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Minister of Foreign Affairs appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on Main Estimates 2020-2021

2020-11-24

Table of contents

Meeting scenario

Committee membership & interests

Committee work

Remarks

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, November 19, 2020

Introduction

PS752

China – consular cases

China – Uyghurs

Hong Kong

Belarus

Nagorno-Karabakh

Export permits (Nagorno-Karabakh)

Conclusion

Afghanistan

Supplementary messages

Update

On September 12, 2020, the long-awaited Afghan Peace Negotiations began in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government and the Taliban meeting formally for the first time in nearly two decades of war. So far, discussions have been focused on establishing the rules of procedure and the agenda for the negotiations.

Supporting facts and figures

Africa relations

Supplementary messages

Update

Canada has strongly supported measures to provide system-wide relief to the poorest countries making an additional $1 billion available for IMF loans related to COVID19 and supporting the G20 initiative to suspend debt service payment.  Canada has announced some $1.1 billion in direct support to the global response.  This includes $6 million responding to calls for support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. 抖淫视频 regularly reviews all planned bilateral cooperation across Africa (valued at almost $700 million annually) to maximize our contribution to COVID-19 responses.

Supporting facts and figures

Arctic sovereignty

Supplementary messages

Background

No one disputes Canada’s sovereignty over the lands and islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with the exception of tiny Hans Island. Ongoing negotiations are taking place with Denmark to reach agreement on the dispute over the sovereignty of Hans Island, and the delimitation of the Labrador Sea continental shelf boundary.

The waters of the archipelago, including the waters commonly referred to as the “Northwest Passage,” are internal waters of Canada by virtue of historic title, and thus Canada has full sovereignty over them. For greater clarity, in 1986 Canada drew straight baselines around the archipelago.

The U.S. disagrees with Canada’s characterization of the Northwest Passage as internal waters and considers the passage to be a strait used for internal navigation, in which a right of transit passage exists. This disagreement is well managed, including through the Arctic Cooperation Agreement, under which the U.S. has committed to seek, and expects Canada to grant, consent to voyages by U.S. icebreakers through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Also, the dispute with the U.S. regarding the maritime boundary between our two countries in the Beaufort Sea continues to be well managed and will be resolved in due course, in accordance with international law.

Under international law, Canada has exclusive sovereign rights over resources of the seabed and subsoil of its continental shelf. Canada’s continental shelf, located beyond the limits of its Territorial Sea, goes to and may extend beyond 200 nautical miles from its coast. Filing a continental shelf submission with the UN is the first step in the process that will clarify the outer limits of this shelf, when located beyond 200nm.

[REDACTED]

Belarus

Supplementary messages

Updates

Protests against the Lukashenko regime continue in Belarus. The Interior Ministry has threatened to use lethal weapons against peaceful protestors, many of whom continue to be arbitrarily detained by the police. On October 25, police arrested over 500 people during anti-government demonstrations, which saw hundreds of thousands take to the streets in Minsk and across Belarus. Social media channels broadcasted videos of police brutality, which included the use of rubber bullets and stun grenades against protestors. Private businesses, students and some workers from state-run factories have begun to strike following Lukashenko’s refusal to step down by October 26, per Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s ultimatum.

Supporting facts and figures

Brexit

Supplementary messages

Background

The U.K. ceased to be a Member State of the EU as of February 1, 2020, and is no longer represented in the EU institutions. However, during the Brexit transition period which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020, the U.K. remains bound by the entire body of EU law and continues to access the benefits of EU membership.

Canada has agreed to continue treating the U.K. as an EU Member during the transition period in terms of its agreements with the EU. Key agreements such as the CETA, the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, and the Air Transport Agreement will continue to cover our relationship with the U.K. in those areas until the end of the transition period. Following the transition period, however, Canada-EU agreements will cease to apply to the U.K. New instruments between Canada and the U.K. will replace certain key Canada-EU agreements. Since 2017, line departments and agencies of the Government of Canada have been discussing such instruments with their U.K. counterparts in the event of a no-deal Brexit and, for the most part, have new instruments ready to enter into force at the end of the transition period.

U.K. Global Tariff (UKGT) and possible implication for Canadian exporters

On May 19, 2020, the U.K. published its Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) applied tariff schedule (UKGT) that it intends to apply when the Brexit transition period ends and the U.K. leaves the EU single market, as soon as January 1, 2021. As published, and in the absence of an extension of the Brexit transition period or a bilateral preferential trade agreement, Canadian exporters would be subject to the UKGT. Compared to EU MFN applied tariff rates (i.e. “pre-CETA” rates), which the U.K. currently applies, the UKGT is more liberal. Under the UKGT, 94.6% of average Canadian exports from 2017-2019 would enter the U.K. MFN duty-free. However, gold exports (duty-free) account for 64% (or $12.4 billion of $19.2 billion) of average Canadian exports. Removing gold from trade totals, the percentage of Canadian exports that would enter the UK duty-free decreases to approximately 84%. During the Brexit transition period, the CETA continues to apply to the U.K. Beyond transition, discussion on any potential Canada-U.K. agreement should reflect our bilateral relationship and take into account the future EU-U.K. trade relationship, as well as any unilateral U.K. approaches.

China consular cases

Supplementary messages

Update

In October 2020, Canadian officials had virtual consular access to Mr. Kovrig, Mr. Spavor and Mr. Schellenberg. This was their first consular visit since January 2020. Canada continues to seek access to all Canadians detained in China.

[REDACTED]

[REDACTED]

Erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy

Supplementary messages

Update

On June 30, 2020, the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China approved and signed into law a bill that imposes national security legislation (NSL) on Hong Kong in a process circumventing the legislative channels of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The legislation criminalizes a wider range of politically-related activities and greatly shrinks the range of freedoms Hong Kong residents have traditionally enjoyed, notably those related to freedom of association and expression. Beijing’s unilateral act follows months of civil unrest in the territory and takes advantage of the focus on combatting Covid-19 and limits on assembly. On May 22, Canada, the UK and Australia released a joint statement to express common concerns. On May 28, Canada, the US, UK and Australia released another statement, reiterating those concerns, followed by a joint statement with the G7 and the EU on June 17. On June 30, Canada joined 27 other countries in releasing a statement expressing our ongoing concerns with the National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong at the UN Human Rights Committee’s 44th session. On July 3, Canada announced a series of measures in response to the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, including export control measures, the suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and an update on the travel advice for the SAR. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged ongoing evaluation of the implications of the law and further responses, including measures around immigration.

