Joint statement calling for sanctioning of Chinese and Hong Kong officials and protection for Hong Kongers at risk of political persecution

We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to take action in light of the mass arrests and assault on civil rights following the unilateral imposition of the new National Security Law in Hong Kong. Many in Hong Kong fear they will face the same fate as the student protesters in Tiananmen Square, defenders’ lawyers, and millions of interned Uyghurs, Tibetans, and faith groups whose rights of free expression and worship are denied.

We urge the Government of Canada to offer a “Safe Harbour Program” with an expedited process to grant protection and permanent residency status to Hong Kongers at risk of political persecution under the National Security Law, including international students and expatriate workers who have been involved in protest actions in Canada.

Furthermore, Canada must invoke the Sergei Magnitsky Law to sanction Chinese and Hong Kong officials who instituted the National Security Law, as well as other acts violating human rights; and to ban them and their immediate family members from Canada and freeze their Canadian assets.

Canada needs to work closely with international allies with shared values to institute a strong policy toward China. It is time for Canada to take meaningful action to show leadership on the world stage.

Signatories:

Civil society organizations
Action Free Hong Kong Montreal
Canada-Hong Kong Link
Canada Tibet Committee
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Canadian Friends of Hong Kong
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Democracy & Human Rights for China
Democratic Party of China, Canada Committee
East Turkistan Association of Canada
Falun Gong Human Rights Group
FAPA Canada
Federation for a Democratic China
Friends of Canada India Organization
Friends of Hong Kong Calgary
Friends of Hong Kong Edmonton
Global Pinoy Diaspora Canada
Gurukul Cultural Society
Halifax Hong Kong Link
McMaster Stands with HK
Movement for Democracy in China (Calgary)
Mustard Seeds Hong Kong Concern Group
One Free World International
Ontario Universities Hong Kong Awareness Group
Ottawan Stand With Hong Kong
Ottawa Post-Secondary Institutions’ Hong Kong Awareness Group
PEN Canada
Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights
Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Toronto
Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong
SFU HK Awareness & Action Group
Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center
Students for a Free Tibet
Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto
Taiwanese Human Rights Association of Canada
Toronto Association for Democracy in China
Torontonian HongKongers Action Group
University of Calgary Hong Kong Concern
University of Manitoba Hong Kong Concern
University of Toronto Hong Kong Extradition Law Awareness Group
Uyghur Refugee Relief Fund
Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project
Vancouver Hong Kong Political Activists
Vancouverites Concerned About Hong Kong
Vancouverites Stand with Righteousness
Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement
Vancouver Society of Freedom
Vancouver Uyghur Association
Victoria BC Hong Konger
Viet Tan
Waterloo Lion Rock Spirit
Winnipeg Hong Kong Concern
World United Formosans for Independence Canada Chapter
York University Hong Kong Politics Awareness Group

Individual community leaders

Charles Burton, Senior Fellow, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Marcus Kolga, President of the Central and Eastern European Council in Canada
Amita Kuttner, Former Green Party Leadership Candidate
Neema Manral, MPP candidate of Delta North, B.C.
Joe Tay, Hong Kong actor and singer in exile
Rukiye Turdush, independent researcher and human rights activist

Parliamentarians and Politicians

Ziad Aboultaif, Member of Parliament
Scott Aitchison, Member of Parliament
Hon. Denise Batters, Q.C., Senator
Kelly Block, Member of Parliament
Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament
John Brassard, Member of Parliament
Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament
Kenny Chiu, Member of Parliament
Laurel Collins, Member of Parliament
Hon. Consiglio Di Nino, Former Senator
Kerry Diotte, Member of Parliament
Scott Duvall, Member of Parliament
Dave Epp, Member of Parliament
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Member of Parliament
Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Member of Parliament
Hon. Linda Frum, Senator
Hon. Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament
Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament
Leah Gazan, Member of Parliament
Hon. Stephen Greene, Senator
Jack Harris, Member of Parliament
Jasraj Singh Hallan, Member of Parliament
Hon. Leo Housakos, Senator
Carol Hughes, Member of Parliament
Hon. Peter Kent, Member of Parliament
Tom Kmiec, Member of Parliament
Michael Kram, Member of Parliament
Damien C. Kurek, Member of Parliament
Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament
Hon. Frances Lankin, Senator
Philip Lawrence, Member of Parliament
Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator
Paul Manly, Member of Parliament
Hon. Elizabeth Marshall, Senator
Lindsay Mathyssen, Member of Parliament
Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament
Kelly McCauley, Member of Parliament
Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament
Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator
Hon. John McKay, Member of Parliament
Heather McPherson, Member of Parliament
Hon. Percy Mockler, Senator
Hon. Jim Munson, Senator
Hon. Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator
Hon. Dennis Patterson, Senator
Jeremy Patzer, Member of Parliament
Hon. Donald Plett, Senator
Yasmin Ratansi, Member of Parliament
Brad Redekopp, Member of Parliament
Hon. David Richards, Senator
Hon. Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament
Nelly Shin, Member of Parliament
Derek Sloan, Member of Parliament
Warren Steinley, Member of Parliament
David Sweet, Member of Parliament
Corey Tochor, Member of Parliament
Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament
Kevin Waugh, Member of Parliament

