URAP Newsletter may, 2023
URAP newsletter for May, 2023
URAP NEWSLETTER - May 2023
Press releases:
May 2 - MEMORANDUM: CANADIAN INACTION ON FORCED LABOUR AS A POTENTIAL LOOPHOLE TO THE UNITED STATES’ UYGHUR FORCED LABOUR PREVENTION ACT (UFLPA)
News:
· China and its interference in the Canadian elections of 2019 and 2021 dominated the public discussion, the Parliamentary debates and media coverage since the House of Commons resumed its activity after the New Year recess. The CSIS leaked documents, as reported by Globe and Mail, revealed Chinese ‘diplomatic mission” targeted multiple sitting members of the House, most noticeably MP Michael Chong. He was particularly singled out by CCP due to his M56 initiative calling for the recognition of the Uyghur Genocide. It was alleged many Canadian elected MPs were compromised, coerced or favored and sponsored by the Communist regime of China via its “diplomats” stationed in Canada. There were orchestrated media campaigns in the Chinese-language media funneled by PRC within the ethnic Chinese community as well. Below are some links covering above mentioned as well as URAP’s media outreach and advocacy efforts addressing such pressing issues of the Canadian politics.
Media compilation (URAP interviews/remarks):
· https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anrDse9JIXs :URAP ED Mehmet Tohti’s iInterview in the True North show about Chinese influence.
· https://cnca-rcrce.ca/2023/05/01/why-mps-should-vote-against-bill-s-211/ “Understandably, the Executive Director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, Mehmet Tohti, urged all MPs to vote against S-211, calling it a “lip service Bill” that was “born dead and ineffective.”
· https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/05/03/for-chinas-uyghurs-never-gain-is-right-now.html “As “re-education camp” survivors gave their testimony, they were “Zoom bombed” multiple times in an attempt to silence their voices. According to the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), our event co-host, such harassment is commonplace when courageous Uyghurs share their horrific experience”.
· La Presse quoted URAP’s ED (Executive Director) Mehmet Tohti : “Parmi les entreprises, beaucoup d'entre elles font partie de la chaîne d'approvisionnement du travail forcé. (Many companies are part of the forced labor supply chain)”, concerning the enterprises that get investment from Canadian pensions” https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1981309/investissement-ouighour-droits-homme
· Another La Presse quoting URAP ED Mehmet Tohti as « Ce ne sont plus des photos satellites, ce sont des preuves réelles des gens qui sont emprisonnés pendant des années parce qu’ils sont croyants (These are no longer satellite photos, but real evidence of people who have been imprisoned for years because they are religious.) », concerning the Uyghurs in concentration camps. https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/4cb700a7-90aa-4e58-bbb9-7bac7f999b92%7C_0.html
· Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, says Canadians' pensions are being invested in companies that benefit from or help enable the Chinese government's persecution of his people. "Among the companies, many of them are part of the forced labour supply chain.
· https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/national-news/2023/05/24/critics-of-david-johnstons-report-against-formal-inquiry-say-hearings-not-enough/ - Markham Community demanding to shut down Shein warehouse in Toronto, Ontario
· “In my opinion, the best way to detect or deter or counter Chinese interference in Canada is to have sunshine and transparency in the whole process," Tohti said. "Just expose all the dirty laundry in the public's eyes so the public can be better informed of what's happening." - https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/05/25/news/hearings-critics-david-johnstons-report-foreign-interference
· URAP’s Activities:
- URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
- URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement)
- URAP is actively engaged in the ongoing consultations with the GOC (Government of Canada) in the rapid adaptation of the FIRA (Foreign Influence Registry Act) Bill, we cooperate with multiple NGOs across Canada.
- URAP’s documentary film making on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
- As heated political debates in the Parliament continued throughout May-June in Ottawa, URAP was cited by MPs (like MP John Brassard Conservative) as another victim of PRC intimidation and interference - https://www.cpac.ca/episode?id=f9809cea-1e07-47cd-a94d-2ddd3e1351db - Watch LIVE
Gallery:
May 17, 2023 URAP Director Mehmet Tohti presented plaque of appreciation to MP Jenica Atwin for her role in acknowledging the Uyghur Genocide and sponsoring the M62 BIll
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
Alma Uyghur Legal Retreat – July 3-6, 2023
Appendix (Media citations on URAP for May – June 2023):
Media Reports on Michael Chong related topics - Mentioning URAP
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/05/03/for-chinas-uyghurs-never-gain-is-right-now.html May 3 - We must use all means at our disposal — economic, diplomatic, cultural — to pressure China to end its genocidal persecution of the Uyghurs.