On July 31, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that she would invoke emergency powers to postpone legislative elections for one year, saying that such measures were necessary in response to a recent rise in COVID-19 infections. On August 9, Canada jointly released a statement of concern alongside the rest of the Five Eyes countries, calling on Hong Kong to reconsider its decision to postpone elections. Most recently, on November 11, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee imposed new rules that resulted in the disqualification of “unpatriotic” opposition lawmakers, which prompted the entire pan-democratic caucus to resign in protest. In response, Minister François-Philippe Champagne released a statement condemning this latest assault on Hong Kong’s high degree of freedoms, and followed up with a joint statement involving Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States on November 18 reiterating serious concerns over this latest escalation.

There are continuing calls, both from Parliament and among civil society groups, for Canada to take more decisive measures, including imposing “Magnitsky” sanctions against officials responsible for rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Supporting facts and figures

Human rights and freedom of religion in China

Supplementary messages

Canada is alarmed by the mass detention, repressive surveillance, separation of children from parents, by Chinese authorities under the pretext of countering extremism, affecting Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang.

Update

Canada continues to raise human rights concerns as a priority in its engagement with China, however, the situation continues to worsen. Canada was among 39 countries that signed on to a joint statement on Xinjiang and Hong Kong during the U.N. General Assembly’s Third Committee in New York on October 6, 2020. Key issues of concern remain the human rights situations in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.

Supporting facts and figures

Meng Wanzhou arrest and U.S. extradition request

Supplementary messages

Update

The judicial phase of Ms. Meng’s extradition proceedings is currently underway. The dual criminality hearing is complete. The abuse of process hearing is expected to begin in February 2021. Other hearings under this phase are ongoing. The next hearing, scheduled for October 26-30, 2020, will be witness testimony of CBSA and RCMP officers involved in the arrest of Ms. Meng.

Background

Ms. Meng’s extradition proceedings are currently in the judicial phase. During this phase, the BC Supreme Court has dismissed Ms. Meng’s argument that dual criminality (for Canada to extradite an individual, the foreign charges must amount to a criminal offence in Canada) does not apply to her extradition case.

The extradition process will therefore proceed. This includes a hearing on a defence motion regarding abuse of process, and a committal hearing. Both are expected to take place in 2021. From the day of her arrest, Ms. Meng has had full access to Chinese consular assistance as well as her lawyers.

Canadian agricultural exports to China

Supplementary messages

Canola

China-COVID-19 import measure on food products

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canola: In March 2019, China suspended canola seed shipments from two major Canadian exporters, Richardson and Viterra, and increased inspection of all Canadian canola seed exports to China, citing alleged discovery of pests. Canada has investigated the concerns raised and concluded that the Canadian shipments met China’s import requirements. Canada has repeatedly requested scientific evidence from China to support its findings to no avail.

Given the limited progress made through bilateral engagement, on September 9, 2019, Canada requested formal consultations at the WTO; consultations took place on October 28, 2019. During the consultations, Canada requested a face-to-face technical meeting to discuss China’s canola seed quarantine and inspection methodology. This meeting took place in December 16 – 20, 2019, in Beijing. Further technical discussions were planned for early 2020, but have since halted due to travel restrictions. Canada sent China a revised investigation report June 2020 and is waiting for China’s reaction to the report.

Canada is assessing next steps, including whether to request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel to adjudicate the dispute. Although Canada’s canola seed exports to China decreased by 70% (to $852.9 million in 2019, from $2.8 billion in 2018), Canadian canola seed exports from January to September 2020 have increased by 52.08% compared to the same period in 2019. The Government has created a working group comprised of industry and officials from AAFC, CFIA, GAC, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to discuss opinions for regaining market access and market diversification.

China/COVID: Since mid-June, 2020, China has imposed a series of COVID-19 related import measures on food products (affecting mainly meat, fish and seafood) from trading partners based on alleged concerns that food or food packaging may be a source or route of transmission of the virus. China’s measures have included testing of imported food products and suspension of imports from establishments where there have been outbreaks of COVID-19 among workers. Canada’s position, shared by other trading partners, is that there is no evidence that food or food packaging is a likely source or route of transmission or route of transmission of the COVID 19.

The U.S.-China “Phase One” Trade Agreement that entered into force February 14, 2020 requires China to purchase an additional US$200 billion of U.S. goods and services in 2020 and 2021 over 2017 levels. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, so far in 2020 China has purchased 71% (US$23.6 billion) of its “Phase One” target for agricultural products (US$33.4 billion). Given the current wide-ranging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to measure the impact that “Phase One” purchases are having on Canada’s agricultural and agri-food industry.

Regional maritime tensions

Supplementary messages

Update

In recent months China has established new administrative districts to cover two disputed island chains in the SCS, shadowed a Malaysian vessel undertaking natural resource exploration in waters that are claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam and China, and reportedly sank a Vietnamese fishing boat. Regional tensions have heightened as several ASEAN countries as well as Australia and the U.S. have publically criticized recent Chinese actions.

In recent years, Beijing has pursued a more assertive policy to defend its claims in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) through persistent entries by Chinese coast guard and militia fishing vessels in disputed waters, including off the coasts of Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam. Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated concurrently, as the U.S. has increased the frequency of its “Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONOPs) to challenge China’s claims. In July of 2020 the U.S. announced a more forward leaning policy towards maritime claims in the SCS, which includes a rejection of any Chinese claim to waters beyond a 12-nautical mile territorial sea derived from land features it claims in the Spratly Islands. In September, 2020, the U.K., France and Germany submitted essentially identical note verbales to the United Nations challenging the legality of China’s maritime claims in the SCS, that are not consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Supporting facts and figures

China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Supplementary messages

Update

According to Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China’s investment in 54 BRI countries increased by 31.5% between January and August 2020. Nevertheless, construction projects went down 6.2% in 61 BRI countries in the same period. China proposed the revival of a “Health Silk Road” to deal with global health issues such as COVID-19.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced a pair of new development and trade initiatives for China and the surrounding regions later known as BRI. The reaction to the BRI has been mixed. While recipient countries generally welcome funding from China for much needed infrastructure build-out, there are questions about China’s geopolitical motives, concerns over whether BRI projects are economically and financially sound, whether China is practicing “debt trap diplomacy”, and whether BRI projects conform to global standards on environmental protection and labour.  