The Liberals are failing Canadians on rapid COVID-19 testing.

Scores of other developed countries including the United Kingdom, France, Australia and the United States have rapid COVID-19 testing available — some with results in just 15 minutes. 

Canadians on the other hand are waiting hours if not days before we can get tested and even longer for the results.

Rapid testing would help out moms and dads with decisions about sending their kids to schools, could help local businesses stay open and would help keep us all safe.

Yet, under the Liberals it hasn’t been a priority. 

See the video below of my friend and colleague Michelle Rempel Garner the Shadow Minister for Health holding the Liberal health minister accountable.  

Halloween still on, but please take precautions 

Alberta Public Health has issued guidelines to ensure, you, your family and our communities can have a spooky but safe All Hallows’ Eve. 

• Stay home and don’t hand out candy if you feel ill. 
• Wear masks at all times when unable to physical distance from others. 
• Maintain physical distances from other people outside of your family or cohort.  
• When trick-or-treating, maintain two metres (six feet) distance, knock instead of using doorbells and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces. 
• Wash hands and disinfect packages before eating candy. 
• Try to avoid directly handing out candy, alternative possible options include using tongs, self-serve candy pick-up at a table or a candy slide. 
• Host parties outside, if weather permits. 
• Limit the size of parties. 

Daughters of the Vote applications are open ’til October 14

Want to learn more about federal politics and get to understand what Conservative MP Kerry Diotte does to represent his riding of Edmonton Griesbach?

Sign up to apply for this fascinating, free program today.

Liberals labelling plastic as “toxic” will hurt Alberta

By JAMES KELLER
The Globe and Mail

The federal government announced on Thursday that it would ban six categories of single-use plastic items, including straws, cutlery and grocery bags, by the end of next year as part of a plan to eliminate plastic waste by 2030.

Ottawa also intends to designate “plastic manufactured items” as toxic under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which will allow the government to regulate and limit certain products without tabling new legislation.

Alberta was quick to push back. The province argued labelling plastic items as toxic will hurt its efforts to rebuild its economy, which was struggling long before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced demand for oil.

On Friday, Mr. Kenney said the plastic announcement would be “added to our list” of areas where the federal government is harming the province.

(Read the full article by James Keller, the Globe and Mail here)

Last week’s straw poll results 

Last week I asked folks if they thought we should have stiffer penalties for those found guilty of vandalizing public monuments.      

The clear majority said they would support tougher penalties for those criminal acts. See the results below.    

A big thanks to everyone who took part in the survey. 

Have your say

Are you planning on giving out candy or trick-or-treating (while following Alberta Public Health recommendations) this year?     

Have your say in my new unofficial poll. I’ll publish the results in next week’s e-newsletter. 

Latest news on COVID-19 

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family. 

In the news

• Liberals, NDP vote to shut down Conservatives’ renewed push to examine WE affair. Link
• Yet another Trudeau fuel tax will mean 22 cents per litre carbon tax at the pumps. Link
• Should we be calling him Deputy Prime Minister Singh? Link
• Trudeau dodges questions on meetings with alleged illegal casino operator. Link
• Hajdu’s bad pandemic getting worse as she faces questions over lack of rapid tests. Link
• Liberals filibuster opposition motion to get details of Trudeau family’s speaking fees. Link
• Medical professionals are speaking out against lockdowns. Link
• Liberals’ ‘supercluster’ program falling short of promised jobs, economic growth. Link
• Media Mistakes in the Trump Era: The Definitive List. Link
• Government spent more than $213K defending Seamus O’Regan in small claims court. Link

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend 

You can share it here.

