Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Gérard Latulippe confimred as President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
Appointment of New President of Rights & Democracy
(No. 90 – March 2, 2010 – 10:20 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the appointment of Gérard Latulippe as President of the Montreal-based International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy).
“Mr. Latulippe’s international background in advancing democratic governance and in strengthening civil society will contribute to the work of Rights & Democracy,” said Minister Cannon. “His breadth of experience in managing international economic development projects and in negotiating complex bilateral agreements will be an asset to the organization.”
Rights & Democracy is a non-partisan organization with an international mandate. It was created by Parliament in 1988 to encourage and support the universal values of human rights, and to promote democratic institutions and practices around the world.
For more information on the organization, consult Rights & Democracy.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Biographical Note
Gérard Latulippe (LLL, University of Montreal, 1966; MA [Commercial Law], University of Ottawa, 1979; GDAS [Business Administration], University of Montreal, 1979; MA [International Politics], Free University of Brussels, 1996) is the National Democratic Institute’s resident director in Haiti. Prior to that, he was the Institute’s country director in Morocco and senior representative in Maghreb.
From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Latulippe served as Executive Vice-President of the Société internationale des organismes de développement économique du Canada [International Society of Economic Development Organizations of Canada]. In 1997, he served as Deputy Under-Secretary assigned to La Francophonie for Quebec’s Department of International Relations. From 1994 to 1997, he was Quebec’s Delegate General in Brussels, responsible for relations with the European Union and the Benelux. From 1989 to 1994, he was Delegate General in Mexico. From 1985 to 1989, he was a member of Quebec’s National Assembly, and also served as Solicitor General. Prior to his distinguished career in politics, Mr. Latulippe practised law, specializing in administrative and labour law.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Time to Settle the Rights and Democracy Matter
There is a slew of more negative reports in the national media this morning about the highly questionable decisions of the interim president and board chairman at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. It seems to me that the sooner a new strong and competent president takes over the administration of R&D the better. As the weeks go by the Institution and its employees become more and more debilitated. This cannot be a good thing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
More About Candidate for New President of Rights and Democracy
Mr. Gerard Latulippe ran in Charlesbourg-Jacques-Cartier as candidate for the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance in the 2000 Election but he was not elected.
According to Joe Friesen and Campbell Clark: "Mr. Latulippe declared his support for Quebec sovereignty in the 1990s, several years after he was forced to resign from Liberal premier Robert Bourassa's cabinet over conflict-of-interest allegations."http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/02/22/rights-and-democracy-loyalty-and-competence/#
According to Graeme Hamilton: "In 2007, when Quebec was in the throes of debate over the reasonable accommodation of religious minorities, Mr. Latulippe submitted a 37-page brief to a provincial government commission studying the issue. Mr. Latulippe warned that Quebec's open immigration practices were leading to the creation of Muslim ghettoes in Montreal, which could easily become breeding grounds for terrorism."Some ethnic groups insist on living according to their own life codes, which run counter to our values and sometimes even our fundamental rights," he wrote. The smooth functioning of Quebec society, he said, is harmed by "the increasingly large geographical concentration [in Montreal] of immigration from Muslim countries." Among the solutions he proposed were a requirement that immigrants settle outside Montreal and a pre-immigration test to verify that a potential immigrant's values conform with those of Quebec society. He also said such religious symbols as the Muslim headscarf and the Sikh kirpan should be confined to the "private sphere." On the other hand, Catholic symbols such as the crucifix in the provincial legislature reflected Quebec's "national identity" and should be preserved, he said."
According to Graeme Hamilton: "In 2007, when Quebec was in the throes of debate over the reasonable accommodation of religious minorities, Mr. Latulippe submitted a 37-page brief to a provincial government commission studying the issue. Mr. Latulippe warned that Quebec's open immigration practices were leading to the creation of Muslim ghettoes in Montreal, which could easily become breeding grounds for terrorism."Some ethnic groups insist on living according to their own life codes, which run counter to our values and sometimes even our fundamental rights," he wrote. The smooth functioning of Quebec society, he said, is harmed by "the increasingly large geographical concentration [in Montreal] of immigration from Muslim countries." Among the solutions he proposed were a requirement that immigrants settle outside Montreal and a pre-immigration test to verify that a potential immigrant's values conform with those of Quebec society. He also said such religious symbols as the Muslim headscarf and the Sikh kirpan should be confined to the "private sphere." On the other hand, Catholic symbols such as the crucifix in the provincial legislature reflected Quebec's "national identity" and should be preserved, he said."
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2599979#ixzz0gMJjQaeY
According to Juliet O'Neill: Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is expected to decide early next week whether to take the advice of the three opposition party leaders and withdraw his proposed appointment of Gerard Latulippe as president of the troubled Rights and Democracy agency.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2620317#ixzz0gkIzAIOj
According to Juliet O'Neill: Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is expected to decide early next week whether to take the advice of the three opposition party leaders and withdraw his proposed appointment of Gerard Latulippe as president of the troubled Rights and Democracy agency.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2620317#ixzz0gkIzAIOj
According to Agnes Gruda: "Mais d'autres voix appuient la candidature de Gérard Latulippe, évoquant sa compétence et son expérience internationale."
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/201003/01/01-4256242-gerard-latulippe-un-homme-et-ses-zigzags.php
Monday, February 22, 2010
Minister Cannon Statement on the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy)
Minister Cannon Statement on the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy)
(No. 72 – February 22, 2010 – 11:40 a.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy):
“I am pleased that an exceptionally qualified candidate, Mr. Gerard Latulippe, is willing to take on the job of President of Rights and Democracy. As required under the legislation, we are now consulting the Opposition Leaders on the candidacy of Mr. Latulippe for the position.
“Mr. Latulippe is currently the resident director for the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Haiti. Before being posted to Haiti, Mr. Latulippe was the Institute’s Morocco country director and senior representative for the region of the Maghreb. He has also worked for NDI in countries such as Jordan, Libya, Iraq, Georgia, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Egypt.
“I fully believe that Mr. Latulippe is the ideal candidate to return Rights and Democracy to the promotion of Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“I would also like to express the Government of Canada’s support for the decision made by the Board of Directors to engage a private firm to conduct a forensic audit of the organization’s financial transactions, as announced last Friday.”
Rights & Democracy is a non-partisan organization with an international mandate. It was created by Parliament in 1988 to encourage and support the universal values of human rights and to promote democratic institutions and practices around the world. The organization continues to make valued contributions internationally.
In Haiti, Rights & Democracy is currently working on a new four-year program called Strengthening Democratic Governance and Promoting Human Rights in Haiti. This program has three components: Strengthening State Civil Society Dialogue; Strengthening the Office de la protection du citoyen (Ombudsman’s Office); and Enhancing the Political Participation of Women and Supporting Political Party Dialogue.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2010/072.aspx Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Comment: Mr. Gerard Latulippe ran in Charlesbourg-Jacques-Cartier as candidate for the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance in the 2000 Election but he was not elected.
According to Paul Wells: "In 1994 Latulippe was delegate-general for Quebec to Brussels when the Parti Quebecois was elected under Jacques Parizeau. Parizeau and his minister of international relations, Bernard Landry, couldn't bear the thought that Quebec's vast network of foreign bureaux be staffed by people who actually liked Canada. So they checked. And anyone who, having been asked, didn't swear their loyalty to the notion of a sovereign Quebec, was fired. That's how Gilles Houde lost his nice foreign post, and Reed Scowen. But Gerard Latulippe had no problem! He gave more than the client demanded,” Le Devoir reported at the time, noting in a Brussels press conference at Bernie Landry's side that he had secretly been a supporter of sovereignty for two years before anyone thought to ask."
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/02/22/rights-and-democracy-loyalty-and-competence/#
According to Graeme Hamilton: "In 2007, when Quebec was in the throes of debate over the reasonable accommodation of religious minorities, Mr. Latulippe submitted a 37-page brief to a provincial government commission studying the issue. Mr. Latulippe warned that Quebec's open immigration practices were leading to the creation of Muslim ghettoes in Montreal, which could easily become breeding grounds for terrorism."Some ethnic groups insist on living according to their own life codes, which run counter to our values and sometimes even our fundamental rights," he wrote. The smooth functioning of Quebec society, he said, is harmed by "the increasingly large geographical concentration [in Montreal] of immigration from Muslim countries." Among the solutions he proposed were a requirement that immigrants settle outside Montreal and a pre-immigration test to verify that a potential immigrant's values conform with those of Quebec society. He also said such religious symbols as the Muslim headscarf and the Sikh kirpan should be confined to the "private sphere." On the other hand, Catholic symbols such as the crucifix in the provincial legislature reflected Quebec's "national identity" and should be preserved, he said."
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2599979#ixzz0gMJjQaeY
According to Joe Friesen and Campbell Clark: "Mr. Latulippe declared his support for Quebec sovereignty in the 1990s, several years after he was forced to resign from Liberal premier Robert Bourassa's cabinet over conflict-of-interest allegations."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ex-alliance-politician-will-head-troubled-rights-group/article1477863/
According to Joe Friesen and Campbell Clark: "Mr. Latulippe declared his support for Quebec sovereignty in the 1990s, several years after he was forced to resign from Liberal premier Robert Bourassa's cabinet over conflict-of-interest allegations."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ex-alliance-politician-will-head-troubled-rights-group/article1477863/
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rights and Democracy Controversy on "The Agenda" tonight.
