Parliamentary Committee Notes: CACN Committee Membership

Ken Hardie-Chair

LPC–Fleetwood—Port Kells

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected:2015
• Re-elected:2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of British Columbia
• Communication: Social Media Editor at Facts & Opinions (2014 – 2015); Communication Consultant PlaceSpeak Inc. (2013 – 2014); Corporate Director of Communication at Translink (1999 – 2013); Program Director - CHNL AM 610 NL Broadcasting Ltd. (1979 – 1986)
• Public Affairs: Manager, Public Affairs at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (1986 – 1998)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present)

Committee membership

• Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2016 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2016 – 2019)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

5G

• In November 2020, MP Hardie questioned if banning Huawei was necessary, in practical terms, to keep it out of the Canadian 5G network.

Canada-China Relations

• In September 2020, he stated that “the soundest strategy to deal with a belligerent, bellicose China is to have nations speak with one voice.”
• In December 2019, MP Hardie expressed concern about the impact the deteriorating relationship with China can have on constituents in the Prairies, particularly those in the agricultural sector. He noted that China represents a major market and its absence would be hurtful to many.

Michael D.Chong–Vice Chair

CPC–Wellington–Halton Hills (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected:2004
• Re-elected:2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy
• Advisor: Senior advisor at Greater Toronto Airports Authority (2001 – 2004);
• Analyst at BZW (Barclays de Zoete Wedd) (1994 – 1997); Assistant to the President at Canadian Tire Financial Services (1992 – 1994)
• IT: Head of IT at Mackie Research Capital (1997 – 1999)
• History: Member Board Of Directors at Historica Canada (1997 – Present)

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Critic : Foreign Affairs (2020 – Present)
• Former Critic: Infrastructure, Communities and Urban Affairs (2017 – 2018);  Science (Industry) (2018 – 2019); Democratic Institutions (2019 – 2020)
• Former Assistant Critic: Environnent (2015 – 2016)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Official Languages (2011 – 2015); Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2010 – 2011); Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2009)
• Former Vice-Chair Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – 2021); Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021 – 2022)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Human Rights

• At the May 5, 2022 FAAE session on Tibet, MP Chong questioned the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Chinese officials for their human rights abuses/violations against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, questioned their effectiveness, and whether sanctions should be imposed for similar abuses in Tibet.
• On January 24, 2021, MP Chong issued a Conservative statement calling on the government to recognize the Uyghur genocide, encourage allies to do the same, and update its travel advisories to reflect the potential threats to Canadians when travelling to China.
• MP Chong is also a strong advocate for the introduction of additional systems in Canada to prevent imports of goods produced from forced labour.

Foreign interference

• During Question Period on November 14, 2022, he strongly criticized the government for allowing China to provide funding to Liberal candidates during the election campaign and asked for the names of the 11 candidates who received funding from China.
• On October 18, at CACN 18, MP Chong introduced a motion asking the committee to organize two meetings to study the matter of the alleged three illegal police stations opened in the Greater Toronto Area by China.
• During Question Period in October 2022 and during recent CACN meetings, MP Chong has repeatedly criticized the fact that China has police stations in Canada to monitor its population.
• In a tweet posted on May 19, 2022, MP Chong expressed concern about Huawei’s operations in Canada, criticizing the government’s delay in banning the company.

Taiwan

• On April 12, 2021, MP Chong accused the government of threatening to cancel funding for the Halifax Security Forum if it awarded the John McCain Prize to the President of Taiwan, and asked whether Canada supported Taiwan’s participation at the WHO’s annual meeting in May 2021.  
• He has frequently raised concern regarding the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China.
• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron asked the witnesses how Canada can play a useful role in strengthening Taiwan's position in the WHO and the acceptance of that strengthening by the People's Republic of China.

Disinformation 

• During a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron quoted a former diplomat at the Canadian embassy in China who said that Chinese propaganda campaigns, which include conspiracy theories promulgated by pro-Beijing Chinese-language media in Canada, threaten democracy and have already cost Chinese-Canadian MPs seats in the last election. He asked why Canada does not go to the same lengths as it does for Russia to stop these disinformation campaigns.

