to become the 46th President of the U.S. when he is inaugurated on January 20, 2021. In a victory speech on November 7^th, President-elect Biden reached out to supporters of President Trump and said he would seek to be a president for all Americans.

The Trump campaign is contesting some states’ results, claiming election fraud and irregularities. However, Mr. Biden’s margin of victory appears too large to be undone through the courts, even if the Trump campaign can prove their cases. Past U.S. recounts have typically altered vote totals by only hundreds of ballots.

PM Trudeau issued a statement congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election victory on Saturday Nov. 7^th, and he was the first international leader to speak with the President-elect on Nov. 9^th. They committed to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, migration, global security, anti-Black racism, trade, and energy. The PM also raised the cases of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been arbitrarily detained in China.

Venezuela

Deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Venezuela and its destabilizing effects on the region.
Strongly condemn ongoing repression, political persecution, and human rights violations by the illegitimate Maduro regime.
Canada will continue to play an active role through the Lima Group and with the broader international community to press for a return to democracy in Venezuela through free, fair and credible elections.

Supplementary messages

Canada continues to actively engage the international community to speak with a unified voice and agree on a common response to the crisis.
Committed to maintaining the attention on the refugee and migrant crisis, to provide humanitarian and development assistance, and to lead the follow-up to the May 2020 donors’ conference.
The September 2020 report of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Venezuela confirmed that the Maduro regime has committed crimes against humanity, as also previously signaled in OAS’ May 2018 report (used for the referral to the ICC).
Like the presidential elections of 2018, the upcoming parliamentarian elections on December 6 will be neither free nor fair.

Update

On October 19, 2020, Ministerial Quito Process and Group of Friends meeting, Minister Gould announced that Canada would lead on an action plan to maintain and enhance international attention on the Venezuela migrant and refugee crisis, help ensure existing donor pledges are honoured, and assess opportunities for future pledges, culminating in Canada hosting a conference in the second quarter of 2021.

Supporting facts and figures

As of October 22, there are 86,636 confirmed cases and 736 COVID-19-related deaths in Venezuela. A collapsed economy and health care system mean Venezuela is at risk of being among the worst hit by the pandemic in the Americas.
Unemployment is estimated to be 50%; and the poverty rate is estimated to be above 96 (extreme poverty at 79.3%)
Nearly 5.5 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, many in neighbouring countries, such as Colombia (>1.7 million), Peru (>1 million), and Ecuador (>417,000).
Canada’s sanctions do not target Venezuela as a country, but the individuals who have committed human rights abuses, attacks on democratic institutions, and/or significant acts of corruption.
The 2020 Donors’ Conference raised a total of US$2.7 billion, including grants and loans. Canada has delivered on its $27 million pledge made at the Conference. The majority of Canada’s assistance to the Venezuela crisis has targeted the needs of Venezuelan migrants, refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries.
Canada does not import crude oil from Venezuela. There are currently no Canadian-owned mining companies operating in Venezuela.

Background

As the region struggles to respond to the migration crisis, the pandemic is creating additional pressure on already weakened systems and infrastructures.
In Venezuela, people face an increasingly alarming humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread food insecurity, significant increases in malnourishment, a deteriorating health care system, inflation and an inability to meet basic needs.
Canada has committed almost $80M since 2019 in humanitarian and development programming to help respond to the effects of the Venezuela crisis.

Yemen

Canada remains deeply concerned with the ongoing violence in Yemen and the impact of COVID-19. We welcome the recent successful prisoner exchange and urge all parties to de-escalate hostilities, commit to a political dialogue, and halt the tragic loss of life.
In 2020, Canada disbursed $40 million to respond to the humanitarian needs of people in Yemen, building on the $180 million that Canada has provided since 2015.
Canada continues to call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and to comply fully with international human rights and humanitarian law.

Supplementary messages

Canada supports the UN-led process initiated by US Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, which seeks to achieve a cessation of hostilities, and a political transition in Yemen based on principles of inclusivity and respect for human rights.
Canada’s activities in Yemen focus on diplomatic engagement, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding and stabilization programming.
We continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in Yemen closely and will respond further as appropriate.
Canada is concerned about the disproportionate effects that the conflict continues to have on women and girls.

Update

Despite the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, efforts for a nationwide ceasefire in Yemen have not materialized. The security situation remains extremely concerning following a renewed escalation in violence since early 2020. The overall humanitarian situation is deteriorating due to the spread of COVID-19. UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths continues engaging in negotiations with the parties, identifying and building on points of convergence, and proposing compromises where differences remain. The October prisoner exchange between the parties is an important confidence building measure and viewed as a step forward to achieving peace. The Southern Transitional Council’s declaration of self-administration on April 25 is of concern as military tensions are now rising among the disparate factions in the south.