Tonight on The Agenda on TVO @ 8 and re-broadcast at 11: "The controversy at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development and what it says about the government's appointment process." It will be available in streaming video on The Agenda web page afterward. http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=7&bpn=779721&ts=2010-02-19%2020:00:00.0
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Canada Tibet Committee denounces Chinese government’s delisting of University of Calgary
News Release
For Immediate Release Canada Tibet Committee denounces Chinese government’s delisting of University of Calgary
(Montreal, Thursday, 4 February 2010) – The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) is denouncing the Chinese government’s decision to remove the University of Calgary from its list of accredited institutions, ostensibly because the university hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Calgary last September and awarded him an honourary degree.
“Unfortunately, the Chinese government chooses to bully rather than reason in order to resolve differences. Canadian universities are respected worldwide for embracing free and open debate where opinions are expressed without fear of reprisal,” said CTC executive director Dermod Travis. “That a foreign power should be so out of touch as to believe that they can intimidate a Canadian university through such tactics would be even more astonishing if it were not the Chinese government doing the intimidating.”
The Chinese government’s decision to delist the University of Calgary falls on the heels of their criticism this week of the Obama administration for its decision to sell defensive helicopters to Taiwan and the President Obama’s plans to meet with the Dalai Lama later this month.
“Western governments must realize that if we don’t change China through constructive and substantive engagement, China will change us. The decision to delist the University of Calgary is only the latest illustration of the authoritarian measures that the Chinese government will attempt to export to western democracies unless we make it abundantly clear that we will not be bullied by authoritarian regimes in our own countries.”
The Canada Tibet Committee is an independent non-governmental organisation of Tibetans and non-Tibetans living in Canada, who are concerned about the continuing human rights violations and lack of democratic freedom in Tibet.
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For more information:
Dermod Travis
Executive Director
514.281.1907 / dermod@tibet.ca
Comment: If China's accreditation of universities process is based not actually on the academic value of the degrees they confer, but rather on political criteria, is it possible that the Chinese Government has accredited substandard universities because those institutions promise not to allow the Dalai Lama on campus?
For Immediate Release Canada Tibet Committee denounces Chinese government’s delisting of University of Calgary
(Montreal, Thursday, 4 February 2010) – The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) is denouncing the Chinese government’s decision to remove the University of Calgary from its list of accredited institutions, ostensibly because the university hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Calgary last September and awarded him an honourary degree.
“Unfortunately, the Chinese government chooses to bully rather than reason in order to resolve differences. Canadian universities are respected worldwide for embracing free and open debate where opinions are expressed without fear of reprisal,” said CTC executive director Dermod Travis. “That a foreign power should be so out of touch as to believe that they can intimidate a Canadian university through such tactics would be even more astonishing if it were not the Chinese government doing the intimidating.”
The Chinese government’s decision to delist the University of Calgary falls on the heels of their criticism this week of the Obama administration for its decision to sell defensive helicopters to Taiwan and the President Obama’s plans to meet with the Dalai Lama later this month.
“Western governments must realize that if we don’t change China through constructive and substantive engagement, China will change us. The decision to delist the University of Calgary is only the latest illustration of the authoritarian measures that the Chinese government will attempt to export to western democracies unless we make it abundantly clear that we will not be bullied by authoritarian regimes in our own countries.”
The Canada Tibet Committee is an independent non-governmental organisation of Tibetans and non-Tibetans living in Canada, who are concerned about the continuing human rights violations and lack of democratic freedom in Tibet.
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For more information:
Dermod Travis
Executive Director
514.281.1907 / dermod@tibet.ca
Comment: If China's accreditation of universities process is based not actually on the academic value of the degrees they confer, but rather on political criteria, is it possible that the Chinese Government has accredited substandard universities because those institutions promise not to allow the Dalai Lama on campus?
Response to a Chinese Ph.D. Student's Query on Canada-China Relations
Question: What's your interpretation of the two "change"s in Stephen Harper China policy that were witnessed in his first and second governments respectively?
My answer: I think that most of the changes in policy in Canada-China relations have come from the Chinese side. For example granting Approved Destination Status after turning down Chretien and Martin on this over many years. Canada made no changes to its Refugee Policy nor to the independence of the Judiciary that keeps Mr. Lai Changxing away from Chinese justice in Vancouver. There have also been concessions on the Chinese side on a wide range of other issues, although not on the Celil case yet. My interpretation is that the Chinese Government realizing that the Harper Government would be in power for some years recognized that yearning for return of the weak past Liberal approach was counter-productive to Chinese interests in Canada. For example the Chinese Government now respects that Canada will not engage in fruitless dialogue on human rights and no longer makes the pretence that this or shunning of the Dalai Lama is conditional for "good relations." The demeaining rhetoric about "friendship" is less applied. The key is effective maximization of each other's national interests. For China this is access to Canadian natural resources and the Canadian market for Chinese goods. In Canada's case it is promotion of our prosperity through attracting talented Chinese immigrants to Canada and access to the Chinese market as well as effectively standing for democracy and rule of law in China and seeking to support people in China denied their fundamental entitlement to human rights.
My answer: I think that most of the changes in policy in Canada-China relations have come from the Chinese side. For example granting Approved Destination Status after turning down Chretien and Martin on this over many years. Canada made no changes to its Refugee Policy nor to the independence of the Judiciary that keeps Mr. Lai Changxing away from Chinese justice in Vancouver. There have also been concessions on the Chinese side on a wide range of other issues, although not on the Celil case yet. My interpretation is that the Chinese Government realizing that the Harper Government would be in power for some years recognized that yearning for return of the weak past Liberal approach was counter-productive to Chinese interests in Canada. For example the Chinese Government now respects that Canada will not engage in fruitless dialogue on human rights and no longer makes the pretence that this or shunning of the Dalai Lama is conditional for "good relations." The demeaining rhetoric about "friendship" is less applied. The key is effective maximization of each other's national interests. For China this is access to Canadian natural resources and the Canadian market for Chinese goods. In Canada's case it is promotion of our prosperity through attracting talented Chinese immigrants to Canada and access to the Chinese market as well as effectively standing for democracy and rule of law in China and seeking to support people in China denied their fundamental entitlement to human rights.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs that Government Will Act on "Rights and Democracy" Controversy
Lawrence Cannon on R&D controversy: "I do not intervene in the discussions that are held at the Board level. Mine is to make sure that this organization is smooth running and that it functions correctly."
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/The_National/ID=1404185114
"Obviously, there seems to be a governance structure problem here, and so I'll be looking at that," Cannon said.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/02/03/rights-democracy-dissent.html
"I can tell you that I intend to have a discussion in the very near future with the chairman of Rights and Democracy in order to get his view and his perspective of things," Cannon said Wednesday.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/760353--rights-group-troubled-cannon-says
February 6: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon met with Mr. Braun yesterday and said they both want a "constructive future" for Rights and Democracy.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-rights-agencys-future-in-peril/article1458589/
February 11: "Le ministre canadien des Affaires étrangères Lawrence Cannon promet d'intervenir d'ici quelques jours à Droits et Démocratie."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hjs-SzBgeXVG9yQDqAdeccra1P0w
Comment: I think that Mr. Cannon's characterization of the essence of this matter as a "governance structure problem" can lead to a productive resolution once this "governance structure problem" is effectively addressed. I feel cautiously optimistic that the Board and management of R&D can find a way to work together in harmony again. There has to be openness, trust and good will on both sides. There will always be differences of opinion as to priorities and approaches, but at the end of the day R&D has an important mandate to fulfill for Canada and on the nature of that mandate there is in fact a high degree of consensus.
February 19: Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, serait sur le point d'annoncer une décision dans ce dossier. Selon sa porte-parole Catherine Loubier, il juge «inacceptable» le fait de scruter les origines ethniques d'un groupe d'employés.
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/national/201002/19/01-953189-droits-et-democatie-une-enquete-reclamee.php
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/The_National/ID=1404185114
"Obviously, there seems to be a governance structure problem here, and so I'll be looking at that," Cannon said.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/02/03/rights-democracy-dissent.html
"I can tell you that I intend to have a discussion in the very near future with the chairman of Rights and Democracy in order to get his view and his perspective of things," Cannon said Wednesday.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/760353--rights-group-troubled-cannon-says
February 6: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon met with Mr. Braun yesterday and said they both want a "constructive future" for Rights and Democracy.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-rights-agencys-future-in-peril/article1458589/
February 11: "Le ministre canadien des Affaires étrangères Lawrence Cannon promet d'intervenir d'ici quelques jours à Droits et Démocratie."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hjs-SzBgeXVG9yQDqAdeccra1P0w
Comment: I think that Mr. Cannon's characterization of the essence of this matter as a "governance structure problem" can lead to a productive resolution once this "governance structure problem" is effectively addressed. I feel cautiously optimistic that the Board and management of R&D can find a way to work together in harmony again. There has to be openness, trust and good will on both sides. There will always be differences of opinion as to priorities and approaches, but at the end of the day R&D has an important mandate to fulfill for Canada and on the nature of that mandate there is in fact a high degree of consensus.
February 19: Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, serait sur le point d'annoncer une décision dans ce dossier. Selon sa porte-parole Catherine Loubier, il juge «inacceptable» le fait de scruter les origines ethniques d'un groupe d'employés.