5G

• MP Bergeron is also very critical of Huawei's implementation of 5G in Canada, which he sees as a potential tool used by China for espionage.

Tibet

• During Question Period in June 2021, MP Bergeron called for Canada’s support in the resumption of dialogue between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government to enable Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution.

Stéphane Bergeron - Vice Chair

BQ – Montarville (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 1993
• Re-elected: 1997, 2000, 2004, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International relations and a Master’s degree in Politics and International relations.
• Provincial Politics: Member of Quebec’s National Assembly for the “Parti Québécois” (2005 – 2018)
• Military: Served in the Canadian Forces as a naval cadet instructor cadre officer (1984 – 1993)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998/2003 – 2004/2019 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians(2021 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association(2021 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas(2019 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly(2019 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – Present)
• Former Critic: Finance (International Financial Institutions) (1993 – 1996); Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998); Government House Leader (Parliamentary Affairs) (1997 – 2001); Industry (Science, Research and Development) (2001 – 2002); Privy Council Office (Intergovernmental Affairs) (2004 – 2005/2019 – 2021); National Revenue (Single Tax Return) (2019 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2021 – Present)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Human Rights/Uyghurs

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron showed concern regarding China's growing influence in various international institutions, such as the UN Human Rights Council, which he said would allow China to continue its actions against human rights.
• Again at CACN in October 2022, MP Bergeron mentioned that the US State Department is speaking openly of genocide in Xinjiang and asked the reason for the Government of Canada's reservation in applying that term to the situation in Xinjiang.
• During an FAAE meeting in September 2022, MP Bergeron signalled his support for the government's initiative to prohibit any goods manufactured using forced labour by the Uyghurs, in the People's Republic of China, from entering Canada.

China policy/Indo-Pacific policy

• During a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron criticized the fact that Minister Champagne had promised a new China policy, that has still not come to fruition and that the government is only focused on its new Indo-Pacific policy that has yet to be released.

Taiwan

• He has frequently raised concern regarding the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China.
• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron asked the witnesses how Canada can play a useful role in strengthening Taiwan's position in the WHO and the acceptance of that strengthening by the People's Republic of China.

Disinformation 

• During a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Bergeron quoted a former diplomat at the Canadian embassy in China who said that Chinese propaganda campaigns, which include conspiracy theories promulgated by pro-Beijing Chinese-language media in Canada, threaten democracy and have already cost Chinese-Canadian MPs seats in the last election. He asked why Canada does not go to the same lengths as it does for Russia to stop these disinformation campaigns.

5G

• MP Bergeron is also very critical of Huawei's implementation of 5G in Canada, which he sees as a potential tool used by China for espionage.

Tibet

• During Question Period in June 2021, MP Bergeron called for Canada’s support in the resumption of dialogue between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government to enable Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution.

Heather Mcpherson – Vice Chair

NDP – Edmonton Strathcona (AB)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021 

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and teaching (English Major) and a Master's degree in Theoretical, Cultural and International Studies in Education.
• Cooperation: Volunteer Team Leader Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (2001 – 2003); Program Officer at the Canada World Youth (2003 – 2007); Executive Director Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (2008 – 2019)

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2019 – Present)
• Deputy Whip of the NDP (2021 – Present)
• Deputy Critic: Canadian Heritage (2021 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2019 – 2021); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2019 – 2021); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – 2021)
• Former NDP Deputy House Leader (2019 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

CACN

• During the debate to establish CACN in May 2022, MP McPherson raised points in favour and against the motion. Particularly, she reiterated that she does not want the House to focus solely on human rights abuses in China. She raised numerous instances of human rights abuses in several countries that are not being considered in the House and notably criticized the Conservative party for hindering motions concerning similar issues.

Human Rights/Uyghurs

• During a statement in the House in November 2022, MP McPherson argued that Canada has not done enough to deal with the ongoing genocide happening against the Uyghur people in China. She noted that there are Canadians who are still being held in China, but the government does not seem to dedicate the same level of effort to rescue them as it did for the two Michaels.
• During a statement in the House in October 2022, MP McPherson stressed that the international community and Canada have a significant obligation to ensure that China is being held accountable for its treatment of Uyghurs.
• On March 27, 2021, MP McPherson was sanctioned by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) along with other members of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR). Despite the implications, MP McPherson noted that she will, “always call out genocide and egregious human rights abuses when [she] see[s] them.”

