CACN Committee Membership

Garnett Genuis, Vice-Chair
(CPC—Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, AB)

Critic for International Development and Human Rights

Key interests

• Human rights
• Canada-China relations
• Freedom of expression
• Democracy and rule of law
• Freedom of religion
• Critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), writ large

Parliamentary Roles

Garnett Genuis is currently the Conservative Critic for International Development and Human Rights. He previously served as the Conservative Critic for Canada-China Relations and Multiculturalism. MP Genuis has presented a private member's bill and numerous petitions over the past two parliaments to draw attention to the combat against trafficking in human organs.

Notable committee membership:

• Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), October 2020-present
• Member, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), October 2020-present; 2017-2018
• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), February 2020 – August 2020; October 2020-present
• Member, Subcommittee Committee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR), February 2020-August 2020
• Member, Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (REGS), January 2016-September 2017

Background

MP Genuis was elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and 2019. Prior to his election, he worked the Prime Minister's Office under Stephen Harper.

MP Genuis grew up in Strathcona County, Alberta. At age 15, he began writing a column for Sherwood Park News, a newspaper that he continues to contribute to as an MP. MP Genuis holds a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University and Master's of Science in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Statements on China

MP Genuis is one of the most active and vocal Members of Parliament on China issues and has been highly critical of the Government's strategy regarding China. In particular, he has questioned the suitability of Ambassador Dominic Barton's role as Canada's representative in China, noting the Ambassador's praise for the Chinese response to the COVID-19 crisis and his apparent lack of knowledge of Huseyincan Celil's consular situation.

In the 43rd Parliament, MP Genuis has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the Uyghur Muslim population in China, and has introduced petitions, requested late show debates, and asked questions during Question Period. He also played a key role in the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR)'s work on a study entitled, "Human Rights Situation of the Uyghurs". During the meetings for this study, MP Genuis focused his questioning on the use of targeted sanctions against Chinese officials, population control, the destruction of Uyghur culture, and supply chains. Outside of parliament, MP Genuis is active on social media, tweeting almost daily about this issue and what he perceives to be lack of action on the part of the Government. MP Genuis follows Mr. Celil's consular case closely and has met Mr. Celil's wife, Kamila, several times.

In addition, to his advocacy work regarding the Uyghurs in China, MP Genius is engaged with the situation in Hong Kong. Prior to the committee's study on Hong Kong, he brought up the topic regularly and strongly advocated for the committee to study Hong Kong. MP Genuis has repeatedly stressed his concern regarding the imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong, the end of democracy and free press in the city, and the end of the one country two systems model. He has raised concerns for the safety of the 300,000 Canadians living in Hong Kong and Hong Kong pro-democracy activists. He is in support of targeted sanctions on CCP and Hong Kong officials responsible for the implementation of the NSL. He is also supportive of immigration options to protect Canadians and pro-democracy activists and help them seek safe haven in Canada.

MP Genuis was mentioned and quoted in a Globe & Mail article published on July 21, 2020, "Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, a member of [SDIR], said the Liberal government's 'complete lack of use' of Magnitsky sanctions against Chinese officials has been 'disappointing.'"

MP Genuis has also been vocal about CCP influence in Canada. During the first session of the 43rd Parliament, he introduced a motion calling for CACN to study CCP influence in Canadian universities.

Stéphane Bergeron, Vice-Chair
(BQ—Montarville, QC)

Critic for Foreign Affairs

Key interests

• Canada-China relations, writ large

Parliamentary roles

Bergeron is currently the Bloc Québécois' (BQ) Critic for Foreign Affairs. He is a member of numerous parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups, particularly the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA). He also served as the Whip for the BQ from 1997 to 2001.  

Notable committee membership:

• Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, Subcommittee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment of the

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (SINT), March-May 2004

• Vice-Chair, Subcommittee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment of the

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (SINT), November 2002-2003

• Member, Foreign Affairs and International Trade (FAIT), February 2004-May 2004; October

2002-September 2003

Background

Bergeron served as a BQ member of the House of Commons from 1993 to 2005 and a member of Quebec's National Assembly from 2005 to 2018. In 2019, he returned to the House of Commons as a BQ member. 

Bergeron has bachelors and master's degrees in Political Science. After first leaving the House of Commons and serving in Quebec's National Assembly for 13 years, Bergeron was Registrar of Rimouski's CEGEP. He was previously a political advisor and a teaching assistant at the Universite Laval within the Political Science department. From 1984 to 1993 he served in the Canadian Forces as a naval Cadet Instructor Cadre officer. 