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/national/201002/19/01-953189-droits-et-democatie-une-enquete-reclamee.php
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Chair of Rights and Democracy Challenged on CTV "Power Point"
Tom Clark, host of "Power Point" quotes anonymous Government source as characterizing "Rights and Democracy" as a "playground for the left."
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/power-play/feb-1/
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/power-play/feb-1/
Monday, February 01, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Finally Some Good News on Rights and Democracy Board of Directors Allegations
Looks like DFAIT will address the deteriorating situation at Rights and Democracy: Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, a demandé à son sous-ministre adjoint, Gérald Cossette, d'éclaircir la situation à Droits et Démocratie. Il mènera une vérification et fera un rapport au ministre. C'est la première indication que le gouvernement Harper se préoccupe de la crise qui secoue l'organisme fédéral depuis le 8 janvier dernier.
http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281964/affrontement-ideologique-ottawa-depeche-un-sous-ministre-a-droits-et-democratie
February 2: Lawrence Cannon is quoted in the Toronto Star today as indicating that "This is an internal matter at an arm's length agency, and I trust that it will be resolved as soon as possible. There is no investigation into this matter"
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/759030--rights-agency-probe-urged
http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281964/affrontement-ideologique-ottawa-depeche-un-sous-ministre-a-droits-et-democratie
February 2: Lawrence Cannon is quoted in the Toronto Star today as indicating that "This is an internal matter at an arm's length agency, and I trust that it will be resolved as soon as possible. There is no investigation into this matter"
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/759030--rights-agency-probe-urged
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My Preliminary Views on Axworthy Advisory Panel Report on the Canadian Democracy Promotion Agency
Agency ("The Canadian Centre for Advancing Democracy") would have a specific focus on sustainable party development
The 2008 Speech from the Throne made the promise that, "a new non-partisan democracy promotion agency will be established to support the peaceful transition to democracy in repressive countries and help emerging democracies build strong institutions"
The 2007 report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SCFAID), Advancing Canada’s Role in International Support for Democratic Development, recommendation 15:
"The Parliament of Canada, following consultations with all parties represented in the House of Commons, should consider setting up a centre for multi-party and parliamentary democracy, with a parliamentary mandate."
Relevant Points:
p. 9 "For historic reasons, the Centre should view countries of the Francophonie and Commonwealth, as well the Americas, as priority areas for the Centre to invest in."
p 10 "Rosters of Canadian party activists, able and willing to work overseas should be assembled by the new Centre."
p. 14 "An appropriate mission for the CCAD [Canadian Centre for Advancing Democracy] would be to support the process of democratization by helping to establish or to strengthen pluralistic democratic institutions, particularly political parties, in countries where they are absent or in need of further encouragement and development. . . to assist political actors in repressive regimes to participate in the transition to a democratic system."
My initial observation: I do not see how this Advisory Panel report conceives of what the CCAD would actually do. It is unclear to me how its activities would be distinct from work of The Parliamentary Centre, Rights and Democracy, and CIDA. I am concerned that it could turn into something of a boondoggle for out of work Party activists and retired Parliamentarians.
The 2008 Speech from the Throne made the promise that, "a new non-partisan democracy promotion agency will be established to support the peaceful transition to democracy in repressive countries and help emerging democracies build strong institutions"
The 2007 report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SCFAID), Advancing Canada’s Role in International Support for Democratic Development, recommendation 15:
"The Parliament of Canada, following consultations with all parties represented in the House of Commons, should consider setting up a centre for multi-party and parliamentary democracy, with a parliamentary mandate."
Relevant Points:
p. 9 "For historic reasons, the Centre should view countries of the Francophonie and Commonwealth, as well the Americas, as priority areas for the Centre to invest in."
p 10 "Rosters of Canadian party activists, able and willing to work overseas should be assembled by the new Centre."
p. 14 "An appropriate mission for the CCAD [Canadian Centre for Advancing Democracy] would be to support the process of democratization by helping to establish or to strengthen pluralistic democratic institutions, particularly political parties, in countries where they are absent or in need of further encouragement and development. . . to assist political actors in repressive regimes to participate in the transition to a democratic system."
My initial observation: I do not see how this Advisory Panel report conceives of what the CCAD would actually do. It is unclear to me how its activities would be distinct from work of The Parliamentary Centre, Rights and Democracy, and CIDA. I am concerned that it could turn into something of a boondoggle for out of work Party activists and retired Parliamentarians.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Privy Council Governor in Council Appointment seeking candidate for Rights and Democracy President
International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
(President)
The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development is a Canadian institution with an international mandate to promote, advocate and defend the democratic and human rights set out in the International Bill of Human Rights. In co-operation with civil society and governments in Canada and abroad, the Centre initiates and supports programs to strengthen laws and democratic institutions in developing countries. Although its mandate is global, the Centre focuses its work in a number of core countries.(President)
Retired Senior Chinese Communist Officials on Liu Xiaobo
Four retired Communist Party officials have signed an open letter to China's government calling for a review of the case of jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo. They are: Hu Jiwei, former editor of the Party newspaper the People's Daily, He Fang, who is an honorary member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Li Pu, a former deputy chief of the official Xinhua News Agency, and Dai Huang, a former Xinhua senior reporter.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100125/wl_asia_afp/chinarightsdissident
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100125/wl_asia_afp/chinarightsdissident
Saturday, January 23, 2010
On Hurting Sino-US Ties
The Chinese Government made a statement today to counter the US Secretary of State's call for the Government of China to stop blocking its citizens' access to a wide range of websites. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100122/wl_afp/chinausitinternetgoogleclinton):
BEIJING (AFP) China on Friday said US calls for Internet freedom were "harmful" to bilateral ties, after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticised Chinese censorship of the web.
"We firmly oppose such words and deeds which go against the facts and are harmful to China-US relations," foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement posted on his ministry's website.
I do wonder about this aspect of "harmful to China-US relations." What does this imply? For example will the Chinese Government try and interfere with trade relations by violating China's WTO commitments? Will the Chinese Government try and interfere with immigration matters such as withholding exit permission for Chinese students going to the US to study? Will China cease to cooperate with the US in addressing international crises at the UN Security Council? What is it about what Mrs. Clinton has said that "goes against the facts"? Why does China respond to her statement with what are evidently empty menacing threats instead of something concrete and substantial? I have many questions? Leaving aside the usual invective, are there any fact-based answers to them?
BEIJING (AFP) China on Friday said US calls for Internet freedom were "harmful" to bilateral ties, after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticised Chinese censorship of the web.
"We firmly oppose such words and deeds which go against the facts and are harmful to China-US relations," foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement posted on his ministry's website.
I do wonder about this aspect of "harmful to China-US relations." What does this imply? For example will the Chinese Government try and interfere with trade relations by violating China's WTO commitments? Will the Chinese Government try and interfere with immigration matters such as withholding exit permission for Chinese students going to the US to study? Will China cease to cooperate with the US in addressing international crises at the UN Security Council? What is it about what Mrs. Clinton has said that "goes against the facts"? Why does China respond to her statement with what are evidently empty menacing threats instead of something concrete and substantial? I have many questions? Leaving aside the usual invective, are there any fact-based answers to them?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Google probing possible inside help on attack
The remarkable naivety of Americans is undeniably an important aspect of their charm.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100118/bs_nm/us_google_china_attack
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100118/bs_nm/us_google_china_attack
Second Round of Canada-EU Economic and Trade Negotiations Starts Today
This strikes me as a very significant initiative for Canada:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/026.aspx
http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/026.aspx
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Commentary on Shortcomings of US China Policy
The Canadian Press has issued an insigntful commentary on shortcomings of President Obama's China policy by AP writer Foster Klug entitled "A year into presidency, Obama has little to show from China outreach". It says: "During his first year, Obama's administration postponed a meeting with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan monk reviled by Beijing, declined to label China a currency manipulator and was cautious in its criticism of China's human rights record. Obama's China policy has been designed to gain concessions from a country crucial to solving global crises. Yet the United States has seen little benefit on many of its pressing problems, including nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea and tackling climate change and economic worries."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hjtng_3EzG9TS53dUhN-IW_n8fkA
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hjtng_3EzG9TS53dUhN-IW_n8fkA
Friday, January 15, 2010
Chinese police have "lost" Gao Zhisheng???
According to the Agence France Press, the Chinese police who took prominent lawyer Gao Zhisheng into custody have informed Mr. Gao's brother that Mr. Gao is "missing." This has prompted speculation that Mr.Gao may have died from torture in the course of interrogation.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100115/wl_afp/chinarightsjusticeus
February 3: A very distrubing article about this has come out in the New York Times: "Diplomatic entreaties to the Chinese government have been brushed aside. Foreign reporters who ask about his plight have been treated to glib retorts. Ma Zhaoxu, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, compounded the mystery two weeks ago by saying that Mr. Gao “is where he should be.” When prodded again at a regular press briefing last Tuesday, he offered ... See morea smile and said: “Honestly speaking, I don’t know where he is. China has 1.3 billion people and I can’t know all of their whereabouts.”
Legal experts say the disappearance of Mr. Gao, whose case has been championed by American lawmakers, several European leaders and the United Nations, represents a disturbing milestone. Even in the most politicized cases, the Chinese authorities generally claim to be complying with their own criminal procedure laws. Mr. Gao has vanished with no official accounting or legal explanation."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/world/asia/03dissident.html?th&emc=th
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100115/wl_afp/chinarightsjusticeus
February 3: A very distrubing article about this has come out in the New York Times: "Diplomatic entreaties to the Chinese government have been brushed aside. Foreign reporters who ask about his plight have been treated to glib retorts. Ma Zhaoxu, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, compounded the mystery two weeks ago by saying that Mr. Gao “is where he should be.” When prodded again at a regular press briefing last Tuesday, he offered ... See morea smile and said: “Honestly speaking, I don’t know where he is. China has 1.3 billion people and I can’t know all of their whereabouts.”