Procurement of physical security equipment (Nuctech)

Supplementary messages

CanSino vaccine

Supplementary messages

Update

Despite the department’s sustained advocacy efforts with Chinese interlocutors to secure the release of the CanSino vaccine candidate shipment, Chinese authorities have not granted the necessary approval. There are no indications that Chinese authorities intend at this stage to grant approval for joint clinical trials with Canada.

In mid-July 2020, when exports of Chinese vaccine candidates to countries other than Canada were first approved, the Embassy in Beijing and the National Research Council (NRC) agreed that all possible efforts to secure approval had been made. The NRC announced publicly on August 25, 2020, that it would move on to focus on partners other than CanSino.

Embassy officials continue to monitor this issue and engage with Chinese counterparts, including CanSino, as part of the global effort to combat COVID-19.

Background

Under its collaboration agreement with CanSino, the NRC intended to conduct Phase 1 clinical trials of CanSino’s vaccine candidate in Canada. The shipment of vaccine candidate seeds necessary to begin the trials was originally scheduled to depart China on May 20, 2020, however Chinese Customs rejected the shipment, citing an issue with the format of the approval letter. Thereafter, the department liaised with multiple Chinese ministries to determine what additional approvals would be required, and coordinated advocacy efforts on behalf of NRC, Health Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development to relevant Chinese counterparts in support of the shipment’s release.

During this period, the Chinese authorities had not authorized the export of Chinese vaccine candidates to any other country outside China. In mid-July 2020, when exports to countries other than Canada were first approved, the department provided its assessment that all possible efforts to secure release of the shipment had been made, with no indication that the Chinese government would approve the shipment to Canada. NRC announced its decision to focus on other partners shortly thereafter.

Consular cases

Supplementary messages

Clemency - Canadians facing the death penalty abroad

Consular assistance for Canadian children and families

COVID-related costs

Update

The flight facilitation costs include a variety of expenses ranging from underwriting seats on flights, costs of ticketing agencies and of domestic fees, or ground travel arrangements (this can include feeder flights and other modes of transportation organized to bring Canadians to departure cities for their commercial flight to Canada).

Supporting facts and figures

Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

Update

Although the loan program continues to operate, the volume of new loans has greatly diminished since late summer.  The focus of the program now centers around loan recovery.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The Emergency Loan Program continues to support Canadians abroad without any other financial means to get home.

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program is a temporary financial assistance program to help Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents outside Canada affected by COVID-19 to return home, or to help them shelter in place while they are working toward returning to Canada. They must demonstrate that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had existing plans to return to Canada that have been disrupted by COVID-19 impacts on travel, and that they do not have another source of funds. 

The maximum amount of a loan is $5,000 per person to cover the return to Canada and/or short-term needs while they work toward returning home.

Loans are granted on an interest-free basis and are repayable within six months of invoicing.

Impact of COVID-19 on human rights

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canada recognizes that the adoption of extraordinary measures to tackle the pandemic may be necessary in some cases; however, it is imperative to ensure such measures are not used to roll back human rights. Some governments have exploited the COVID-19 crisis as justification for enacting legislation that limits human rights and fundamental freedoms; including, additional restrictions on civil society or media organizations, criminalizing protest, and using unlawful, excessive or arbitrary surveillance.

Although the virus may seem to strike indiscriminately, its spread and consequences along with measures taken to combat the pandemic affect specific groups differently.  Depending on existing vulnerabilities, inequalities and extent of exclusion in societies, the most marginalized can become even more vulnerable. These include the elderly, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons, religious and belief minorities, persons deprived of their liberty, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. COVID-19 and related mitigation measures such as physical distancing and lockdowns has exacerbated gender-based violence as well as violence, exploitation and abuse of children. The pandemic has also amplified forms of exclusion and discrimination, including systemic racism, xenophobia, and discrimination targeting many identifying with a minority or historically disadvantaged group.

Response and recovery measures taken must ensure that marginalized groups are not negatively affected, or exploited to pose further repression or unwarranted restrictions using public health as a guise. The measures taken must be in accordance with international and domestic laws, necessary for the protection of public health, non-discriminatory, time limited and proportional to the threats faced.

Impact of COVID-19 on democracy

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Measures to address the COVID-19 crisis can present significant risks to democracy, as do the ensuing political, economic, social, and humanitarian crises.  These include:

Some positive impacts on democracy emerging from the crisis include: 

International assistance – personal protective equipment (PPE)

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Canada is providing PPE through bilateral and multilateral assistance channels:

International efforts and Canadian leadership

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Update

On September 25, Canada announced funding of $220M to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) to purchase vaccine doses for low- and middle-income countries, with an additional $400M in international assistance funding announced on September 29 to support the recovery and resilience of developing countries.

Background

Since the onset of the pandemic, Minister Champagne has played a leadership role in advancing international cooperation in responding to the global pandemic and its ramifications, and has reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue in order to share best practices and lessons learned through engagement with his counterparts in bilateral and multilateral meetings. He has also led Canada’s biggest and most complex consular undertaking ever, while together with Ministers Gould and Ng, he has advanced Canadian interests and values in protecting and promoting human rights, gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and inclusion in shaping the global response to the pandemic.

On international trade, Minister Ng has worked both at home and abroad to secure the health and prosperity of Canadians and Canadian businesses by championing international initiatives to promote trade resilience and resurgence through the WTO and the Ottawa Group on WTO reform, the G20, and APEC. She has also engaged bilateral and regional counterparts (e.g. Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, New Zealand and the EU) to promote free trade agreements and secure business supply chains that will support Canadian exporters in the global marketplace.

Minister Gould has led Canada’s international assistance efforts by engaging with her counterparts at bilateral and multilateral meetings to promote ongoing international cooperation on COVID-19 via the creation of the Development Ministers’ Contact Group on COVID-19. The Contact Group provides likeminded development donors with a forum to identify solutions to the mid-to-long-term development implications of the pandemic and to help enable greater coherence, efficiency and strategic impact in the international assistance response to COVID-19.