Statements about China

MP Bergeron has been supportive of CACN and its mandate since its inception in 2019, stating, "We can speak at length about the reasons the relationship has deteriorated, but there is no denying that Canada-China relations have deteriorated. There is a problem. Once we become aware of the problem what do we do? We can take the Liberal government's approach of late and close our eyes and leave the Canadian ambassador to China post vacant in Beijing for eight months. Yes, I said eight months. That is not a good approach to finding solutions. A minority government needs the good will of the whole House."

During CACN meetings on the topic of Hong Kong, MP Bergeron has been particularly interested in targeted sanctions levied on CCP and Hong Kong officials as a policy option. He has also asked numerous witnesses about the Sino-British Joint Declaration and its validity under international law, and if the CCP would prevent Hong Kongers from leaving Hong Kong. Further, during the August 17 meeting of CACN, MP Bergeron asked about the impact of the relationship between China and the current administration of the United States on Canada's relationship with China, asking a witness, "Under the circumstances, is it even possible to form a coalition… with the United States?"

Jack Harris, Vice-Chair
(NDP—St. John's East, NL)

Critic for Foreign Affairs

Key interests

• Human rights, writ large
• Consular cases in China
• Coordinated action between Canada and likeminded counties

Parliamentary roles

MP Harris is currently the NDP's Critic for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He is also the Deputy Critic for Defence. Among the CACN members, only Harris was a member of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan (AFGH) from 2010-2011, experience which is particularly relevant to this special committee in a minority parliament context.

Notable committee membership:

• Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), February 2020-present
• Vice-Chair, National Defence (NDDN), 2011-2015
• Member, National Defence (NDDN), 2009-2015 
• Member, Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan (AFGH), March 2010-March 2011
• Vice Chair, Justice and Human Rights (JUST), 2011-2012  
• Vice-Chair, Public Safety and National Security (SECU), 2009 

Background

Jack Harris is a lawyer and politician from Newfoundland and Labrador. He has represented St John's East several times: from 1987-1988, from 2008 to 2015, and winning his seat again in 2019. He was the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party from 1992 to 2006. 

Statements about China

MP Harris, like MP Bergeron, has been supportive of CACN and its mandate since its inception in 2019.

MP Harris has expressed concerns that Canada has not done enough to protect Hong Kong's status, as was promised in 1997 upon the signing of the Joint Declaration. He has asked witnesses their recommendations for actions Canada could take to ensure the safe immigration of Hong Kongers to Canada.

MP Harris has asked multiple witnesses at CACN meetings if they believe Canada needs legislation in response to foreign interference by the CCP.

MP Harris was mentioned in a Globe & Mail article published on July 21, 2020, "NDP foreign-affairs critic Jack Harris said that while Magnitsky sanctions are an important tool, it is vital that the government work in concert with other countries to address the situation in China."

On July 19, 2020, MP Harris released a statement on his website calling on the Government to, "warn and protect Canadian travellers," related to the NSL. He noted, "These laws extend to foreign nationals and cover activities occurring outside China. Under these new laws, Canadians who have been involved in any activity or public position that the Chinese government considers subversive could be arbitrarily detained and handed over to the Chinese authorities if they stop over in countries that have an extradition agreement with Hong Kong.

Emmanuel Dubourg
(LPC—Bourassa, QC)

Key interests

• Canada-China relations, writ large

Parliamentary roles

During the 42nd Parliament, Dubourg served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. He was a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) from September 2018 to March 2019. 

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics (ETHI), January 2017-2018 

Background

MP Dubourg was born in Saint-Marc, Haiti and emigrated to Canada in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He has been a member of the Ordre des comptables agréés du Québec since 1987. MP Dubourg was a teacher at Université du Québec à Montréal, Université du Québec en Outaouais,. He also worked as a Manager and Advisor at the Canada Revenue Agency.

MP Dubourg has been honoured with several awards and citations for his work over the years, including the Governor General's Medal, the Innovation and Excellence prize from Revenue Canada in 1992 and the Black History Month Award in 2006 for his work in the black community.

MP Dubourg was previously a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec from 2007 to 2013. In 2013, he was elected to the House of Commons as an MP in a by-election.

Statements about China

MP Dubourg does not appear to have any specific interests regarding the Canada-China relationship, and typically asks witnesses for their suggestions as to how Canada can repair its relationship with China.

Outside CACN meetings, MP Dubourg does not make mention of China.