https://thedailyguardian.com/lack-of-attention-paid-to-uyghurs-situation-is-disturbing-report/ May 5 - Lack of attention paid to Uyghurs’ situation is disturbing: Report
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/23/canada-china-allegations-election-interference-inquiry-david-johnston May 23 - Canadian special rapporteur rules out inquiry into Chinese interference claims
Following the Johnston’s report on the findings – URAP ED Mehmet Tohti provided several interviews
For example, during the Parliamentary debate MP John Brassarde mentioned by the name Mehmet Tohti during his address, "victim of PRC campaign" MP John Nater, MP Heather McPherson (30 years of intimidation in Canada), Brad Vis (Uyghur Genocide PRC against Muslim Uyghurs) - https://youtu.be/kuATeGTQ-v8
Other Reports
https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-china-idCAKBN2WU1GA May 3 - Canada’s spy agency withheld information about Chinese threats against a Canadian lawmaker and his family in 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FaAj3CD_bE May 1 - Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre demanded that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expel a Chinese diplomat who was involved in an alleged plan to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Er61_9aBqU May 4 - The House of Commons was host to a tumultuous debate on foreign threats, in which MP Chong asked why the government is ignoring CSIS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWFvqtXwnPk May 8 - Canada has declared Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei 'persona non grata' after days of pressure from opposition parties. The diplomat has five days to leave Canada after being accused of targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong's family living in Hong Kong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfV1w4qzp3Q May 9 - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada would “not be intimidated” after China expelled a Canadian diplomat in retaliation over Ottawa’s expulsion of a Chinese consular official, who Canada’s spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8xY_NqRwds June 13 - RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed to MPs that the force has opened an investigation into allegations of China targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mps-vote-to-launch-study-into-china-s-intimidation-campaign-against-michael-chong-1.6392766 May 10 - The House of Commons has unanimously agreed that a committee should strike a study into the "intimidation campaign" allegedly orchestrated by a now-expelled Chinese diplomat against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-chong-foreign-interference-family-1.6845222 May 16 - MP Michael Chong says Canada needs to 'catch up' to allies on national security threats
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-csis-confirms-mp-michael-chong-and-family-targeted-by-china/ May 2 - CSIS head tells MP Michael Chong that he and family were targeted by China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/michael-chong-justin-trudeau-harassment-canada-china May 3 - Michael Chong accused Trudeau’s government of turning blind eye while Chinese diplomat gathered information in Canada
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mps-vote-to-launch-study-into-china-s-intimidation-campaign-against-michael-chong-1.6392766 May 10 - The House of Commons has unanimously agreed that a committee should strike a study into the "intimidation campaign" allegedly orchestrated by a now-expelled Chinese diplomat against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://globalnews.ca/news/9665567/foreign-interference-china-michael-chong-threats/ May 1 - Conservative member of Parliament Michael Chong says Ottawa should have informed him about potential threats to his family made by China’s government two years ago.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65487195 May 5 - China has accused Canada of "slander and defamation" after it said Beijing targeted a member of its parliament and his family. On Friday, China said the allegation that it attempted to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong over his anti-China stance was "nonsense". Mr Chong, 51, previously accused China of human rights abuses. Canada is considering expelling Chinese diplomats over the issue and summoned its ambassador on Thursday.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1976979/ottawa-assessing-blowback-from-expelling-chinese-diplomat-accused-of-targeting-chongs-family-joly May 4 - Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says her government has summoned China's ambassador and is assessing the likely consequences of expelling a Chinese diplomat accused of helping to target Conservative MP Michael Chong's family.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/04/americas/canada-china-michael-chong-intl/index.html May 5 - Canada and China have become embroiled in a fresh diplomatic row after Ottawa summoned Beijing’s ambassador to respond to allegations that Beijing tried to intimidate a Canadian politician and interfere in its elections. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the summoning of the ambassador Thursday, adding that Canada was considering taking retaliatory action over the allegations, which China vigorously denies.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/08/canada-expels-chinese-diplomat-zhao May 8 - Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat after an intelligence report accused him of trying to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority. Canada has decided to declare persona non grata Mr Zhao Wei,” the Canadian foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, said in a statement on Monday.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/canada-china-ambassador-summoned-cong-peiwu May 4 - Canada has summoned China’s ambassador as Justin Trudeau’s government considers expelling a Chinese diplomat accused of involvement in a harassment campaign against a MP lawmaker and his family in retaliation for the lawmaker’s criticisms of Beijing.