Further opportunities for global leadership consistent with Canadian interests and values could include: delivering on global health needs; advocacy on global supply chains, rules-based trade and the movement of people; enabling financial liquidity and stability while supporting the real economy; championing the unique demands of COVID-19 responses in fragile and conflict-affected states; and increasing support towards food security and education in developing countries.

PPE and medical supplies global market support

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures (as of October 21, 2020)

Background

Assisting Canadian suppliers of COVID-19 solutions: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, there have been a number of TCS successes. A number of opportunities have arisen beyond purely commercial transactions to promote Canadian companies, including potential opportunities with United Nations agencies and other multilateral, regional and plurilateral procurement initiatives (e.g. Africa Union platform, World Bank Group). In order to increase awareness of international opportunities, the TCS has developed a directory of Canadian companies that provide solutions to support the fight against COVID-19. The Directory is intended to be a tool for Trade Commissioners at post to match COVID-19-related opportunities with Canadian suppliers that have interest and capacity for internationalization.

Global supply chains: Canada depends heavily on imports of medical products and pharmaceutical inputs. Given our highly integrated supply chains, the current pandemic could impact Canadian production capacity. Elements most critical to Canada’s supply chains include facemasks, protective suits, hand sanitizers, ventilators, vaccine supplies, therapeutics and some pharmaceutical inputs. The current crisis has had impacts on Canada’s ability to secure medical supplies and pharmaceutical inputs. While existing supply chains are not expected to be greatly transformed, the industry is working to build in more redundancy to ensure they are more flexible and resilient. Canada is bolstering its manufacturing capacity for urgently needed medical supplies and working with allies and industry to ensure international trade rules are respected and supply chains are not interrupted. Canada will continue to require inputs from international markets to build finished products and to support companies with export capabilities of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.

World Health Organization

Supplementary messages

U.S. membership in the WHO

Supporting facts and figures

Background

A 2-day session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) convened virtually on May18-19, 2020 at which Canada co-sponsored the EU-led Resolution on the COVID-19 response. The Resolution provides a solid, consensus-based foundation for next steps in the global COVID-19 response. It also outlines parameters for a review of the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19 which is already underway through the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response. The Panel will share its progress report with the resumed session of the WHA on November 9-14, 2020.

Similar to previous years, Taiwan’s participation as an observer at the WHA will be discussed at the resumed WHA in November. [REDACTED]

On 27-28 October a bilateral virtual strategic policy dialogue took place between senior officials of the Government of Canada and the WHO. Minister Gould, Minister Hajdu, and the WHO Director General took part in the second day of the event to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the importance of the Government of Canada-WHO relationship and our shared priorities.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement CUSMA

Supplementary messages

CUSMA implementation

Autos rules of origin

Supply management

Blueberries/Seasonal produce

Solar

Transformers

Background

CUSMA implementation

CUSMA entered into force on July 1, 2020. CUSMA committees have begun to meet including on SMEs and Competitiveness. On autos rules of origin, parties are in the final stages of the approval process for producer-specific  “alternative staging regimes” (ASR) to provide more time to comply with more stringent CUSMA rules of origin. Parties are expected to approve ASR requests in November. Separately, the U.S. has recently adopted an interpretation of the rule of origin applicable to core auto parts that is inconsistent with the treaty text and will create challenges for Canadian producers.

Supply management – compensation

The Government has assured dairy, poultry and egg producers and processors that they will be fully and fairly supported for impacts of recent trade agreements, most recently in the Speech from the Throne. In August 2019, the Government announced $1.75 billion in compensation for dairy producers. Details regarding the remaining funds, as well as compensation for CUSMA, have not yet been announced.

U.S. 232 tariffs on Canadian aluminum

On August 6, President Trump announced a 10% Section 232 tariff on imports of non-alloyed aluminum products from Canada effective August 16. On September 15, USTR announced the U.S. would remove the tariff, but retroactively impose it if aluminum shipments exceed monthly volumes limits in the USTR statement. Canada stated it would impose reciprocal tariffs if the U.S. re-imposed the tariffs.

Blueberries/Seasonal produce

On October 6, 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) initiated a global safeguard investigation into fresh and frozen blueberries. The USITC is expected to present its recommendations to the President by March 29, 2021.

Solar

In May 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) launched a global safeguard investigation into imports of solar products. It found that while imports had caused serious injury to U.S. industry, Canadian imports were not a substantial share and should be excluded from any safeguard tariff. On January 22, 2018, the President imposed a 30% safeguard tariff on all imports of solar modules, including Canada, with a reduction of 5% per year. On October 9, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation adjusted aspects of the solar safeguard but provided no relief for Canadian producers.

Transformers

On May 11, 2020, the U.S. launched a Section 232 national security investigation on electrical transformers and parts, which targets Canada and Mexico. There are indications a decision to impose import restrictions could come before the election. The CUSMA Section 232 side letter provides for a 60-day consultation period before these tariffs are to be put in place on Canada.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Supplementary messages

Update

North Korea continues to develop its WMD and ballistic missile programs. During an event marking the ruling party’s founding (Oct. 2020), North Korea paraded an array of military hardware, including a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Inter-Korean relations deteriorated sharply in 2020; In September 2020, South Korea confirmed that a fisheries official missing at sea was killed by North Korea, further straining relations.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Despite extensive international efforts to isolate North Korea, constrain its economy, and counter its WMD proliferation, Pyongyang continues to evade sanctions, generate illicit funds, and improve its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. March 2020 saw the largest number of missiles launched by North Korea in a single month. North Korea is also increasingly adept at using cyberspace to evade sanctions.

While North Korea claims to have no cases of COVID-19, Pyongyang implemented drastic measures early on in the pandemic, including closing its borders to all goods and travel. These strict limits have caused NGOs and foreign missions to recall staff, including Germany, the UK and Sweden. The travel ban has led to difficulties in monitoring the humanitarian situation, which has worsened due to three typhoons and significant flooding in August and September 2020.

Export controls - Turkey

Supplementary messages

Update

On October 5, 2020, Canada announced the suspension of export permits to Turkey relevant to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This decision followed various allegations of the possible export to Azerbaijan of Turkish drones with Canadian components, and reports that these drones may have been used in combat operations. Canadian officials are currently investigating these allegations and the suspension will allow time to further assess the situation.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Following Turkey's October 2019 military incursion into northeastern Syria, Canada put in place a temporary suspension on the issuance of all new export permits for controlled items destined to Turkey.