Peter Fragiskatos
(LPC—London North Centre, ON)

Key interests

• Canada-China relations, writ large
• Canadian businesses in China
• Rule of law

Parliamentary roles

Fragiskatos is a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN), and the Canada NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA).

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, Finance (FINA), September 2018-2019 
• Member, Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR), January 2017-September 2019; February 2016-September 2017 
• Member, Public Safety and National Security (SECU), September 2017-2018 
• Member, Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAEE), January 2016-September 2017 

Background

MP Fragiskatos has a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Western University, a Master's in International Relations from Queen's University, and holds a PhD in International Relations from Cambridge University.

Before being elected to the House of Commons in 2015, MP Fragiskatos was a political scientist at King's University College at Western University. He also worked as a media commentator. His works have been published by major Canadian and international news organizations including Maclean's Magazine, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, BBC News, and CNN. MP Fragiskatos served on the Board of Directors of Anago Resources and the Heritage London Foundation.

Statements about China

During the prorogation of parliament between August 18 and September 23, 2020, MP Fragiskatos voiced his interest in seeing CACN return in the second session of the 43rd Parliament, despite being "initially skeptical" when it was created in late-2019.

During CACN meetings, MP Fragiskatos typically asks witnesses about Canadian businesses in China and how they are impacted by the ongoing bilateral tensions between Canada and China.

Outside CACN meetings, MP Fragiskatos does not make much mention of China.

Robert Oliphant
(LPC—Don Valley West, ON)

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Key interests

• Consular cases
• Rules-based international order

Parliamentary roles

MP Oliphant was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in May 2019 and retained this role in the 43rd Parliament. 

He is actively involved in parliamentary associations. In particular, he has been a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) since December 2015. He is also actively involved in the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF).

Oliphant travelled to China with CACN (association) in May 2019 as the Head of Delegation. Given his position as Parliamentary Secretary, this visit marked the first high-level interaction since bilateral irritants between Canada and China began in December 2018.

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present
• Member, Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), February 2020-present
• Chair, Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), 2017-2019
• Member, Public Safety and National Security (SECU), 2016-2017; 2009

Background

MP Oliphant was first elected to the House of Commons in October 2008. He was defeated in the 2011 federal election but was re-elected in 2015 and 2019.

MP Oliphant graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto in 1978. During his time at U of T, he was active in the University of Toronto Liberal Club, as well as the Ontario (New) Young Liberals.  After obtaining a Master of Divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology, he was ordained as a United Church Minister in 1984.  His official title is The Reverend Doctor Robert Oliphant, MP.

MP Oliphant worked in Premier David Peterson's office in 1989. He later worked for two provincial ministers, Christine Hart, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Mavis Wilson, Minister Responsible for Women's issues.

Statements about China

As Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, MP Oliphant typically takes on a leadership role among the LPC members of CACN.

Generally, MP Oliphant's statements in the House regarding China have focused on defending the government's positions. MP Oliphant raises Canadian consular services abroad in a number of contexts, including committee, social media, and House debate. He has stated a number of times that the return of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are the top priority of the Government.

MP Oliphant frequently defends Canada's foreign policy, stating it "is based on renewing a rules-based international order that Canadians have built together, protecting universal human rights, supporting democracies," and noting, "We are a leader in the world on critical issues, whether it is in Venezuela, or in the Middle East or in China, all around the world. We will continue to stand with our allies, with NATO partners, as we continue to ensure Canada's leadership is strong and heard in our world with allies and like-minded who work with us."

Jean Yip
(LPC—Scarborough-Agincourt, ON)

Key interests

• Canada-China relations, writ large
• Consular cases

Parliamentary roles

MP Yip serves as Co-Chair of the Liberal Seniors' Caucus and is a member of the Liberal Party's Caucuses on Housing Affordability, Immigration, and Mental Health as well as Women's and Scarborough Caucuses. MP Yip is a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM).

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO), September 2018-2019 
• Member, Public Accounts (PACP), January 2018-Septemeber 2019  

Background

MP Yip was elected to the House of Commons via by-election in 2017. Her predecessor was her former husband Arnold Chan who died in 2017.

She was born in Scarborough, and raised in Agincourt, the riding that she now represents. Her mother is from Shanghai and her father is from Canton but spent time in Hong Kong as a police clerk. Both later immigrated to Canada separately. After completing her degree at the University of Toronto, MP Yip pursued a career in insurance and underwriting and holds the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional Designation.

Statements about China  

MP Yip has highlighted cultural aspects of China, rising in the House of Commons in May 2018 to note the importance of Asian Heritage Month. She is active on Twitter and frequently tweets about different cultural events, as well as highlighting local Asian and Asian-inspired restaurants in her riding.