Legal experts say the disappearance of Mr. Gao, whose case has been championed by American lawmakers, several European leaders and the United Nations, represents a disturbing milestone. Even in the most politicized cases, the Chinese authorities generally claim to be complying with their own criminal procedure laws. Mr. Gao has vanished with no official accounting or legal explanation."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/world/asia/03dissident.html?th&emc=th
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Report in Le Devoir on R & D Employees' Letter
There is a report in Le Devoir this morning indicating that employees of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development have sent a joint letter to Aurel Braun, Jacques Gauthier and Elliot Tepper demanding their immediate resignation from R & D's Board: http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/280911/droits-et-democratie-en-crise-dirigeants-et-employes-reclament-la-demission-du-president-du-conseil.
Later: Less detailed report in English on same topic; http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/81278482.html
January 13: Fragment from report in today`s Globe and Mail The employees of Rights & Democracy have unanimously demanded the resignation of the board's chair, Aurel Braun, and two vice-chairs, saying they mistreated the organization's president Remy Beauregard in the months before his death.
At the same time, Mr. Beauregard's widow, Suzanne Trepanier, has insisted that Prof. Braun's name be removed from the message of remembrance displayed on the group's website, describing it as "hypocrisy."
Ms. Trepanier said in a letter to Mr. Braun that the way her late husband was treated for the last year of his life made it impossible for her to accept his expressions of regret.
"You don't treat a person like you did with Remy and then praise his qualities after he is dead. This is, to me, hypocrisy," she wrote.
Prof. Braun, who teaches at the University of Toronto, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rights-groups-staff-demand-resignation-of-chair/article1429192/
January 14: Former Presidents of D&D, Ed Broadbent, Warren Allmand, Jean-Louis Roy et Jean-Paul Hubert write to the PM: http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281058/a-la-defense-de-droits-et-democratie
"Quatre anciens présidents de Droits et Démocratie ont apporté leur soutien aux employés en colère. Dans une autre lettre envoyée à Stephen Harper, et dont Le Devoir a obtenu copie, Ed Broadbent, Warren Allmand, Jean-Louis Roy et Jean-Paul Hubert réclament une enquête indépendante. « Cette enquête devrait porter une attention particulière au rôle et aux agissements du conseil d'administration », expliquent-ils, selon le quotidien. « Compte tenu des informations qui nous sont parvenues relativement aux circonstances qui ont entouré le décès de M. Beauregard, nous croyons que le comportement de certains membres du conseil d'administration soulève de sérieuses interrogations qui méritent l'attention du gouvernement », ajoutent-ils." http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2010/01/14/001-droits-democratie-rebelles.shtml#commenter
January 15: "In an interview yesterday, Mr. Braun, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto, called the suggestion that board members contributed to Mr. Beauregard's death ludicrous. . . . He also questioned whether the staff letter made public this week was authentic because it was sent by email and contained only typed names, not signatures. . . . Following his death, his widow, Suzanne Trepanier, said she had been told by a coroner that her husband's heart attack was likely linked to the stress he was under.": http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2443403.
January 20: Aurel Braun, Jacques Gauthier, Brad Farquhar, Elliot Tepper, David Matas, Marco Navarro Genie and Michael Van Pelt respond by Op-Ed in National Post: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/01/20/aurel-braun-jacques-gauthier-brad-farquhar-elliot-tepper-david-matas-marco-navarro-g-233-nie-and-michael-van-pelt-committed-to-accountability-and-oversight.aspx
But then an article appeared on this in the Winnipeg Free Press (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/82205207.html) that says: Payam Akhavan, another Conservative appointee who quit the board earlier this month, said Braun's assertion of the board being stonewalled was "absolutely false." Akhavan, a McGill University law professor who specializes in human rights, said the real dispute is not over Israel and Gaza - where the agency has virtually no presence - but rather control of Rights and Democracy's day-to-day operations, and a board that was trying to "usurp power" and "micro manage."Akhavan said raising the anti-Israel card is part of a "concerted campaign" by the board to polarize public opinion about the agency.
My comment: The bottom line is that Braun, Tepper and Gauthier provide no account for why the staff at D&D and Mme Trepanier are SO upset with them. This does not bode well.
January 21: "Troubled rights agency asked for government help months ago: documents" Winnipeg Free Press http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/82294287.html
January 25: David Matas issues a rambling commentary that appears to imply that he expects that the resolution of the current crisis can only be through the disbanding of D&D altogether: http://ezralevant.com/Matas%20R%26D.doc
January 28: Looks like the situation will be addressed by Ottawa: Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, a demandé à son sous-ministre adjoint, Gérald Cossette, d'éclaircir la situation à Droits et Démocratie. Il mènera une vérification et fera un rapport au ministre. C'est la première indication que le gouvernement Harper se préoccupe de la crise qui secoue l'organisme fédéral depuis le 8 janvier dernier.
http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281964/affrontement-ideologique-ottawa-depeche-un-sous-ministre-a-droits-et-democratie
Later: Less detailed report in English on same topic; http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/81278482.html
January 13: Fragment from report in today`s Globe and Mail The employees of Rights & Democracy have unanimously demanded the resignation of the board's chair, Aurel Braun, and two vice-chairs, saying they mistreated the organization's president Remy Beauregard in the months before his death.
At the same time, Mr. Beauregard's widow, Suzanne Trepanier, has insisted that Prof. Braun's name be removed from the message of remembrance displayed on the group's website, describing it as "hypocrisy."
Ms. Trepanier said in a letter to Mr. Braun that the way her late husband was treated for the last year of his life made it impossible for her to accept his expressions of regret.
"You don't treat a person like you did with Remy and then praise his qualities after he is dead. This is, to me, hypocrisy," she wrote.
Prof. Braun, who teaches at the University of Toronto, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rights-groups-staff-demand-resignation-of-chair/article1429192/
January 14: Former Presidents of D&D, Ed Broadbent, Warren Allmand, Jean-Louis Roy et Jean-Paul Hubert write to the PM: http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281058/a-la-defense-de-droits-et-democratie
"Quatre anciens présidents de Droits et Démocratie ont apporté leur soutien aux employés en colère. Dans une autre lettre envoyée à Stephen Harper, et dont Le Devoir a obtenu copie, Ed Broadbent, Warren Allmand, Jean-Louis Roy et Jean-Paul Hubert réclament une enquête indépendante. « Cette enquête devrait porter une attention particulière au rôle et aux agissements du conseil d'administration », expliquent-ils, selon le quotidien. « Compte tenu des informations qui nous sont parvenues relativement aux circonstances qui ont entouré le décès de M. Beauregard, nous croyons que le comportement de certains membres du conseil d'administration soulève de sérieuses interrogations qui méritent l'attention du gouvernement », ajoutent-ils." http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2010/01/14/001-droits-democratie-rebelles.shtml#commenter
January 15: "In an interview yesterday, Mr. Braun, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto, called the suggestion that board members contributed to Mr. Beauregard's death ludicrous. . . . He also questioned whether the staff letter made public this week was authentic because it was sent by email and contained only typed names, not signatures. . . . Following his death, his widow, Suzanne Trepanier, said she had been told by a coroner that her husband's heart attack was likely linked to the stress he was under.": http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2443403.
January 20: Aurel Braun, Jacques Gauthier, Brad Farquhar, Elliot Tepper, David Matas, Marco Navarro Genie and Michael Van Pelt respond by Op-Ed in National Post: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/01/20/aurel-braun-jacques-gauthier-brad-farquhar-elliot-tepper-david-matas-marco-navarro-g-233-nie-and-michael-van-pelt-committed-to-accountability-and-oversight.aspx
But then an article appeared on this in the Winnipeg Free Press (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/82205207.html) that says: Payam Akhavan, another Conservative appointee who quit the board earlier this month, said Braun's assertion of the board being stonewalled was "absolutely false." Akhavan, a McGill University law professor who specializes in human rights, said the real dispute is not over Israel and Gaza - where the agency has virtually no presence - but rather control of Rights and Democracy's day-to-day operations, and a board that was trying to "usurp power" and "micro manage."Akhavan said raising the anti-Israel card is part of a "concerted campaign" by the board to polarize public opinion about the agency.
My comment: The bottom line is that Braun, Tepper and Gauthier provide no account for why the staff at D&D and Mme Trepanier are SO upset with them. This does not bode well.
January 21: "Troubled rights agency asked for government help months ago: documents" Winnipeg Free Press http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/82294287.html
January 25: David Matas issues a rambling commentary that appears to imply that he expects that the resolution of the current crisis can only be through the disbanding of D&D altogether: http://ezralevant.com/Matas%20R%26D.doc
January 28: Looks like the situation will be addressed by Ottawa: Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, a demandé à son sous-ministre adjoint, Gérald Cossette, d'éclaircir la situation à Droits et Démocratie. Il mènera une vérification et fera un rapport au ministre. C'est la première indication que le gouvernement Harper se préoccupe de la crise qui secoue l'organisme fédéral depuis le 8 janvier dernier.
http://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/281964/affrontement-ideologique-ottawa-depeche-un-sous-ministre-a-droits-et-democratie
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Vaclav Havel Visits Chinese Embassy to Engage on Treatment of Liu Xiaobo
There is a story in the Christian Science Monitor today with a photo showing Vaclav Havel coming out of semi-seclusion to engage the Chinese Embassy with regard to Liu Xiaobo's imprisonment and appeal of his 11 year sentence: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2010/0107/Liu-Xiaobo-Vaclav-Havel-confronts-Chinese-on-sentencing-of-dissident
I recommend this report very highly.