On April 16, 2020, Canada issued a Notice to Exporters and narrowed the scope of Canada's policy on exports of controlled items to Turkey. While restrictions continue to apply to Group 2 (military) exports to Turkey, Canada will consider on a case-by-case basis if there are exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to NATO cooperation programs, that might justify issuing an export permit for Group 2 (military) items. Exporters who were issued permits for the export of such items to Turkey prior to October 11, 2019 may continue to export against those permits during their period of validity.

Feminist foreign policy

Supplementary messages

Update

In May 2020, Ministers Champagne and Gould held a Virtual Roundtable with 14 Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss Canada’s feminist response to the pandemic. Participants encouraged Canada to maintain its global feminist leadership as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to COVID-19. There was convergence in messaging among CSOs, especially on the following themes: support for civil society and women’s rights organizations; economic impacts, human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexual and gender based violence, LGBTQI, and women peace and security. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening the foundations of Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy by working with civil society to develop and launch a white paper in this regard. This inclusive dialogue is unfolding between the months of October and December 2020, and includes domestic and international stakeholders to be engaged through series of conversations, virtual roundtables, webinars and as well as written contributions to inform the white paper.

Supporting facts and figures

India bilateral relations

Supplementary messages

Update

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Canada and India have worked together in ensuring the global supply of critical medical supplies and pharmaceuticals; supporting respective repatriation efforts; and advancing multilateral cooperation through the UN, WHO, G20, and other fora. Additionally, India has joined the COVID-19 Ministerial Coordination Group led by Canada Canada and India are also revitalizing Ministerial Dialogues and convening bilateral working groups across trade and investment, environment and climate change, immigration, and peace and security. On human rights, the Department is preparing responses to three recent petitions submitted to   parliament on Jammu and Kashmir and one on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Supporting facts and figures

Canada’s contribution to peace operations

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the WPS ambassador

Supplementary messages

Update

The first annual report for Canada’s National Action Plan on WPS was tabled in Parliament in September 2018. The second was tabled in Parliament on June 10, 2020. It outlines in detail the progress made to advance WPS in the last fiscal year (2018-19). The tabling of the report was delayed due to the election and COVID-19.

Supporting facts and figures

Bill to amend the chemical weapons Convention Implementation Act

Supplementary messages

Update

The Minister of Foreign Affairs introduced C-9, An Act to amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act on March 10, 2020. Following prorogation of Parliament, it was reintroduced in the Senate on October 27, 2020 as Bill S-2. This legislation helps to align Canada’s domestic implementing legislation with our international commitments. As the chemicals to be added have no use except as chemical weapons, there will be no impact on Canadian industry.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) seeks to completely eliminate and prohibit an entire category of weapon of mass destruction in a verifiable manner. The CWC's Annex on Chemicals includes three lists of chemicals (the "Schedules") that are subject to declaration and verification by the OPCW – the most common chemical weapons and their precursors.

At the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the CWC, in November 2019, two binding decisions were adopted to add new toxic chemicals to Schedule 1. Among these chemicals are the family of "Novichok" type agents used in the attempted assassination of former British spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the UK in March 2018.

Disinformation and the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canada’s international efforts to counter threats to democracy culminated in the announcement of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism in 2018 during the Charlevoix Summit. Since then, Canada has worked to operationalise and consolidate the mechanism, leveraging it to contribute to safeguarding our federal election in 2019 and addressing pandemic-related disinformation.

Cybersecurity and cyber threats

Supplementary messages

Update

Malicious cyber actors are using the COVID-19 crisis to target vulnerable institutions in the health sector. GAC’s April 30 Statement on malicious cyber threats to the health sector called on all actors to refrain from malicious cyber activity that could damage or harm critical infrastructures, particularly hospitals, treatment research facilities and the health sector.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

For Canada, the major forum for advancing discussions on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace remains at the United Nations. The UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), supported by the US and all G7 members, is best able to advance the international consensus on how international law applies in cyberspace and how to advance the promotion and implementation of international norms of responsible state behaviour. Although not chosen for the 2019-21 GGE, Canada is engaging actively in the 2019-21 Open Ended Working Group (OEWG), which has a similar mandate to the GGE, but is open to all States.

Media freedom

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Promoting and protecting democracy

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Background

Democracy programming supports a wide range of partners working to strengthen public leadership, decision-making, democratic processes and institutions; inclusive and gender-sensitive policies and human rights.  抖淫视频 recently established “Pro-Dem” – the promoting and protecting democracy fund – a new programming tool of $10 million per year operating alongside the development cooperation program and the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.

Canadian Centre for Peace, Order and Good Government

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Iraq – potential close of U.S. embassy

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Background

Media reporting indicates that the US had decided to close its Baghdad embassy in response to SMG attacks. The US has refrained from commenting on the reports, but has stressed the importance of ensuring the security of US personnel, highlighting the threat posed by SMGs to Iraqi stability. The US has reiterated its commitment to work with Iraq to ensure the safety of its personnel. No final decision has been taken.

The US provides critical support and enablers to the US-led Global Coalition against Daesh and NATO Mission Iraq, commanded by Canada until late November 2020. [REDACTED]

Canada shares the US’ concern over the increase in attacks. Allied and partner ambassadors met with Prime Minister al-Kadhimi on September 30 to convey their deep concerns and to urge the Iraqi government to do everything necessary to halt attacks. On October 2, you had a call with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to convey Canada’s concerns, while expressing support for Iraq. Minister Sajjan and other senior officials have engaged with stakeholders to assess the situation.

On October 10, Iran-linked SMGs announced a 40-day ceasefire on attacks against US targets in Iraq, conditional to a rapid and full US troop withdrawal from Iraq, [REDACTED]

[REDACTED]

Iran-U.S. tensions

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Update

U.S.-Iran tensions remain heightened. The U.S. is continuing with its policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran, and in October 2020, imposed a flurry of new sanctions against Iran, including virtually all Iranian banking institutions. Repeated attacks against the U.S. by Iran-backed Shia militias in Iraq have continued and have led to the U.S. threatening to close its embassy in Baghdad.