China’s Global Influence

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP McPherson expressed concern about China's growing influence in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arctic, and asked about the risk this may pose to global stability.

Indo-Pacific

• In a statement in October 2022, MP McPherson stressed the importance for Canada to reduce its dependence on China by collaborating more with other democracies in the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan.

Serge Cormier

LPC – Acadie—Bathurst (NB)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
• Provincial Public Servant: He was appointed chief of staff to various Government of New Brunswick ministries and departments including human resources; wellness, culture, and sport; tourism; and the Francophonie.
• Politics: MP Cormier worked as policy analyst in the Office of the Official Opposition and as Special Assistant for northern New Brunswick in Brian Gallant’s office. He also served as a political coordinator for twelve provincial ridings and two federal ridings in northern New Brunswick.

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: National Defence (2018 – 2019); Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2018); Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (2015 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2018)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Economic Relations/Impacts

• Since his presence in the CACN committee, all of MP Cormier’s questions regarding China have been about the impact and consequences on Canadian trade with China and on Canadian companies doing business in China.
• At a CACN meeting in November 2022, MP Cormier asked what the repercussions would be for the global and Canadian economy if China decided to invade Taiwan and if the Canadian economy could do without China.
• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Cormier mentioned that the value of Canadian lobster exports reached $3.2 billion in 2021, $454 million of which was to China. He additionally stated that Canada needs to protect this market, even if diplomatic relations with China are sometimes difficult. 

Raquel Dancho

CPC – Kildonan—St. Paul (MB)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021 

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences
• Government of Manitoba: Special Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage (2017 – 2019); Executive Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Development (2016 – 2017)
• Policy: Policy Analyst at the Office of the Official Opposition, PC Caucus (2014 – 2016); Researcher The Frontier Centre for Public Policy (2014)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Shadow Minister : Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (2021 – Present); Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion (2021); Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2020 – 2021); Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – 2020)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021 – Present)
• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2020); Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Canada-U.S. Relations

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Dancho stated that the United States is the only power in the world that can really rival China. She then mentioned that the more Canada moves away from the U.S., the more Canada may open itself up to vulnerabilities.

Canadian Defence Capabilities

• During a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Dancho expressed concern about the recent remarks of the Chief of the Defence staff, General Eyre, mentioning that China wants to remake the world to suit its needs. She then asked if Canada needs to step up in term of its defence capabilities to meet this challenge.

AUKUS

• MP Dancho repeatedly noted at CACN the importance for Canada to collaborate and potentially join AUKUS in order to protect Canadian interests from China.

Chinese Polices Stations

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Dancho strongly criticized the government's inaction in dealing with alleged Chinese police stations in Canada and asked if there has been any collaboration between the RCMP domestically with law enforcement from China at any time over the last five years.

Human Rights

• During Question Period, in January 2021, MP Dancho raised concern about the alarming and escalating threat the Chinese Communist Party poses on pro-democracy activists. She criticized the government’s delay in developing supportive policies for Hong Kong and asked if the government will stand with Hong Kong and introduce a substantial refugee and asylum program to bring pro-democracy activists to Canada.

China-Russia Relations

• Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, she has regularly asked questions at SECU meetings about the relationship and collaboration between China and Russia.

Emmanuel Dubourg

LPC – Bourassa (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2013
• Re-elected: 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Accounting (1985) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (2000)
• Provincial Politics: Member of the Liberal Party National Assembly of Quebec (2007 – 2012)
• Public Service: Manager at the Canada Revenue Agency (1987 – 2007)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: National Revenue (2015 – 2017)
• Non Parliamentary Committee Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2017– 2019)
• Former Critic: National Revenue (2014 – 2015); Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (2015)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2021 – Present)
• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2020 – 2021/2022 – Present); Liaison Committee (2020 – Present); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2022)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Canada-China Relations

• Throughout the above CACN study, MP Dubourg has only asked one question, which was broadly on the topic of Chinese foreign policy.
• At a CACN meeting in June 2021, MP Dubourg mentioned that the China of 2016 was not the China of 2021 and he asked, given this reality, how has Canada adapted its strategy towards China.
• During CACN’s previous study in 2021, MP Dubourg was very interested in the means used by Canada to repatriate the two Michaels.