At CACN meetings, MP Yip asks witnesses contextual questions about the situation in China and for updates on the Canada-China relationship.

Outside CACN meetings, MP Yip does not make much mention of China.

Lenore Zann
(LPC—Cumberland-Colchester, NS)

Key interests

• Environmental issues, writ large
• Nova Scotia lobster

Parliamentary roles 

Nil

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 

Background

MP Zann is Australian-Canadian actor and politician. She was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2019. Before entering federal politics, she represented the electoral district of Truro-Bible Hill in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2009 until 2019 as a member of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (NDP) and from June 9, 2019 until September 12, 2019 as an Independent.

MP Zann was initially a member of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (NDP). During her first term, she was appointed Ministerial Assistant for Culture & Heritage, Environment and Climate Change, and Deputy Premier. Later as a member of the opposition, MP Zann was the NDP spokesperson for Education, Environment, Status of Women, Human Rights Commission, Aboriginal Affairs & Truth & Reconciliation, Agriculture, Advanced Education, African Nova Scotia Affairs, and Gaelic Affairs.

Statements about China 

During CACN meetings, MP Zann focuses her questions on the cultural and people-to-people relationships between Canada and China. In doing so, she tries to highlight the Government's differentiation of the people of China and the Chinese government.

In addition, MP Zann raises the lobster trade between Canada and China at CACN meetings due to the location of her riding. 

Outside CACN meetings, MP Yip does not make much mention of China.

Hon. Michael Chong, P.C.
(CPC—Wellington—Halton Hills, ON)

Critic for Foreign Affairs

Key interests

• Hong Kong
• Democracy
• Environmental issues, writ large

Parliamentary roles

MP Chong is currently serving as the Official Opposition's Critic for Foreign Affairs. MP Chong served as the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Minister for Sport from February to November 2006. He has been a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA), the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN), and the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS), among others.

Notable committee membership:

• Vice-Chair and member, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), October 2020-present
• Member, Industry, Science and Technology (INDU), 2009-2010, September 2018-2019
• Member, Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN), September 2017-2018
• Member, Public Safety and National Security (SECU), October 2013-January 2014

Background

MP Chong was first elected to Parliament in 2004 and has been Chair of several House of Commons Standing Committees. He is a co-founder and member of the All Party Climate Caucus since it was formed in 2011. In the 42nd Parliament, MP Chong served as the Official Opposition's Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Shadow Minister for Science. In 2016, MP Chong ran for leadership of the CPC, but was unsuccessful.

MP Chong's father was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 1952. His mother immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1960. MP Chong attended Trinity College in the University of Toronto where he obtained a degree in philosophy.

Prior to his election, MP Chong acted as Chief Information Officer for the National Hockey League Players' Association and as a Senior Technology Consultant to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for the redevelopment of Pearson International Airport. MP Chong also co-founded the Dominion Institute, now known as Historica Canada, an organization committed to raising Canadians' awareness of history and civics. He currently sits on its Board of Governors.

Statements about China

On October 12, 2020, MP Chong was directly critical of China, commenting in an interview that COVID-19 is not an excuse to deny consular access to Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.

On September 30, 2020, MP Chong stated that China was violating human rights and international treaties in its treatment of Michael Spavor, Michael Kovrig, the Uyghurs, and the people of Hong Kong. He asked if the government would impose sanctions on those responsible in China.

On September 16, 2020, MP Chong posted a readout of his meeting with China's Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Cong Peiwu. In this readout, MP Chong flagged the detention of Michael Kovrig and Spavor, the National Security Law, and Canadians' changing attitude toward China.

On December 10, 2019, MP Chong rose in the House of Commons to speak about Canada's relationship with China. He stated, "I would say this in response to the economic concerns that have been voiced by many about our relationship with China. More important than economic concerns are the principles and values on which this country is founded, principles such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Those are the very principles we risk undermining and doing away with if we continue to focus on the economic consequences of taking a reset and decoupling in our China relationship". He went on to speak about how China has increasingly used economic blackmail, including attacks on Canadian farmers with regards to pork, beef and canola. MP Chong also raised concerns about Uyghurs in concentration camps and Beijing's systemic campaign to wipe out this population in a genocidal manner. Finally, he asked the government to take a firmer, stronger, and clearer position on Hong Kong.