Human rights

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Update

Canada routinely speaks out on specific cases to hold Iran accountable by drawing international attention to them and indicate that Canada and the global community are monitoring the cases. In September 2020, Canada spoke out on two cases. @JustinTrudeau issued a Tweet on September 20, 2020 on the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh, a well-known Iranian human rights lawyer who recently conducted a hunger strike while in prison. Sotoudeh was arrested for representing women who removed their headscarves during public protests and sentenced to multiple charges, totalling 38 years – one of the longest received by a human rights defender. @CanadaFP issued a Tweet on September 14, 2020 joined the international community in condemning the execution Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler who was executed in Iran on September 12, 2020 for allegedly murdering an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps security guard during protests.

Background

Trends suggest that grievances in Iran continue to multiply, along social economic, ethnic, and political lines. The frequency of protests has subsided due to COVID-19, however, it is likely that the grievances underpinning the protests will continue to grow. The Iranian regime often demonizes marginalized groups in the face of domestic instability, including targeting women, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities, and other minority groups. Iran may consider that while the international community is preoccupied with the COVID-19 global pandemic, there will be less attention on Iran’s actions against marginalized and vulnerable groups. Canada continues to monitor human rights violations in Iran and remains engaged with the international community to ensure the global spotlight remains on human rights issues in Iran despite the pandemic.

Flight PS752

Supplementary messages

Background

Canada and the Coordination Group countries have finalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation concerning the negotiations on reparations with Iran. This MOU sets out the terms of reference for Ukraine’s prominent role as the Negotiating Spokesperson and creates an Advisory Committee consisting of all members of the Coordination Group who will be present during the negotiations and will support the work of the Spokesperson.

Before negotiations can begin, another MOU will have to be negotiated among the Coordination Group members to set out the group’s common negotiating position, which will be a guide for the Spokesperson and the Advisory Committee during the negotiations with Iran. Iran has expressed an interest in compensating victims equally without regard to nationality. In preparations for this MOU, Canada will have to conduct an analysis and evaluation of the claims linked to Canada.

Suspension of Israeli annexation plans / Israel normalization/ agreement

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Update

On August 13, 2020, the US, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a historic agreement whereby the UAE and Israel would begin normalizing relations. This was followed soon thereafter by Bahrain and Sudan which also announced they would normalize relations with Israel. These agreements make the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan the first Arab-Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel since Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). In a joint statement that accompanied the Israel-UAE agreement, it was announced that Israel would “suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace” to focus its efforts on expanding ties with other regional states. This effectively pauses Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank for the foreseeable future, which seemed imminent following the April 2020 coalition agreement between PM Netanyahu’s Likud party and its rival Blue & White party. This pause is welcomed by Canada, as we have strongly opposed annexation. Recent announcements regarding planned settlement expansion have, however, showed that Israel’s commitment to suspend annexation does not extend to ending its settlement activities.

Background

Canada’s policy on annexation is clear: Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, including the West Bank. Canada has, and will continue to engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and other leaders in the region to ensure that Canada’s position is understood clearly and expressed effectively to a broad set of stakeholders.

PM Trudeau notably relayed Canada’s concerns on annexation publicly on June 3, and directly to Israeli PM Netanyahu and Alternate PM Gantz on May 18 and 19, respectively. Minister Champagne also expressed Canada’s concerns to Israel Foreign Minister Ashkenazi on June 2.

Jerusalem

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Background

The Palestinians have long sought their future capital to be in East Jerusalem, however the 2020 US peace plan proposes a future Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem, falling well short of Palestinian aspirations. During Israel’s last election campaign, PM Netanyahu pledged to push forward with the expansion of several settlement projects in and around Jerusalem, which would further diminish the Palestinian presence in, and connection to, Jerusalem. Several states have issued public statements criticizing the Israeli plans.

As the international consensus on Jerusalem begins to weaken, Israel is continuing the expansion of settlements and challenging the status quo at the Old City’s holy sites, raising tensions between the city’s Jewish and Arab residents. While the US peace plan did not propose any change to the status quo at the holy sites (including the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif complex), the plan’s proposal for overall Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem would, if implemented, further erode the Palestinians’ claims to East Jerusalem, risking increased tensions and further violence.

Gaza-Israel violence

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Update

On August 31, 2020, Israel and Hamas would have agreed to a Qatari-brokered ceasefire, which is regularly tested by rockets fired from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Most incidents since then have not resulted in any casualties, on either side.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Hamas, which controls Gaza, is a listed terrorist organization. The Government of Canada has no contact with Hamas.

Since the 2014 conflict, there have been periodic exchanges of fire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza, as well as violence in 2018 and 2019 associated with protests along the Gaza-Israel boundary.

The population of Gaza faces high levels of acute vulnerability. Recurrent violence, severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods via Israel or Egypt, limited economic growth, poor governance, and poverty have eroded Gazans’ resilience. Approximately 82 percent of the population require some form of humanitarian assistance. Unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, the majority of the population is food insecure and 96 percent of the groundwater in Gaza is unfit for human consumption.

U.S. Middle East peace plan

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Background

The US Vision for Peace was released in its entirety on January 28, 2020. The plan addresses the key final status issues (Jerusalem, refugees, borders, security, recognition), however the plan strongly favours Israel, and crosses several Palestinian red-lines, with the result that the Palestinian Authority rejected it the same day it was released. In engagements with likemindeds and others since the plan’s release, Canadian officials have been clear that Canada remains committed to supporting peace between the parties, but ultimately it is up to Israelis and Palestinians to reach an agreement through direct negotiations. International reactions to the plan were at first cautiously supportive of US efforts, however more recently several states and groups such as the EU, Arab League, and others have reiterated their support to the longstanding international consensus of a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, rather than the vision laid out in the US plan. Many observers have also indicated that the US plan may have the effect of shifting the baseline negotiating positions on the conflict in Israel’s favour, which could affect future negotiations between the parties.

International criminal court investigation

Supplementary messages

Background

On December 20, 2019, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided to formally advance the investigation on the “Situation in Palestine” after finding that in her view, war crimes had been or are being committed in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. However, due the contested legal issues surrounding territorial definitions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, the prosecutor requested from the Pre-Trial Chamber, a ruling confirming whether the ICC has the jurisdiction to investigate in those territories.