Chinese Vaccine Diplomacy

• During CACN’s previous study in 2021, MP Dubourg asked several questions regarding China's diplomatic strategy of vaccination in underdeveloped countries in order to improve its diplomatic position in the world.

Peter Fragiskatos

LPC – London North Centre (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Master’s and PhD in International Relations
• Media commentator : He worked as a media commentator, published in major Canadian and international news organizations including Maclean’s Magazine, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, BBC News, and CNN. 
• Volunteering: He served on the Board of Directors of Anago Resources and the Heritage London Foundation. He is an active member of his community who ran a youth mentorship program, and has worked with many local not-for-profit groups.  

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: National Revenue (2021 – Present)
• Non Parliamentary Committee Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2021)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2020 – 2021/2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Finance (2018 – 2021); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2018); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2016 – 2017)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Taiwan

• At a CACN meeting in November 2022, MP Fragiskatos noted his concern regarding China's disinformation efforts in Taiwan and asked how Canada could help Taiwan in this regard.
• On several occasions during the CACN meetings, MP Fragiskatos asked questions about the risks related to China's potential invasion of Taiwan.

Canada-China Relations

• In two different CACN meetings in October 2022, MP Fragiskatos mentioned the rise of right-wing populism in Canada and asked what impact this has on Canada-China relations.

Canada-China Trade Relations

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Fragiskatos asked which Canadian sectors are most at risk, in the event of a partial or complete shutdown of trade with China.

Canadians living in China

• During a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Fragiskatos expressed concern about the safety of Canadians living in China and asked what Canada is doing to ensure the safety and security of Canadians living in China.

Climate Change

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Fragiskatos asked whether or not Canada can cooperate with China in the fight against climate change.

Kyle Seeback

CPC – Dufferin – Caledon (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2011
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies : Bachelor’s degree in Law
• Law: Associate Lawyer at Speigel Nichols Fox LLP (2000 – 2001); Associate Lawyer Simmons Da Silva + Sinton LLP (2001 – 2012)

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Critic: International Trade (2022 – Present)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2022 – Present)
• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2021 – 2022)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2022); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2020); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs  (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (2011 – 2015); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2011 – 2015)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Taiwan

• At a CACN meeting in November 2022, MP Seeback noted pressures China is placing on nations to avoid formal recognition of Taiwan and asked witnesses how Canada can help.

CPTPP

• At a CACN meeting in November 2022, MP Seeback showed support for Taiwan joining the CPTPP while showing some reluctance for China to join the treaty.

Human Right/Xinjiang 

• During a CIIT meeting in October 2022, MP Seeback criticized the fact that GAC did not provide an answer regarding questions that were asked in the House in April 2021 about whether imports from China's Xinjiang region are intercepted at the border due to allegations of forced labor. He than asked Minister Ng about the progress made by Canada to address this issue.

Canada-China Trade Relations

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Seeback asked about the new norm for Chinese business with Canada and other countries with the evolving international environment.

Cyber-Security

• During a CIMM meeting in March 2022, MP Seeback expressed concern about security issues for Canada related to cyber threats and Chinese cyber spies.

Tom Kmiec

CPC – Calgary Shepard (AB)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, a Certificate in Terrorism and Homeland Defense and a Master's degree in Political Science - American Government
• Public Service: Assistant to the Minister of National Defence (2007); Special Policy Advisor to the Alberta Minister of Sustainable Resource Development (2008 – 2010); Policy Advisor to the Alberta Minister of Finance and Enterprise (2010 – 2011)
• Management: Manager of Policy and Research at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce (2011 – 2013); Director, Corporate Affairs at the Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) (2013 – 2015)

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2022 – Present)
• Deputy House Leader and Co-Chair of Question Period Planning (2022)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2015  – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015  – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2020  – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present)
• Former Conservative National Caucus Chair (2019 – 2021)
• Former Assistant Critic : Foreign Affairs (2016 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2022 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2021 – 2021)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2021 – 2021); Liaison Committee (2021 – 2022); Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Finance (2016 – 2017); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2016 – 2017)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Intellectual Property/University

• At a CACN meeting in November 2022, MP Kmiec mentioned that Alberta universities have chosen to pursue certain types of partnerships with China such as the signing of new agreements involving visiting scholars and post-doctoral fellows, as well as arrangements for technology transfer and commercialization of research and intellectual property. He then asked the witnesses if all Canadian universities should be doing this and if the expectations should be set instead for Taiwan.