Pierre Paul-Hus
(CPC—Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, Quebec, QC)

Critic for Public Services and Procurement

Key interests:

• Security
• Huawei
• Procurement

Parliamentary roles

MP Paul-Hus has been the CPC critic for Public Services and Procurement since 2019, he was also the critic for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in 2017. He is a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) and the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAUS)

Notable committee memberships 

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), October 2020-present
• Member, Government Estimates and Operations (OGGO), October 2020-present
• Vice-Chair, Public Safety and National Security (SECU), September 2017 – September 2029, February 2020 – August 2020
• Member, COVID-19 Pandemic (COVI), April 2020 – June 2020
• Member, National Defence (NDDN), January 2016 – September 2017

Background 

MP Paul-Hus is a graduate of political science at Laval University and owner of PRESTIGE Media Group. He is a military officer (Reserve) and a graduate of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College and the Ecole Militaire in Paris, where he also taught. In 1987, he enlisted and joined the Régiment de la Chaudière, reserve unit of the Canadian Armed Forces. During his 22 years of service, he conducted two operational missions: one in Labrador under the aegis of NATO, and the second in Cyprus to the United Nations. He retired in 2009 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. MP Paul-Hus has also been vice president of Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada (the largest wine competition in North America) for 11 years.

MP Paul-Hus visited Taiwan in January 2018 during which he met the President of Taiwan, Ms. Tsai Ing-Wen.

Statements about China

MP Paul-Hus introduced a motion during the first meeting of CACN, "That the committee study national security issues over four or five meetings, including cyber security and the threat of foreign interference and that the committee provide a report to the House." This motion passed. He also introduced a motion at the first meeting of OGGO, "That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the Nuctech security equipment contract; that the study start no later than Monday, November 23, 2020; that the committee send for all documents, memorandums, and briefing materials related to the Nuctech security equipment contract; that the documents be provided to the committee, in both official languages, no later than 5 p.m. (Ottawa time) on December 10." This motion passed.

MP Paul-Hus has raised concerns regarding Huawei, stating, "Trudeau's Liberals have been ignoring Canadian security agencies for months and refusing to take a stand on Huawei's potential participation in Canada's 5G network for purely partisan political reasons. This has put Canada out of the game vis-à-vis our G7 allies, and endangers the future of the Five Eyes intelligence system."

In February 2020, MP Paul-Hus commented on China's involvement in 2017 Equifax hack, noting, "It is extremely worrying that this hack is allegedly carried out by members of the Chinese PLA. If this charge were proven in court, it would mean that the PLA deliberately carried out a state-sponsored cyber attack on Canadians in order to steal their personal information. In the digital age, Canadians need to be confident that their personal information is safe and that the Canadian government will protect them from foreign agents who engage in hacking, espionage or any other cyber crime to obtain that information. This means getting tough on cybercriminals and ensuring that they are prosecuted with all the force of the law."

After a visit to Taiwan in 2018, MP Paul-Hus commented that, "Diplomatic relations between Taiwan and foreign countries are very complicated given its status with China. This is why Canada must get more involved in order to strengthen the friendship and relations between our two countries."

John Williamson
(CPC—New Brunswick Southwest, NB)

Key interests:

• Freedom of the press
• Human rights
• Democracy

Parliamentary roles

MP Williamson has served as the Vice-Chair for the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAUS). He has been a member of several other parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups including the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM) and the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN).

Notable committee membership:

• Member, Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), January 2020-present 
• Member, National Defence (NDDN), January 2014-August 2015; October 2013-January 2014 
• Member, Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), September 2012-2013; January-September 2012 
• Member, Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), September 2012-January 2013; June 2011-January 2012 

Background

MP Williamson was elected to the House of Commons in the 2011 Federal Election. Prior to his election, he was the director of communications in Stephen Harper's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) from 2009 until 2011. MP Williamson was defeated in the 2015 election, but was re-elected in 2019.

MP Williamson graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science. He later obtained a Master's Degree in economic history from the London School of Economics. He worked for the National Post as an editorial writer and was a founding member of their editorial board. He was a national director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and was their national spokesperson from January 2004 to September 2008.

Statements about China

During CACN meetings, MP Williamson regularly raises concerns for the deteriorating democracy and free press in Hong Kong since the introduction of the NLS. MP Williamson has also asked witnesses if they believe Taiwan will be subject to a similar national security law in the future.

In March 2020, MP Williamson tabled a motion, "That the committee express its grave concern over the arrest of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum in Hong Kong, and that this be reported to the House." The motion passed, and was subsequently reported to the House.

In 2013, MP Williamson noted that, "While [the CPC] create better policy in Canada, the Liberal leader admires China's basic dictatorship."