Canada has expressed its position to the treaty depositary in January 2015 that it does not recognize a “State of Palestine” and it does not consider “Palestine” to be a party to the Rome Statute or to have any treaty relationship to Canada as a State Party. In the absence of a Palestinian State, it is Canada’s view that the Court does not have jurisdiction under international law. Canada further reaffirmed this position in 2018 and on February 14, 2020, Canada once again reiterated this position in a letter submitted to the ICC.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)

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Background

The BDS movement is a campaign founded in 2005 by Palestinian NGOs. The BDS movement "urges nonviolent pressure on Israel until it complies with international law by meeting three demands”: (i) Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the barrier between the West Bank and Israel; (ii) Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and (iii) Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194. Much of the movement is focused on university campuses in Europe and North America and includes academic and cultural boycotts.

Critics of the campaign argue that the BDS movement is antisemitic and promotes the de-legitimization of Israel. There are also more targeted calls for boycotts of products produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank or the Palestinian boycott of Israeli goods sold in the West Bank.

On February 12, 2020, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a list of 112 companies operating in Israeli settlements (no Canadian companies were listed). Canada had previously expressed concerns to the High Commissioner in writing.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

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Background

UNRWA faces financial constraints and operates in a volatile environment. Since 1948, it has been mandated to provide basic services (including health, education, humanitarian assistance) to Palestinian refugees in five areas: West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA is the only UN organization mandated to provide assistance to over five million Palestinian refugees living in these five areas.

UNRWA is almost entirely funded through voluntary contributions and receives broad international support. For the past several years, UNRWA has faced a significant funding shortfall partly as a result of growing needs and falling contributions. UNRWA's Programme Budget (education, health and social services) and the Emergency Appeal for humanitarian assistance to the West Bank and Gaza are currently facing deficits and cuts to services. Some services have already been scaled back, and without significant additional resources, more may need to be cut, leading to negative humanitarian consequences.

Canada’s vote on Palestinian self-determination

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Background

On November 19, 2019, Canada changed its vote from “No” to “Yes” on a resolution titled “The Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” at the UN General Assembly. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 165Y-5N-9A. The only states to vote “No” were the US, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Vanuatu. The resolution was co-sponsored by 129 countries including likeminded (EU, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway).

The resolution reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to an independent Palestinian state. As such, Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, namely the right of both peoples to determine their own future. Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution, so that both sides can have a secure and prosperous future.

Although we voted “Yes” on this single resolution, Canada maintains its position at the UN that there are too many resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a situation which unfairly singles out Israel for criticism. We have thus maintained our voting record on all other resolutions, voting overwhelmingly “No” on these Middle East peace-related resolutions.

United Nations resolutions on the Middle East

Every year, resolutions addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict are tabled at the UN. Canada assesses each resolution on its merits and consistency with our principles. We support resolutions that are consistent with Canadian policy on the Middle East, are rooted in international law, reflect current dynamics, contribute to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and address fairly and constructively the obligations and responsibilities of all parties to the conflict. Canada advocates for a fair-minded approach and rejects one-sided resolutions and any politicization of the issues. Canada believes that the United Nations and its member states have a responsibility to contribute constructively to efforts to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict. Canada will continue to examine carefully each of these resolutions as they come forward.

Lebanon and Canadian assistance

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On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion at the Port of Beirut devastated central parts of the city. The catastrophe came on the heels of several multi-faceted crises Lebanon had been facing prior to the blast, including government mismanagement resulting in the near-collapse of the economy and financial system, protests and civil unrest and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The government resigned on August 10, 2020, and the formation of a new government is ongoing.

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Background

Lebanon is in the midst of a protracted economic crisis with high public debt, inflation and growing rates of unemployment and poverty. Assistance has been sought from the IMF and the international community, but the government has not yet committed to the transparency, accountability and reform measures needed to secure this assistance. Discussions are ongoing, including to confirm the date and format of international political and donors’ meetings in October and November organized by France. Canada is aiming to secure representation at both meetings.

Mexico trade challenges

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Energy sector

Mining sector

Background

Mining sector: Canadian companies are the largest foreign investors in Mexico’s mining sector. According to Natural Resources Canada, Canadian-controlled companies had CAD$20.1 billion in mining assets in Mexico in 2018. As such, Mexico remained the second largest recipient of Canadian mining assets abroad in 2018 (12% of Canadian mining assets abroad), after the United States (14%).

In addition to their contributions to economic growth and job creation, Canadian mining companies support sustainable local development and community well-being through programs for education, health care, and small business development. However, Canadian investors face longstanding challenges related to uncertain land access, unclear requirements for community engagement and consultation with Indigenous peoples, weak rule of law to protect their operations and personnel, difficult security environments in some regions, and taxation issues. In order to address the issues, the Government of Canada is making use of the working-level bilateral mechanisms put in place for collaboration with Mexico.

Mexico energy policy: Beginning in April 2020, the Mexican government, and its regulatory agencies, introduced a number of regulation and policy changes to favour state-owned generation, largely from fuel oil, over electricity produced by private companies, notably renewable energy. The changes could adversely impact approximately US$4.17 billion in Canadian investment. Additionally, media reports indicate that regulatory agencies have been instructed to not issue new permits to companies operating in renewable energy. Canadian investors have reported significant delays in permitting, and a lack of a communication from Mexican authorities, affecting Canadian investment in both renewable energy and oil and gas pipelines.

NATO

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Update

NATO’s work to fulfill the Alliance’s three core tasks - collective defence, cooperative security and crisis response – continues despite COVID-19 prevention measures which have restricted some activities, such as in-person ministerial meetings. The NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in April 2020 was the first political-level NATO meeting to be conducted via secure video teleconference.

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Nagorno-Karabakh

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On November 10, after six weeks of fighting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a peace deal to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russia brokered agreement reverses the gains made by Armenia during the 1990s and allows Azerbaijan to keep control of the territory it has now taken back by force. Thousands of ethnic Armenians have fled into the uncaptured part of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia proper. Russian troops have started to deploy to the region to keep the peace.