If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.

Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.

I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note at my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Although 2020, has been a turbulent year, there is still so much we have to be thankful for.

From my family to yours happy Thanksgiving.

New benefits are now available for Canadians. 

The Canada Recovery Benefit is available for Canadians who aren’t eligible for EI and have lost work due to COVID-19.

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides support for Canadians who need to take time off work because of they’re ill or needing to self-isolate.

And the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit supports Canadians unable to work because they’re caring for their child or dependents. 

We Conservatives voted in favour of these new temporary measures and will continue to support programs that help Canadians get back on their feet.

Vandals deface Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry monument

This was a senseless and reprehensible crime.

Too often some individuals have taken it upon themselves to vandalize and deface monuments and memorials of our history. 

The men and women of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) have for more than a 100 years served us faithfully and proudly. For someone to deface a monument to them is despicable. 

Anyone with information or dashcam video from that night is asked to contact police using the non-emergency line at (780) 423-4567 or by dialing #377 from a cell phone.

This is Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental illness is a serious health concern affecting one in five Canadians. 

Together, lets end the stigma around this serious and common medical condition. 

If you or someone you know is having mental health problems, help is available. 

You can contact our local distress line at (780) 482-4357 (HELP).

They offer 24/7 service. 

I’m working for you in Parliament

I couldn’t mask my excitement to be one of a handful of Members of Parliament back in the House of Commons at the opening of a new session of Parliament that kicked off on September 23 with the Speech from the Throne. For those who know House of Commons rules about photography I’ll note this photo was taken prior to official proceedings beginning.

Liberals doubling down on their failed Infrastructure Bank

By PAUL WELLS
Maclean’s

The Canada Infrastructure Bank exists in the exquisite realm, prized by all public administrators, where they can make the most extravagant claims about it — Trudeau called it “an incredibly powerful tool to create opportunities, to create jobs, to create growth for the medium and long term in the country by investing in some major projects and taking on and drawing in significant international capital as well” — and it is apparently distasteful to ask for any evidence of the claims.

The Bank’s website is farcical. (Imagine applying for a $10,000 loan with as little information as the Bank gives you about the use it is making of $35 billion. You wouldn’t get far.) Sabia was appointed to replace the former board chair six months ago, with no explanation; the BIC’s CEO was sent packing on the same day, with no replacement. Sabia said a new CEO will be named “in the coming weeks.” Probably that’s even true, although the bank also thought it was about to name a new CEO in August.

The previous CEO, Pierre Lavallée, is believed to have been turfed for failing to land enough projects. He told me last summer that $4 billion in the first year of operation was a pretty good burn rate for an organization that was given a decade to spend $35 billion. Apparently the government disagreed. Now Sabia and the others were meeting reporters to announce that they will spend $10 billion in the next two or three years, which by my math isn’t a great acceleration. Sabia was able to announce more projects than the bank had ever announced before by (a) planning three years at a time and (b) not having a single actual project to announce. One’s heart goes out to the previous guy, who insisted on waiting until he had something to announce before announcing it, and can now be found on LinkedIn. These times call for bolder souls.

“It’s sometimes said that hope isn’t a plan,” Sabia said, a few times, in the manner of a man who has a plan. “This plan is the result of a serious analysis of current and potential projects. In short, this plan is real.” Great! Can we see it? Of course not.

But since hope isn’t a plan, perhaps repetition is. “Those foundations are solid because the analyses have been done,” he said, and “we have done extremely rigorous, disciplined analyses,” and “it’s built on analyses, specific projects, real projects.”

(Read the full article by Paul Wells, Maclean’s here)

Last week’s straw poll results 

Last week I asked folks if they thought the city’s bike lane proposals have gone too far. 

The clear majority of those who responded said the city’s plan had gone too far.  See the results below.    

A big thanks to everyone who took part in the survey.  

Have your say

In the wake of the recent vandalism of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry monument and Constable Ezio Faraone memorial in September some members of our community have been calling for more action to prevent these types of crimes.  

Do you think we should have stiffer penalties for those found guilty of vandalizing public monuments?      

Have your say in my new unofficial poll. I’ll publish the results in next week’s e-newsletter. 

Latest news on COVID-19 

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.