Supporting facts and figures

On June 2, the UN and Saudi Arabia co-hosted the annual Yemen humanitarian pledging event virtually. Minister Gould represented Canada and announced Canada’s $40 million contribution for 2020. Canada’s funding to UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, and NGOs will provide food, healthcare, clean water and sanitation.
According to the UN, 24.1 million people, more than two thirds of the population, need some kind of humanitarian or protection support.
Ongoing violence displaced over 270,000 people in 2019, for a total of over 3.6 million people displaced since the beginning of the conflict in 2015.
The COVID-19 crisis is expected to further exacerbate the already disproportionate impact of the conflict on women and girls by reducing their ability to access essential services and health care and by increasing the risk of domestic sexual and gender-based violence.

5G review

5G technology has raised some serious questions about security. The Government is carefully examining the security challenges and potential threats involved in 5G technology, while recognizing the importance for continued economic development.
Canada’s examination is considering foreign relations as well as technical, economic, and security factors, and includes advice from our allies and partners.
Canada views this issue as an important element within the context of our key bilateral relationships, in particular with the United States.
The Government has been clear that it will pursue an approach that takes into account important domestic and international considerations, and will make the best decision for Canadians.

Supplementary messages

5G technology will enhance our way of life and change how we do business.
Protecting the critical systems and infrastructure Canadians rely on every day is a major priority of the Government of Canada and protecting telecommunications equipment and services from cyber threats is particularly important. We will ensure that Canadian networks are kept safe and secure.

Responsive, if asked about specific vendors

While we cannot comment on specific companies, the Government will continue to work with telecommunications service providers and vendors to mitigate security risks in current and future networks as 5G technology is adopted by Canadians.

Update

Canada is currently undeclared on 5G and on vendor diversification. All other Five Eyes partners have announced measures to ban or restrict Huawei from supplying equipment for the development of their future 5G networks.

Supporting facts and figures

Concerns have been raised that malicious actors could exploit equipment vulnerabilities and compromise the sensitive data that Canadian citizens and businesses will transmit through 5G wireless networks.
Incidents, either inadvertent, or resulting from the exploitation of vulnerabilities by malicious actors will be more difficult to safeguard against, and could have a broader impact than in previous generations of this technology.
The United States has been the most vocal on this issue, strongly encouraging countries to carefully weigh the security considerations of 5G technology.
Public Safety Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Communications Security Establishment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Department of National Defence, Department of Justice, Global Affairs Canada, and the Privy Council Office are involved in the 5G examination, providing policy advice on national security, defence, foreign policy, economic, legal, and technical implications

Background

The security of 5G wireless systems has been at the forefront of domestic and international media stories. It is anticipated that the introduction of 5G technology will empower new applications and innovations that will provide many economic opportunities for Canada. The full implementation of 5G in Canada will take many years but is already starting in Canada’s federally regulated wireless telecommunications sector. Canadian Telecommunications service providers are preparing for a 5G spectrum auction that will be held in 2021.

Date Modified:: 2021-11-25

Minister of Foreign Affairs appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on Main Estimates 2020-2021

Table of contents

Meeting scenario

Committee membership & interests

Committee work

Remarks

Introduction

PS752

China – consular cases

China – Uyghurs

Hong Kong

Belarus

Nagorno-Karabakh

Export permits (Nagorno-Karabakh)

Conclusion

Afghanistan

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Africa relations

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Arctic sovereignty

Supplementary messages

Background

Belarus

Supplementary messages

Updates

Supporting facts and figures

Brexit

Supplementary messages

Background

U.K. Global Tariff (UKGT) and possible implication for Canadian exporters

China consular cases

Supplementary messages

Update

Erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Human rights and freedom of religion in China

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Meng Wanzhou arrest and U.S. extradition request

Supplementary messages

Update

Background

Canadian agricultural exports to China

Supplementary messages

Canola

China-COVID-19 import measure on food products

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Regional maritime tensions

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Supplementary messages

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Procurement of physical security equipment (Nuctech)

Supplementary messages

CanSino vaccine

Supplementary messages

Update

Background

Consular cases

Supplementary messages

Clemency - Canadians facing the death penalty abroad

Consular assistance for Canadian children and families

COVID-related costs

Update

Supporting facts and figures

Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

Update

Supporting facts and figures