https://www.reuters.com/world/lawmaker-says-canada-govt-did-not-inform-him-report-chinas-threats-family-2023-05-01/ May 1 - Michael Chong, a lawmaker with Canada's main opposition Conservative party, said on Monday that the country's spy agency did not inform him about threats against him and his family from China that were reported in a Canadian newspaper. Chong said he was "profoundly disappointed" to find out about the potential threat to his family in Hong Kong from a newspaper, which cited intelligence reports from 2021.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-says-claims-officials-coercing-canadian-congressman-relatives-are-false-2023-05-04/ May 4 - China's Toronto consulate-general said on Thursday that a report of consular officers "coercing" a Canadian lawmaker and his family have "no factual basis and is purely baseless", adding that Canadian media and politicians have ulterior motives. "We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," the consulate-general spokesperson said in a statement, urging the media and politicians concerned to "stop spreading rumours and smearing".
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-expels-chinese-diplomat-accused-targeting-lawmaker-2023-05-08/ May 9 - China on Tuesday expelled a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa told a Toronto-based Chinese diplomat to leave, escalating tense relations amid concerns about Chinese influence in Canada. Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei on Monday after an intelligence report accused him of trying to target a Canadian lawmaker critical of China's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority.
PM Trudeau on May 9 feedback on China’s expulsion of the Canadian diplomat in PRC tit for tat tactics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfV1w4qzp3Q
Political fallout on MP Chong vote initiation on M56 “Uyghur Genocide” motion in 2021 and it’s political consequences https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66V3ild3EEE
CPP related video clips
May 10 – Media – Uyghur Friendship Group Co-Chair MP Garnett Genius during the Committee hearings on the CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) investments in China asked Investment Fund’s CEO Mr.Garant “I wonder if you think that the people you invest on behalf of — teachers, university employees, municipal employees in B.C. — think it’s acceptable that you are defending investments in a company that’s complicit in genocide on the basis that well, you need to diversify your portfolio?”
“https://www.therecord.com/ts/business/2023/05/10/canadian-pension-fund-giants-defend-china-investments-amid-rising-diplomatic-tensions
https://globalnews.ca/news/9694637/beijing-targeting-mps-csis/
In French – Français :
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1987611/grc-enquete-michael-chong-chine-ingerence-intimidation 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a déclaré mardi matin en comité parlementaire que ses services ont ouvert une enquête sur les allégations publiées au printemps dans les médias voulant que la Chine ait tenté de cibler et d'intimider le député conservateur Michael Chong ainsi que sa famille.
https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/792883/la-grc-enquete-sur-des-allegations-d-ingerence-etrangere-contre-trois-deputes 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a confirmé mardi que la police fédérale avait ouvert une enquête criminelle sur les allégations selon lesquelles le député conservateur Michael Chong aurait été ciblé par Pékin.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2023-05-05/michael-chong-et-sa-famille-menaces/les-rates-de-la-machine-gouvernementale-encore-inexpliques.php 5 mai - Justin Trudeau insiste : les informations colligées par le SCRS sur la campagne de Pékin visant Michael Chong et des membres de sa famille ne se sont jamais rendues à lui. Il a toutefois donné peu de détails sur les raisons de ce cafouillage.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1978655/ingerence-chine-scrs-motion-commission-securite-enquete 10 mai - La Chambre des communes a demandé à l'unanimité à une commission parlementaire d'examiner les allégations selon lesquelles le gouvernement chinois aurait mené une campagne d'intimidation contre le député conservateur Michael Chong.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2023-05-16/ingerence-de-la-chine/michael-chong-a-sollicite-trois-rencontres-avec-le-scrs.php 16 mai - Le député conservateur Michael Chong, contre qui la Chine aurait déployé une campagne d’intimidation, a demandé trois rencontres en moins d’un an avec le Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS) parce qu’il se croyait visé par des menaces.
https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/05/05/menaces-contre-le-depute-michael-chong-trudeau-pretend-toujours-quil-ne-savait-rien 5 mai - Justin Trudeau continue d’affirmer qu’il n’avait pas été informé par les services de renseignement au sujet des menaces qui pesaient contre le député Michael Chong et sa famille, et soutient qu’expulser le diplomate chinois impliqué « n’est pas une petite chose ».
Clean University Initiative:
Media – May 7 - URAP’S “Clean University" Campaign initiated as of August 2022 has started to see its impact - One item at a time is effective way to make tangible changes.
Canada set to name foreign labs, universities that pose risk to national security - Leading universities say they would avoid working with the organizations altogether — despite potential $100M loss in annual funding from foreign partners