Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship

Comité spécial sur la relation entre le Canada et la République populaire de Chine

For immediate release

Ottawa, December 16, 2024 -

In November 2022, the Government of Canada published its Indo-Pacific Strategy to expand its commitments with Canada’s partners in the region. The adoption of this Strategy reflected a generational shift in Canada’s foreign policy, particularly in view of the People’s Republic of China’s emergence as an increasingly disruptive military and economic global power.

In this geopolitical context for adopting Canada’s Strategy, the Special Committee undertook its study on the Strategy and is now presenting its interim report: Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Two Years Later.

This report, which addresses the key aspects of the Canadian Strategy, is based on testimony the Special Committee heard between November 2023 and June 2024. It begins by providing some context for the development of the Strategy and its implementation to date, particularly regarding the impacts on Canada’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China. Next, as Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy seeks to broaden and deepen Canada’s regional partnerships, this report presents some regional perspectives collected during the Special Committee’s study, including those of Japan and the Philippines, two of Canada’s partners and allies in the region. Lastly, it takes an in-depth look at the Strategy’s five interconnected strategic objectives.

Through 34 concrete recommendations for the Government of Canada, this report highlights the need for Canada, under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, to foster relationships as equals and develop strong, lasting people-to-people connections with countries and nations in the Indo-Pacific region, to expand Canada’s trade opportunities with due regard for the environment and human rights, and to promote the rules-based international order.

The interim report and its recommendations can be consulted on the Special Committee’s web page on the Parliament of Canada website.

QUOTES:

“As the Special Committee continues its work to navigate Canada’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China, the important opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region call for that relationship to be oriented toward mutual success and prosperity for all nations. All members on the Committee contributed to the body of invaluable insights from key witnesses who shared their perspectives and ideas focused on making Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy effective and successful. The strategy provides a clear roadmap for Canada’s future with this important region. We are grateful for all the witnesses who contributed to this comprehensive study.” - Ken Hardie, M.P., Chair

“While Canada focuses on expanding and diversifying its trade markets in the Indo-Pacific region, it must also follow through on its commitments to increasing its diplomatic and military engagement. Security must be a top priority.” -Tom Kmiec, M.P., Vice-Chair

“Following the rigorous Indo-Pacific strategies adopted by Quebec and Canada, we must continue to work with the region’s nations and people to ensure that they can determine their own future and live freely, free from all coercive control from the People’s Republic of China.” - René Villemure, M.P., Vice-Chair

“Respect for human rights must be at the core of the Canada’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. In hearing from human rights defenders, academics, and activists during the study, the Special Committee is providing actionable recommendations concerning forced labour, corporate due diligence, and ensuring that Canada’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region respects the human rights of all peoples within the region.” – Heather McPherson, M.P. Vice-Chair