I recommend this report very highly.
Friday, January 08, 2010
More Debate on My Views on Canada's China Policy
Charles Burton, "Response to Jeremy Paltiel's Article, 'Canada and China: An Agenda for the Twenty-First Century: A Rejoinder to Charles Burton'” Canadian Foreign Policy vol. 15, no. 2, 2009, pp. 118-22 (http://www.carleton.ca/cfpj/Without%20subscription/15-2Burton.pdf). Paltiel's article in the same issue (http://www.carleton.ca/cfpj/Without%20subscription/15-2Paltiel.pdf) is a commentary on Burton's report A Reassessment of Canada's Interests in China and Options for Renewal of Canada's China Policy that was released by the Canadian International Council last year (http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcfd6fxz_2036d2s9p9fm).
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Spring Festival Gala 2010 - Ottawa March 8
Spring Festival Gala Concert 2010
Southam Hall, NAC, at 19:30, March 8, 2010
Spring Festival Gala Concert 2010 by China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra
Canada-China Art Association (CCAA) proudly presents a unique symphonic concert of Chinese Music, performed by Chinese traditional instruments in a full orchestral setting.
The Chinese Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (CBCO), established in 1957, is the Top Chinese Orchestra with resounding success around the World for more than five decades. The world-class Chinese New Year Concert, performed by CBCO, has become an annual event at the Golden Hall of Vienna since 2003.
The Spring Festival Gala Concert 2010, is conducted by Pang Ka Pang, Chief-Conductor and Musical Director of CBCO, acknowledged by Chinese Media as one of the 10 Most Influential Cultural Figures in China.
This is the Premiere Concert by CBCO in North America - one concert only in Canada with the highest artistic level of performance. The Gala Concert is designated as the official kick-off of the Celebration of 40th Anniversary of the Canada-China Diplomatic Relations. The Pre-Show Reception, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Official Opening of the Exhibition on the 40 Years of Canada-China Relations (co-sponsored by DFAIT and Chinese Embassy in Canada) is attracting high-profile attendance and special attention of political and diplomatic community at the National Level, as well as the business community, cultural and arts community, academia, private sector alike.
The Program of the Gala Concert features, among others, works of Peng Xiuwen, legendary Chinese composer and former Musical Director of CBCO with over 1000 pieces of musical compositions and orchestral arrangements of Chinese Music, as well as Tan Dun, famous contemporary Chinese composer with astounding achievements in modernising Chinese Music. Close to 100 talented Chinese musicians will fill the Southam Hall of NAC with the sounds of over 30 types of traditional Chinese musical instruments, providing an Unforgettable Musical Experience of Chinese Music to the music-loving audience of the National Capital Region.
NAC: 613-947-7000
Box Office: in person 10am-9pm Mon.-Fri. 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa
www.nac-cna.com
Ticketmaster: 613-755-1111
www.ticketmaster.ca
Canada Joins WTO Panel on Chinese Export Restrictions
Canada Joins WTO Panel on Chinese Export Restrictions
(No. 3 - January 5, 2010 - 4:45 p.m. EST) The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada will participate as a third party in a World Trade Organization panel on China’s export restrictions on certain raw materials. The panel was established at the request of the United States, the European Union and Mexico on December 21, 2009.“Canada is concerned that China’s export restraints, such as export duties and quotas, are leading to trade distortions in the world market,” said Minister Day. “Such measures have caused uncertainty for Canadian producers. We hope that this WTO challenge will persuade China to end these practices.”
The raw materials at issue are bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorus and zinc.
Canada believes that the Chinese measures are inconsistent with China’s WTO commitments. The measures appear to violate rules on export restraints, as well as the commitment China made when it joined the WTO to not charge export tariffs on most materials.
As a third party, Canada will have the opportunity to present its views to the WTO panel and to make written submissions that will be reflected in the panel report. The Government of Canada will continue to work with industry to ensure Canadian interests are fully taken into account.
At this point, there are 12 other confirmed third-party participants in the WTO panel, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Norway, Chinese Taipei and Turkey.
The timeline for the dispute settlement process, meetings and reports has not yet been finalized.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/003.aspx
Friday, January 01, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Opium Use in Canada Legal Until 1908
This correspondence arose out of an interview with me quoted in John Ibbitson's report "With execution of British man, China sends a signal" published in the Globe and Mail on December 30: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/with-execution-of-british-man-china-sends-a-signal/article1414538/
Professor Burton,
Following quotation is from The Globe and Mail about your comments on Chinese execution on British drug-smuggler.
"The execution, Prof. Burton said, should serve as a warning to any foreigner visiting or living in China that justice in that country can be brutal, capricious and swift, and that foreigners are not protected."
I donot understand how you make conclusion that justice in China is brutal, capricious and swift. I suggest you to read some articles about Opium war between Qing Dynasty and Britain. Opium is the product British sells to China 170 years ago without any justice and conscience. Why donot you quote opium war to make comments on justice? why not Canadian allow British to sell opium to Canada? thank you for your time to read my questions.
My response:
Thanks for your comment. Actually opium was a common and legal import from China into Canada until 1908 (more than 60 years after the 1st Opium War that ended with the Anglo-Chinese Treaty of Nanking of 1842). It was a significant source of customs duty to the Dominion of Canada at that time peaking in 1891 at over $146,000 that year. Opium was brought into Canada in raw form and processed in B.C. In 1888 there were 13 licensed opium factories in B.C. that produced almost 90,000lbs of opium a year that sold for $15/pound. It was also available mixed into processed medicines over that period. It is a common misconception that Britain sold a product to China that was illegal in Britain. Even Lin Zexu 林则徐 thought this as he indicated in correspondence with Queen Victoria. In fact opium use was legal in Britain at the time.
Professor Burton,
Following quotation is from The Globe and Mail about your comments on Chinese execution on British drug-smuggler.
"The execution, Prof. Burton said, should serve as a warning to any foreigner visiting or living in China that justice in that country can be brutal, capricious and swift, and that foreigners are not protected."
I donot understand how you make conclusion that justice in China is brutal, capricious and swift. I suggest you to read some articles about Opium war between Qing Dynasty and Britain. Opium is the product British sells to China 170 years ago without any justice and conscience. Why donot you quote opium war to make comments on justice? why not Canadian allow British to sell opium to Canada? thank you for your time to read my questions.
My response:
Thanks for your comment. Actually opium was a common and legal import from China into Canada until 1908 (more than 60 years after the 1st Opium War that ended with the Anglo-Chinese Treaty of Nanking of 1842). It was a significant source of customs duty to the Dominion of Canada at that time peaking in 1891 at over $146,000 that year. Opium was brought into Canada in raw form and processed in B.C. In 1888 there were 13 licensed opium factories in B.C. that produced almost 90,000lbs of opium a year that sold for $15/pound. It was also available mixed into processed medicines over that period. It is a common misconception that Britain sold a product to China that was illegal in Britain. Even Lin Zexu 林则徐 thought this as he indicated in correspondence with Queen Victoria. In fact opium use was legal in Britain at the time.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Why the Xinhua News Agency Self Censors
I have been reading reports in the New York Times about the trial and sentencing of Liu Xiaobo for his role in drafting the Charter 08.
Here are 3 extracts from 3 reports:
"Xinhua carried the statement [of Mr. Liu's sentencing to 11 years in prison] only on its English-language service, and
not its Chinese service, an indication the news was for foreign
consumption and not for the Chinese public to know." (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/24/world/international-uk-china-dissident.html)
"The state-controlled media has not covered Mr. Liu’s trial — nor has it allowed any mention of Charter 08." (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/world/asia/25china.html)
"Charter 08 signers have tried to show their solidarity by issuing letters
of protest over his case. The most recent one, signed by 165 people,
states, 'If Liu Xiaobo is found "guilty" that means each one of us is
guilty, and we have to shoulder the punishment together with Liu
Xiaobo.'” (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/12/world/asia/12china.html)
The gist of these 3 put together confirms my suspicion that the Chinese régime's objection to foreign expressions of concern about reports alleging human rights violations in China is primarily based in fear that people in China will be become aware of human rights discourse and become sensitized to the Chinese régime's suppression of the rights and entitlements of Chinese citizens. So the Communist Party is not genuinely mainly concerned about this as a foreign policy issue of sovereignty but rather as a domestic policy issue of maintaining their authoritarian one-party rule as all costs.