In the news

• Vegas hockey fans donate hundreds of pizzas to Boyle Street centre in Edmonton. Link
• Jagmeet Singh: NDP Could Prop Up Liberal Government For Another 3 Years. Link
• There is a socialist coup unfolding in Canada, and we taxpayers are funding it. Link
• The 5 Best Sports Bars in Edmonton. Link
• Halloween a go despite COVID-19, says Alberta’s chief medical officer. Link
• Erin O’Toole shows he’s no Andrew Scheer in smart Commons debut as Conservative leader. Link
• Liberals’ rebrand of their China policy is more about Erin O’Toole than Xi Jinping. Link

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend 

You can share it here.

If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.

Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.

I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note at my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

October 1 is National Seniors Day.
However, this year is different because of COVID-19.
Seniors in particular have been affected.
Due to the outbreak seniors have faced serious challenges to their mobility and mental health.
So, on this National Seniors Day, let’s all reach out to seniors in our community.
If you’re a senior and you need help, there are great local organizations that can help you.
If you’re a senior in need, volunteers at Drive Happiness Edmonton can deliver food and medication.
Phone: (780) 424-5438
Website: www.drivehappiness.ca
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls is also a great resource where people can call and interact with others from the comfort of their own home.
Phone: (780) 395-2626
Website: www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca/cl…/seniors-centre-without-walls

After shutting down Parliament for more than a month, the throne speech Justin Trudeau created ignored the big issues Canadians are facing. 

It’s now clear that Trudeau’s reason for proroguing parliament was just a political game to shut down the committees investigating his latest ethics scandal — the WE Charity affair.

At a time when folks need substance and sincerity, the prime minister offered meaningless platitudes that failed Canadians.  

For example, Trudeau’s speech failed to increase health care transfers.

Despite all the premiers desperately requesting more health funding, the throne speech gave them nothing. 

It failed to help the energy industry. 

With thousands of energy workers unemployed and the energy industry facing tough times, the government offered no assistance to one of the largest sectors of our economy. 

Is this what the prime minister meant when he previously called for “phasing out” the oil industry?

And it failed to answer why Canada is so far behind our allies in testing. 

Germany, Britain and others have myriad of tests available — some are even available at home.

Yet, here in Canada people are lining up for hours to get a test and even then, some are unable to get tested.

Canadians deserve better. 

On the last Sunday of September we honour the police and peace officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

Let us never forget the sacrifices of those who proudly serve our communities.

NDP tail to wag Liberal dog

EDITORIAL
Toronto Sun

Hold on to your wallets, Canada.

Having worked out a deal to increase unemployment benefits and paid sick leave provisions for people unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says he can now see supporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for three more years.

(Read the full Editorial, Toronto Sun here)

Last week’s straw poll results 

Last week I asked folks for their thoughts on whether 630 CHED should cancel the Ryan Jespersen show as city councillor Mike Nickel suggested or should everyone just let bygones be bygones?

The talk show controversy surrounds Jespersen using derogatory terms towards Nickel’s staff which includes folks who are visible minorities.

He called them “chimpanzees” on his radio show. After apologizing on air for the comment, a member of the public corresponded with Jespersen via text message and Jespersen once again used the chimpanzee insult.

On Twitter, Nickel wrote: “I thought the matter closed after the apology … A citizen has come forward with private text messages they had with Mr. Jespersen, after the apology, showing the derogatory insult still being used. @630CHED sponsors and listeners must demand immediate change.”

People were divided on the topic. Overall 45% of those surveyed thought the show should be canceled while 42% wanted to let bygones be bygones and 12% weren’t sure. 

A big thanks for everyone who took part in the survey.  

It has since been reported that 630 CHED has fired Jespersen. 

See the results below. 

Have your say

Critics of Edmonton’s bike lane program say that the plans are unrealistic and poorly thought out. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you think the city’s bike lane plans have gone too far?  

Have your say in my new unofficial poll. I’ll publish the results in next week’s e-newsletter. 

Latest news on COVID-19 

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family. 

In the news

• • • Canada’s quickly deteriorating fiscal situation. Link
    • Trudeau Wins Tentative Support From Social-Democratic Leader. Link
    • To galvanize the nation, Justin Trudeau tries the Winger Speech — glib, compelling, meaningless. Link
    • Trudeau’s televised address wasn’t just unnecessary. It was bizarre. Link
    • Dwayne Mandrusiak unceremoniously let go by Edmonton Football Club after 49 years. Link
    • Calgary-made whisky named best in the world by annual Whisky Bible. Link

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend 

You can share it here.

If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.

Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.

I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note at my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6