Chinese Coercive Campaigns

• In the House and at CACN meetings, MP Kmiec frequently addresses China's coercive campaigns in Canada against Chinese Canadians and the government's efforts to ensure the protection of these individuals.

Hong-Kong

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Kmiec asked if Canada can save the people of Hong Kong by offering as many opportunities as possible for them to come to Canada to find safe haven.

Uyghurs

• On multiple occasions in the House, MP Kmiec has criticized the government for its unwillingness to refer to Beijing’s treatment of Uyghurs as a genocide.

  Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

• During a House statement in May 2021, MP Kmiec stated that one way Canada can put pressure on China to change its anti human rights behaviour is for Canada to withdraw from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Robert Oliphant

LPC – Don Valley West (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2008
• Re-elected: 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Trade, Master's degree and PhD in Theology
• Religion : Minister at the Quyon United Church (1984 – 1986); Associate Minister at the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church (1984 – 1986); Interim Senior Minister at the Bloor Street United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Whitehorse United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Eglinton St. George's United Church (1999 – 2008)
• Management: President and CEO at the Asthma Society of Canada (2011 – 2015)

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair : Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2020 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2015 – Present)
• Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (Multiculturalism) (2010 – 2011); Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2016 – 2017)
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Taiwan

• During CACN meetings, MP Oliphant repeatedly mentions China's actions against Taiwan and how this contributes to instability in the Asia-Pacific region.
• During a House statement in March 2022, MP Oliphant stated that “Canada remains committed to advancing [its] interests and those of Taiwan within the framework of Canada's one China policy.” He further stated that Taiwan and its economic stability matter to Canadians, to Canadian businesses and to Canadian exporters. 

Indo-Pacific

• At a CACN meeting in October 2022, MP Oliphant recognized the importance for Canada to work with allies in its geopolitical strategy in the Indo-Pacific region to deal with China.

Uyghurs/Human Rights

• During a House statement in May 2022, MP Oliphant stated that Canada “will continue to stand up for human rights at every opportunity and speak to […] our Chinese counterparts” about human rights issues.

 Tibet

• At FAAE on May 5, 2022, PS Oliphant voted in favour of MP Chong’s motion regarding the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, that Canada should support the facilitation of negotiations between the People’s Republic of China and the Central Tibetan Administration, while adding an amendment to “[enable] Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution”.

Jean Yip

LPC – Scarborough—Agincourt (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2017
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Labour Management Relations and Sociology and holds the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional Designation.
• Insurance: Part-Time Senior Underwriter at Belairdirect (2000 – 2003); Underwriting Team Leader at Belairdirect (1998 – 2000)
• Volunteering : MP Yip is involved in the Arnold Chan Initiative for Democracy, in memory of her late husband, who was the former MP for Scarborough-Agincourt.

Political and Parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2018 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2021 – Present)
• Member: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2020 – 2021/2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2018 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2018 – 2019)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

Canada-China Relations

• At a CACN meeting in June 2021, MP Yip mentioned that the China of 2021 is not the same as the China of 2016 and asked how Canada is adapting its strategy towards China, given this evolution.

Hong-Kong

• At a CACN meeting in June 2021, MP Yip referred to the National Security Law adopted by China towards Hong Kong and asked what Canada had said about this publicly. She also asked how Canada can help with the imprisonment of several legislators and peaceful protesters in Hong Kong by China.

Foreign interference

• During a CACN meeting in May 2021, MP Yip acknowledged China's efforts to interfere in Canada's domestic affairs and asked about CSIS' efforts to raise awareness among the Canadian public and universities.

Cyber-Espionage

• At a CACN meeting in June 2021, MP Yip mentioned her concern about the cyber-espionage campaign on social networks made by China towards the Uyghur community in Canada.

Date modified:

2023-05-29