Here are 3 extracts from 3 reports:
"Xinhua carried the statement [of Mr. Liu's sentencing to 11 years in prison] only on its English-language service, and
not its Chinese service, an indication the news was for foreign
consumption and not for the Chinese public to know." (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/24/world/international-uk-china-dissident.html)
"The state-controlled media has not covered Mr. Liu’s trial — nor has it allowed any mention of Charter 08." (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/world/asia/25china.html)
"Charter 08 signers have tried to show their solidarity by issuing letters
of protest over his case. The most recent one, signed by 165 people,
states, 'If Liu Xiaobo is found "guilty" that means each one of us is
guilty, and we have to shoulder the punishment together with Liu
Xiaobo.'” (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/12/world/asia/12china.html)
The gist of these 3 put together confirms my suspicion that the Chinese régime's objection to foreign expressions of concern about reports alleging human rights violations in China is primarily based in fear that people in China will be become aware of human rights discourse and become sensitized to the Chinese régime's suppression of the rights and entitlements of Chinese citizens. So the Communist Party is not genuinely mainly concerned about this as a foreign policy issue of sovereignty but rather as a domestic policy issue of maintaining their authoritarian one-party rule as all costs.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
"Strengthening ties with China will not prevent the Canadian government from promoting respect for human rights."
According to a December 25 AFP report entitled "Canada 'deplores' sentencing of Chinese dissident" about the DFAIT statement on Liu Xiaobo:
"Canada's conservative government has sought in recent months to develop stronger economic ties with China, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Beijing in early December. But Ottawa has also stressed that strengthening ties with China will not prevent the Canadian government from promoting respect for human rights."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091226/wl_canada_afp/chinarightsdissidenttrialcanada
"Canada's conservative government has sought in recent months to develop stronger economic ties with China, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Beijing in early December. But Ottawa has also stressed that strengthening ties with China will not prevent the Canadian government from promoting respect for human rights."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091226/wl_canada_afp/chinarightsdissidenttrialcanada
Friday, December 25, 2009
“The Government of Canada is fully committed to promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide"
Canada Deplores China’s Sentencing of Liu Xiaobo
(No. 396 - December 25, 2009 – 11:55 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the 11-year prison sentence given to Chinese intellectual and dissident Liu Xiaobo by the Beijing Municipal No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court:“Canada deplores the sentencing of Liu Xiaobo, whom we believe is being punished for exercising his right to peaceful and non-violent freedom of expression.
“Canada is concerned by Mr. Liu’s lengthy detention, which began a year ago. We are also deeply concerned by the circumstances of his trial, which was not open, and to which family members and foreign observers—including Canadian Embassy representatives—were denied access.
“As we have done since Mr. Liu’s detention began, Canada once again urges China to release him without condition.
“The Government of Canada is fully committed to promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2009/396.aspx
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Heroic Statement by Stainless Steel Mouse
My Statement of Confession - Willing to Share Responsibility for Offence with Liu Xiaobo
By Liu Di
December 23, 2009, the day of Xiaobo's trial
To: The Beijing First Intermediate People's Court, the No. 1 Branch of Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau
I am Liu Di, also known as Stainless Steel Mouse on Internet.
Considering that the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and the No. 1 Branch of Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate have completed the investigation and prosecution of Liu Xiaobo's case of inciting subversion of state power and delivered to the Beijing First Intermediate People's Court to be tried on December 23, considering that three organs mentioned above have taken Charter 08 as an important criminal evidence against Liu Xiaobo, and considering that I am one of the signatories and organizing plotters, I am now "giving up to confess" to you according to the paragraphs 3 and 4 of PRC Criminal Procedure Law. I declare the following:
1) My "giving up to confess" does not mean that I agree that your allegations and trial against Liu Xiaobo is lawful and just. On the contrary, I believe that the Charter 08, which , Liu Xiaobo and other has drafted, organized, planned and signed, is an outstanding service to promote the country to constitutional democracy and benefit nation's future and people's welfare. I am honored and proud to have been in it.
2) Since you has accounted Mr. Liu Xiaobo's launching of the Charter movement as a crime based on your special values, I must be an integral part of this case because I not only completely agree with the spiritual value of this document but also have been involved in its organizing, planning and operating activities. I should be an accomplice of Liu Xiaobo's case. According to the principle of equality before law, you should take me as Liu Xiaobo's accomplice to judge us together, but not make selective justice to leave out such an important criminal suspect as me.
3) As a judgment of values, a judicial trial should be examined by history. Czech Republic's Charter 77 movement in 1977, Taiwan's Formosa Incident in 1979, and China's Charter 08 movement in 2008 are all the just acts of the people fighting for human rights, freedom and democracy. The former two campaigns have already been justified by history, and so will the latter. As judicial staff, you should bear in mind to safeguard the dignity of the Constitution. To safeguard the people's constitutional rights is your bounden duty.
In 2003, I published an article, Worms of Persimmon Oil (liberals) surrendering to the Party and Government, condemning the authorities for violation of the citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression, and so had been detained for one year on the charges cooked up by the Beijing Public Security Bureau. I have known well that losing freedom is a great pain of life, thus full of fear and boredom of imprisonment. However, for the dignity of Constitution and laws, and for no more imprisonment of the people in the future due to their free speeches and independent opinions, I would prefer to share with Mr. Liu Xiaobo the same case with the same penalty.
Liu Di, a Beijing resident
By Liu Di
December 23, 2009, the day of Xiaobo's trial
To: The Beijing First Intermediate People's Court, the No. 1 Branch of Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau
I am Liu Di, also known as Stainless Steel Mouse on Internet.
Considering that the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and the No. 1 Branch of Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate have completed the investigation and prosecution of Liu Xiaobo's case of inciting subversion of state power and delivered to the Beijing First Intermediate People's Court to be tried on December 23, considering that three organs mentioned above have taken Charter 08 as an important criminal evidence against Liu Xiaobo, and considering that I am one of the signatories and organizing plotters, I am now "giving up to confess" to you according to the paragraphs 3 and 4 of PRC Criminal Procedure Law. I declare the following:
1) My "giving up to confess" does not mean that I agree that your allegations and trial against Liu Xiaobo is lawful and just. On the contrary, I believe that the Charter 08, which , Liu Xiaobo and other has drafted, organized, planned and signed, is an outstanding service to promote the country to constitutional democracy and benefit nation's future and people's welfare. I am honored and proud to have been in it.
2) Since you has accounted Mr. Liu Xiaobo's launching of the Charter movement as a crime based on your special values, I must be an integral part of this case because I not only completely agree with the spiritual value of this document but also have been involved in its organizing, planning and operating activities. I should be an accomplice of Liu Xiaobo's case. According to the principle of equality before law, you should take me as Liu Xiaobo's accomplice to judge us together, but not make selective justice to leave out such an important criminal suspect as me.
3) As a judgment of values, a judicial trial should be examined by history. Czech Republic's Charter 77 movement in 1977, Taiwan's Formosa Incident in 1979, and China's Charter 08 movement in 2008 are all the just acts of the people fighting for human rights, freedom and democracy. The former two campaigns have already been justified by history, and so will the latter. As judicial staff, you should bear in mind to safeguard the dignity of the Constitution. To safeguard the people's constitutional rights is your bounden duty.
In 2003, I published an article, Worms of Persimmon Oil (liberals) surrendering to the Party and Government, condemning the authorities for violation of the citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression, and so had been detained for one year on the charges cooked up by the Beijing Public Security Bureau. I have known well that losing freedom is a great pain of life, thus full of fear and boredom of imprisonment. However, for the dignity of Constitution and laws, and for no more imprisonment of the people in the future due to their free speeches and independent opinions, I would prefer to share with Mr. Liu Xiaobo the same case with the same penalty.
Liu Di, a Beijing resident
Friday, December 18, 2009
China's "Dialogue" on Climate Change
China's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs He Yafei is quoted in thie morning's National Post as saying with regard to the Chinese Government's position on the Copenhagen negotiations on climate change measures that "I think the financial issue is very important. Whatever initiative these countries will announce is a good step. . . . in terms of mitigation actions [emissions curbs], we can also consider, international exchange, dialogue and co-operation that is not intrusive and does not infringe upon our sovereignty" ("China may compromise with U.S. on emissions cuts after $100B pledge" http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2352472).
But as with all of China's international treaty commitments, including those to the UN on human rights, the crux of the matter is that once the terms are set and the documents signed and sealed, then the discussion and negotiations about the nature of the mutual obligations agreed to have to cease. That means that China cannot blithely accept the West's billions and then claim national sovereignty protects China from having the West "intrude" to ensure that China is in fact keeping its side of the deal. The key is "trust but verify." Specious Chinese processes of "international exchange, dialogue and co-operation" after the West has cut China a huge cheque cannot be used to obstruct and obfuscate effective verification measures designed to ensure that China is in fact delivering on what Canada and our allies are asked to pay for.
But as with all of China's international treaty commitments, including those to the UN on human rights, the crux of the matter is that once the terms are set and the documents signed and sealed, then the discussion and negotiations about the nature of the mutual obligations agreed to have to cease. That means that China cannot blithely accept the West's billions and then claim national sovereignty protects China from having the West "intrude" to ensure that China is in fact keeping its side of the deal. The key is "trust but verify." Specious Chinese processes of "international exchange, dialogue and co-operation" after the West has cut China a huge cheque cannot be used to obstruct and obfuscate effective verification measures designed to ensure that China is in fact delivering on what Canada and our allies are asked to pay for.
Monday, November 30, 2009
My Op-Ed in the Globe and Mail
My Op-Ed "A more sophisticated engagement with China" appeared in the Globe and Mail on November 30 (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/for-a-more-sophisticated-engagement-with-china/article1380765/ or http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/a-more-sophisticated-engagement-with-china/article1382180/; the later with expanded text but without illustration of cute cartoon of panda and beaver sitting together). Happy to see my views get such a broad airing.
