December 9, 2009

Government Stands Firm on Human Rights & Marks Important Gains In Bilateral Relationship with China

Ottawa, ON -  Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and MP for Provencher today highlighted some important gains in Canada’s relationship with China, following a recent visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other federal ministers.

 “Our government has always believed that a mutually beneficial economic relationship is compatible with a frank dialogue on fundamental values like freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” said Toews.

“While in China, our Government engaged in forward‑looking and respectful discussions about the global economic situation; trade and investment; energy and environment; and governance, including questions of human rights.  And as a result of our efforts, we are delivering for Canadians,” said Toews.

A number of important agreements were signed, marking concrete steps forward in our relationship.  Including:

• Canada has regained full access for Canadian beef to the key export market of Hong Kong.  Achieving full access to an important market such as Hong Kong sends a strong signal to the entire Asia-Pacific region that Canadian beef is safe and that Canada’s food safety systems are grounded in sound science. Hong Kong is a key market for the Canadian agriculture sector and is worth more than half a billion dollars for Canada’s farmers and processors. 

• China has granted Canada Approved Destination Status, a designation that makes it easier for Chinese nationals to visit Canada. This could generate up to a 50 per cent boost in tourism, and is timely given the upcoming Olympics. 

• China has agreed to increase Canadian canola imports by an additional 200,000 tonnes for a total of 350,000 tonnes in 2010. The Canola Council of Canada estimates these increased sales will be worth $180 million.   

• Agreements on cultural exchanges were signed between our two countries and on cooperation on climate change, energy conservation and green technologies. 

• Four new Canadian commercial offices are now open for business in China – making Canada’s trade network there one of its largest anywhere in the world.  

• Canada is investing in 19 new clean technology projects under the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, including 14 projects in China.

“We want to enhance and expand our relationship.  We are proving that this can be done while also advancing issues around human rights,” concluded Toews.