There are a couple of minor editing errors in the text in the Globe. First is that China does not have a "Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation" It has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are International Cooperation offices in other ministries that Canada engages. The other is that Australia had a trade imbalance with China of 1.53:1 in 2004. Today it is 1:1.
There are a couple of minor editing errors in the text in the Globe. First is that China does not have a "Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation" It has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are International Cooperation offices in other ministries that Canada engages. The other is that Australia had a trade imbalance with China of 1.53:1 in 2004. Today it is 1:1.
December 2: An expanded and improved version of this Op-Ed appeared in The Ottawa Citizen on December 1 under the title "How to deal with China" (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/deal+with+China/2288079/story.html). The same version until the title "It's time for Canada to rethink the way it engages China" appeared in the Halifax Chronicle-Herald on December 2 (http://thechronicleherald.ca/forum/read/16/154953/154953).
December 10: The same version with the minor editing errors that was published in the Globe and Mail appeared in the Vancouver Sun on December 10 entitled "Canada's China policy needs a major overhaul" (http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Canada+China+policy+needs+major+overhaul/2324988/story.html)
December 10: The same version with the minor editing errors that was published in the Globe and Mail appeared in the Vancouver Sun on December 10 entitled "Canada's China policy needs a major overhaul" (http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Canada+China+policy+needs+major+overhaul/2324988/story.html)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Lansdowne Lecture on "The past, present and future of Canada-China relations"
Exploring Canada-China Relations with Charles Burton
Charles Burton has been an observer of Chinese affairs for over 35 years, is the author of and editor of numerous books and articles about China, and is a frequent commentator in the Canadian and Chinese press, radio and TV on Chinese affairs. Dr. Burton will giving the University of Victoria's prestigious Lansdowne Lecture on "The past, present and future of Canada-China relations" on Friday November 20, 2009 at 7:30 pm in Harry Hickman Room 110 which will kick-off CAPI's "Chinese Uncertainties and Canadian Responses in Light of the Global Financial Crisis" Conference on November 21 and 22, 2009.
Friday, November 13, 2009
USA Shuns Chinese State Media to Do Press Conference with Bloggers Only
Mark MacKinnon's item in the morning's Globe and Mail entitled "China equates Tibetan traditions with U.S. slavery " (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/china-equates-tibetan-traditions-with-us-slavery/article1361525/) ends with an intriguing piece of information:
"In a rebuff of China's state-run media, the U.S. embassy in Beijing Thursday hosted a 'press conference' with 13 independent Chinese bloggers. No official media were invited."
This does strike me as a rather pointed comment on the lack of free press and honest reporting by the Communist Party controlled media in China. As well it is a strong acknowledgement that thanks to new technologies Chinese people can nevertheless be reached with the facts via blogs. While the Chinese blogs that report on the U.S. Embassy briefing will likely be taken down by the Chinese authorities soon after they publish, based on what I have seen in China last summer that will not be before a large number of people have downloaded the content to their hard disks and re-distribute it via e-mail, USB drives, etc.
"In a rebuff of China's state-run media, the U.S. embassy in Beijing Thursday hosted a 'press conference' with 13 independent Chinese bloggers. No official media were invited."
This does strike me as a rather pointed comment on the lack of free press and honest reporting by the Communist Party controlled media in China. As well it is a strong acknowledgement that thanks to new technologies Chinese people can nevertheless be reached with the facts via blogs. While the Chinese blogs that report on the U.S. Embassy briefing will likely be taken down by the Chinese authorities soon after they publish, based on what I have seen in China last summer that will not be before a large number of people have downloaded the content to their hard disks and re-distribute it via e-mail, USB drives, etc.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chinese Spokesman Qin Gang on Lincoln, Dalai Lama and Slavery
Asked about a possible meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama, Qin said the U.S. president should recognize the exiled Tibetan leader, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, as the former head of a slave state.
"In 1959, China abolished the feudal serf system just as President Lincoln freed the black slaves. So we hope President Obama more than any other foreign state leader can have a better understanding on China's position on opposing the Dalai's splitting activities," Qin told reporters at a regularly scheduled news conference. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091112/ap_on_re_as/as_china_obama_dalai_lama)
Comment by me: Chinese authorities really don't do public diplomacy very well. They grasp at straws to defend their Tibet policy very badly yet again. But as Lincoln put it at the end of his address at Gettysburg, I do believe that China before long "shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
"In 1959, China abolished the feudal serf system just as President Lincoln freed the black slaves. So we hope President Obama more than any other foreign state leader can have a better understanding on China's position on opposing the Dalai's splitting activities," Qin told reporters at a regularly scheduled news conference. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091112/ap_on_re_as/as_china_obama_dalai_lama)
Comment by me: Chinese authorities really don't do public diplomacy very well. They grasp at straws to defend their Tibet policy very badly yet again. But as Lincoln put it at the end of his address at Gettysburg, I do believe that China before long "shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Monday, November 02, 2009
Lansdowne Lecture: The past, present and future of Canada-China relations
Lansdowne Lecture: The past, present and future of Canada-China relations
November 20, 2009 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Harry Hickman Building, Room 110
University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
Featuring Charles Burton, Brock University.
Charles Burton has been an observer of Chinese affairs for over 35 years. He began his career at the Communications Security Establishment of the Department of National Defence in 1981. Charles joined the Department of Political Science at Brock University in 1989. He was subsequently posted to China by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on two occasions. In 2006 he wrote a report for DFAIT Assessment of the Canada-China Bilateral that has been the subject of a study Human Rights Dialogue by the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. His most recent report on Canada-China relations A Reassessment of Canada's was released by the Canadian International Council Interests in China and Options for Renewal of Canada's China Policy earlier this year.
This lecture is presented by the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives through the University of Victoria's Lansdowne Lecture Series, with generous support from the Faculty of Humanities.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
REVISED: Chilling Allegation About Chinese Adoptions
1. August 21, 2009:
While I was in China this past summer, I was invited to dinner and the dinner table the conversation turned to recent loosening of the one child policy requirements. I had felt rather uncomfortable in Kunming seeing billboards and ads on buses place by hospitals and clinics competing for the business of abortion of "unplanned pregnancy." Some offered "specials" of only 100 yuan for professional fees for an abortion, no appointment necessary. That would be about $15 Canadian. So I am happy to learn about this loosening due to the new problem of aging population in some areas such as Shanghai.
Continuing the table chat, I mentioned how many childless Canadian couples had adopted abandoned baby girls from China and what a joyous thing it was to see happy families of loving white parents and Chinese looking girls together. I was then asked about the costs of adoption and I explained my understanding of the various not inconsiderable costs of adopting from China including the "donation" to the Chinese orphanage. To this I was told, "you should recommend to Canadian couples that if they want to adopt they could save money by coming to my province to get them. It would be cheaper and chances of getting a boy to adopt much better." I asked how so? The answer was that some out of plan babies, boys as well as girls, ended up in orphanages because their parents could not pay the fine for having an "illegal" second child (usually about a year's average salary as determined by the economic conditions locally). So the local authorities are keen to get their share of the foreign "donation" for such babies and offer such "out of plan" infants from poorer families at a discounted rate to ensure that the babies are well away in case their grieving parents try and find them and steal them away without paying the fine. So these are not actually orphans on offer but actually children forcibly ripped from the arms of their loving mothers.
I have no evidence that this sort of thing actually has been going on or if it is just some urban myth repeated between toasts of Chinese wine at a convivial occasion. Nevertheless, it gives me the chills to think about it.
2. October 20, 2009:
The National Post published a from page story this morning entitled: "Canada probes claims of baby abductions" (http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2121328 or here) about the sort of "official baby napping" I described above. I can imagine that this sort of publicity causes the Canadian parents of lovely girl babies adopted from China a great deal of doubt, guilt and mental anguish. I deeply regret that.
The fact is that parents in the People's Republic of China have to get a permit from the state to have a "legal" child. "Out of plan" children cannot be entered into the "household registry book" (hukou bu) so they are ineligible for government subsidized education and health services. This is certainly a major causative factor in the abandonment of baby girls to be cared for by the state (in which case they do qualify for educational and health services as orphans). For the most part while adoption within families is surprising common in China, domestic adoption of non-relatives is not. I only know of a very few examples of this.
There is lots of nonsense on this subject put out on the internet and in print by groups that have serious gripes against the Chinese regime. I remember a few years ago there were claims that made quite a sensation in the Western press that Chinese orphanages all had special rooms where a portion of the infants were left to die a miserable death by starvation. My judgement is that this is absolutely impossible and untrue. Chinese people would never put up with anything like that whatsoever. It was ridiculous to even imagine such a thing of a nation of people who are so soft-hearted and kind to all children whether their own or someone else's children. Unfortunately a lot of people in the West wrongly assumed it was the fact.
Last week by coincidence I was in touch by telephone with the director of a combination orphanage and old age home in Zhejiang near Hangzhou. This orphanage has been extensively involved in foreign adoptions. He told me that in December construction of a new and modern facility for the orphans and indigent old people under his care would begin. The new building is presumably at least partly funded by the donations from foreign adoptive parents.
I am absolutely confident that the vast, vast majority of the girls adopted by Canadians from China are children whose families have had to abandon them out of concern for the future well-being of the child. The fortunate among them become much-loved daughters of Canadian parents. What could be better and more beautiful than that?
While I was in China this past summer, I was invited to dinner and the dinner table the conversation turned to recent loosening of the one child policy requirements. I had felt rather uncomfortable in Kunming seeing billboards and ads on buses place by hospitals and clinics competing for the business of abortion of "unplanned pregnancy." Some offered "specials" of only 100 yuan for professional fees for an abortion, no appointment necessary. That would be about $15 Canadian. So I am happy to learn about this loosening due to the new problem of aging population in some areas such as Shanghai.
Continuing the table chat, I mentioned how many childless Canadian couples had adopted abandoned baby girls from China and what a joyous thing it was to see happy families of loving white parents and Chinese looking girls together. I was then asked about the costs of adoption and I explained my understanding of the various not inconsiderable costs of adopting from China including the "donation" to the Chinese orphanage. To this I was told, "you should recommend to Canadian couples that if they want to adopt they could save money by coming to my province to get them. It would be cheaper and chances of getting a boy to adopt much better." I asked how so? The answer was that some out of plan babies, boys as well as girls, ended up in orphanages because their parents could not pay the fine for having an "illegal" second child (usually about a year's average salary as determined by the economic conditions locally). So the local authorities are keen to get their share of the foreign "donation" for such babies and offer such "out of plan" infants from poorer families at a discounted rate to ensure that the babies are well away in case their grieving parents try and find them and steal them away without paying the fine. So these are not actually orphans on offer but actually children forcibly ripped from the arms of their loving mothers.
I have no evidence that this sort of thing actually has been going on or if it is just some urban myth repeated between toasts of Chinese wine at a convivial occasion. Nevertheless, it gives me the chills to think about it.
2. October 20, 2009:
The National Post published a from page story this morning entitled: "Canada probes claims of baby abductions" (http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2121328 or here) about the sort of "official baby napping" I described above. I can imagine that this sort of publicity causes the Canadian parents of lovely girl babies adopted from China a great deal of doubt, guilt and mental anguish. I deeply regret that.
The fact is that parents in the People's Republic of China have to get a permit from the state to have a "legal" child. "Out of plan" children cannot be entered into the "household registry book" (hukou bu) so they are ineligible for government subsidized education and health services. This is certainly a major causative factor in the abandonment of baby girls to be cared for by the state (in which case they do qualify for educational and health services as orphans). For the most part while adoption within families is surprising common in China, domestic adoption of non-relatives is not. I only know of a very few examples of this.
There is lots of nonsense on this subject put out on the internet and in print by groups that have serious gripes against the Chinese regime. I remember a few years ago there were claims that made quite a sensation in the Western press that Chinese orphanages all had special rooms where a portion of the infants were left to die a miserable death by starvation. My judgement is that this is absolutely impossible and untrue. Chinese people would never put up with anything like that whatsoever. It was ridiculous to even imagine such a thing of a nation of people who are so soft-hearted and kind to all children whether their own or someone else's children. Unfortunately a lot of people in the West wrongly assumed it was the fact.
Last week by coincidence I was in touch by telephone with the director of a combination orphanage and old age home in Zhejiang near Hangzhou. This orphanage has been extensively involved in foreign adoptions. He told me that in December construction of a new and modern facility for the orphans and indigent old people under his care would begin. The new building is presumably at least partly funded by the donations from foreign adoptive parents.
I am absolutely confident that the vast, vast majority of the girls adopted by Canadians from China are children whose families have had to abandon them out of concern for the future well-being of the child. The fortunate among them become much-loved daughters of Canadian parents. What could be better and more beautiful than that?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Jean Chretien and Friendship in Canada-China Relations
There is an item in the press this morning quoting some remarks made by former Prime Minister Chretien in Paris today. It sumarizes his comments as follows: "Canadian goodwill towards China began with Pierre Elliott Trudeau's recognition of Beijing, and grew to the point where he was once told by a Chinese leader that Canada was China's best friend."
I was present at a dinner in Beijing in the autumn of 1998 when the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji abandoned his prepared remarks and said that "Canada is our best friend" (Jiananda shi women zuihaode pengyou). Mr. Zhu was sitted at the head table between Mr. Chretien and Mr. Chretien's son-in-law, Andre Desmarais whose Power Corporation has extensive business interests in China, at the time.
Of course I am a proponent of "goodwill" in all things. But I am of the school of thought that Canada only has interests in its international relations, "friendship" not properly entering into it.
October 21: Lorne Gunter published an opinion piece "The 'soft power' myth" in the National Post today that I agree with on this point and on others: http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=47249cbb-70d3-4ad3-99f5-3ba5a2c4e9e0 or here.
I was present at a dinner in Beijing in the autumn of 1998 when the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji abandoned his prepared remarks and said that "Canada is our best friend" (Jiananda shi women zuihaode pengyou). Mr. Zhu was sitted at the head table between Mr. Chretien and Mr. Chretien's son-in-law, Andre Desmarais whose Power Corporation has extensive business interests in China, at the time.
Of course I am a proponent of "goodwill" in all things. But I am of the school of thought that Canada only has interests in its international relations, "friendship" not properly entering into it.
October 21: Lorne Gunter published an opinion piece "The 'soft power' myth" in the National Post today that I agree with on this point and on others: http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=47249cbb-70d3-4ad3-99f5-3ba5a2c4e9e0 or here.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Minister Kenney met with Dalai Lama Yesterday
On October 4, 2009, Jason Kenney met in Montreal with His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is one of Canada's four living honourary citizens.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Fragment from AP report "China clears central Beijing for anniversary party"
Many Chinese are justifiably proud of what China has achieved since the People's Republic was founded in 1949, a transformation from an impoverished, war-wracked country to an economic and diplomatic power. Life expectancy has risen from 41 years in 1949 to 73 today. Incomes have soared, even as the population has more than doubled from 500 million to 1.3 billion. In just the last 30 years, GDP per capita has grown tenfold from $200.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090929/ap_on_re_as/as_china_anniversary_lockdown
Arable land in China has been reduced but the population tripled since 1949. The fact that most people in China get enough daily calories to sustain life despite this is a remarkable accomplishment. The extraordinarily extensive development of irrigation systems in the early years of the regime, accompanied by improvements in agricutural technology and widespread use of agricultural chemicals today accounts for this.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090929/ap_on_re_as/as_china_anniversary_lockdown
Arable land in China has been reduced but the population tripled since 1949. The fact that most people in China get enough daily calories to sustain life despite this is a remarkable accomplishment. The extraordinarily extensive development of irrigation systems in the early years of the regime, accompanied by improvements in agricutural technology and widespread use of agricultural chemicals today accounts for this.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary
As the People's Republic of China approaches the 60th anniversary of its Party-State October 1, preparations are being made for a big celebration with very impressive fireworks, gala performances and a grand parade of China's most terrible military implements of destruction on the day. In preparation for the celebration, new restrictions on movement about Beijing and crackdowns on human rights defenders and proponents of liberal democracy, ethnic rights, freedom of expression over the internet, etc. are being firmly enforced. Lately new measures to limit access to non-approved internet sites have been implemented rendering most proxy servers useless.
It does make me wonder about the nature of a "celebration" that requires such intensification of repressive measures directed against the freedoms of the ostensibly celebrating Chinese citizenry.
September 29: See this report from Reporters without Borders "'Paranoid' China ramps up firewall on anniversary: RSF"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090929/wl_asia_afp/chinapolitics60yearsitmediarights
It does make me wonder about the nature of a "celebration" that requires such intensification of repressive measures directed against the freedoms of the ostensibly celebrating Chinese citizenry.
September 29: See this report from Reporters without Borders "'Paranoid' China ramps up firewall on anniversary: RSF"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090929/wl_asia_afp/chinapolitics60yearsitmediarights
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Durant sa présidence, M. Beauregard a constamment attaché une grande importance aux échanges et à la coopération entre l 'École du comité central du Parti communiste chinois et Droits et Démocratie et c 'est sous son impulsion que notre projet a pu connaître des succès considérables. Notre école a tiré grand profit de sa connaissance intime des droits de la personne et de ses réflexions perspicaces, qui nous inspirent une grande admiration. L 'an dernier, M. Li Liandong, directeur du Département de science politique et de droit, dirigeait une mission de notre école au Canada, durant laquelle il fut reçu chez les Beauregard; il y a ressenti personnellement la chaleur de l 'accueil du couple et leur profonde amitié pour le peuple chinois. En novembre dernier, M. Beauregard dirigeait à son tour une mission de Droits et Démocratie en Chine et visitait notre École.
Sa présence, sa voix et son sourire sont encore bien vivants parmi tous les collègues ici à l 'École!
Nous vous prions de transmettre toute notre sympathie à son épouse Suzanne et aux membres de sa famille. Nous espérons qu 'ils pourront contenir leur douleur et prendre bien soin d 'eux-mêmes! Fidèles à la volonté posthume de M. Beauregard, poursuivons sans relâche, côte à côte, les échanges et la coopération entre l 'École du Comité central du Parti communiste chinois et Droits et Démocratie!
communiste chinois
Monsieur Rémy Beauregard a consacré d 'énormes efforts à la promotion de la coopération académique entre le Centre international des droits de la personne et du développement démocratique et le Centre des droits de la personne de l 'École du Comité central du Parti communiste chinois. Il a fait une contribution exceptionnelle à l 'amitié entre les peuples chinois et canadien.
Nous chérirons à jamais la mémoire de M. Rémi Beauregard.
École du Comité central du Parti communiste de Chine