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Background

Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region within the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. The ethnic Armenian Karabakhis declared independence in 1991, triggering a three-year war until a ceasefire was reached in May 1994. Since 1994, Armenian separatist forces have occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent territories, which account for almost 14% of Azerbaijani territory. On 27 September, fighting broke out between the armed forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. Following six weeks of fighting, Azerbaijan and Armenia have signed a Russian-brokered peace agreement. The agreement cements an outcome in which Azerbaijan has taken much of the Armenian occupied territory by force, forcing thousands of ethnic Armenians to flee into the uncaptured part of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia proper. While the fighting has stopped for now, it is unclear whether hostilities will resume in the near future. The deployment of Russian peacekeepers under the agreement and a still undetermined role for the Turkish military raises further questions about the prospects for stability going forward. Canada’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh is long-standing and emphasizes the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination. Canada supports the leading role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation’s Minsk Group in finding a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) campaign

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As the lead department for relations with the OECD, 抖淫视频 is coordinating the campaign to advance Canada’s nominee for the position of Secretary-General.  In this context, the department will be engaging the interdepartmental community and leveraging its network of missions abroad to mobilize international support.  As the OECD Secretary-General selection process is in its early phases, it is not yet possible to estimate the total costs that may be incurred to support Canada’s nominee, particularly for outreach with OECD member representatives and decision makers in light of the global health situation and associated travel implications. Any support that is provided will be cost effective and consistent with relevant Treasury Board guidelines and policies. 

Background

The OECD currently has 37 Members States representing approximately 55 percent of the world economy. The European Union is a non-voting participant in the work of the Organization.  The OECD’s mandate is to promote better policies for sustainable economic growth, employment, and a rising standard of living through open and stable markets, and mutually supportive economic and social policies.

For the first 35 years of the OECD, it was run by Europeans, then by two North Americans (Donald Johnston of Canada, 1996-2006 and Angel Gurria of Mexico, 2006-2021). The selection process for the Secretary-General position started on September 1, 2020 and should be completed by March 1, 2021 with the new Secretary-General taking up the post on June 1, 2021. Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States have also nominated candidates.

Physical security at missions abroad

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Rohingya crisis

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Update

By March 2021, 抖淫视频 we will have spent the totality of the $300 million dedicated towards Canada’s Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis. The Department is reviewing options for beyond 2021.

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Background

Repatriation of Rohingya remains highly unlikely in the short or medium term due to a sharp escalation in violence in Rakhine State, displacing over 200,000 since January 2019. Rohingya in both Myanmar internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps and the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 given congested living conditions.

Russia/Ukraine

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Sanctions

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Update

On September 29 and October 15, 2020, Canada imposed sanctions against Government of Belarus officials under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to address human rights-related violations linked to the 2020 presidential elections.

Background

Through the use of targeted sanctions measures, the Government of Canada strives to minimize adverse consequences for civilians and for legitimate humanitarian, business, or other activities. The Government of Canada also mitigates unintended humanitarian consequences of sanctions through legislated exceptions for certain activities, and through the permit and certificate processes, enabling the Minister of Foreign Affairs to authorize activities which would otherwise be prohibited, including implementing any related UN Security Council exemptions or decisions, as required.

The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA) allows Canada to target foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights or acts of significant corruption. There are 70 individuals listed under the JVCFOA, including nationals from Venezuela, South Sudan, Myanmar, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Canadians are prohibited from dealing with listed individuals, effectively freezing their Canadian assets. These individuals are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The SEMA allows Canada to impose sanctions against a foreign state, individuals and entities related to that foreign state either when there has been a grave breach of international peace and security resulting in a serious international crisis, when an international organization calls on its members to impose sanctions, in cases of gross and systematic violations of human rights, or cases of significant corruption.

SEMA sanctions may include a dealings ban for a list of targeted individuals and/or entities, restrictions on trade, financial transactions or other economic activity. To maximize sanctions effectiveness, Canada seeks to coordinate with other countries. There are SEMA sanctions on 12 countries: Belarus, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, DPRK, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

Canada is legally required to implement sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. These sanctions are implemented in Canadian law by adopting regulations under the United Nations Act. There are 12 countries subject to UN sanctions (Central African Republic, Mali, DRC, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, DPRK, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen).

Saudi Arabia – bilateral dispute and human rights

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The bilateral relationship has been fractured since August 2018 and many Saudi punitive measures against Canada remain in place. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing human rights violations remain a predominant concern for Canada.

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Background

No progress has yet been achieved in normalizing bilateral relations. Bilateral relations remain fractured since the downgrading of relations by KSA on August 5, 2018, in reaction to a series of tweets by then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Freeland and Global Affairs (including tweets in Arabic from the RYADH account) calling for the immediate release of detained human rights activists. Canada’s sustained public engagement on human rights issues is more than just an irritant from a Saudi perspective: it is unacceptable interference in domestic affairs. Saudi Arabia justifies its actions and policies as being in keeping with its Arab culture and interpretation of Islam and Shari’a law.

At the core of Canada’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is a range of objectives: respect for human rights; international and regional security; and trade diversification and investment. Saudi Arabia’s poor record on human rights domestically and abroad, and the humanitarian impact of its actions in Yemen continue to be problematic. However, KSA remains an integral and valued security partner, as well as the key regional bulwark against Iran’s expansionist ambitions and the threat these pose to global and regional security.

For information pertaining to the export controls review, see separate note provided on that topic.

G-20 2020 presidency

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RESPONSIVE – Attending G20 meetings under KSA Presidency

Update

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place virtually on 21-22 November. Since March, KSA has convened 12 extraordinary meetings in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including an Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit on 26 March and an Extraordinary G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 3 September. Originally scheduled ministerial meetings have also now taken place along 13 tracks, including a joint G20 Health and Finance Ministers’ meeting. At their April 15 meeting, G20 finance ministers and central bank governors released a G20 action plan detailing the group’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the crisis, including the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative. In October, G20 finance ministers agreed to extend the initiative through to June 2021.

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Syria – crisis and peace talks

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In August 2020, the Geneva peace talks resumed, however a lack of meaningful engagement by the regime meant that no significant progress was made. In Idlib, the March 5 ceasefire faces daily breeches which are increasing in severity, and the regime is preparing to resume its full-scale offensive in the near future.

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Background

Despite an early January 2020 ceasefire agreement, the Syrian regime, with Russian air support, relaunched its ground offensive to capture opposition-held territory in the Idlib governorate in northwestern Syria. Turkish military forces dispatched 21,000 troops to Idlib in an attempt to push back the regime offensive and curb refugee flows towards the Turkish border. In February 2020, 55 Turkish soldiers were killed by a regime airstrike. Between December 2019-March 2020, the offensive displaced nearly one million people, exacerbating the dire humanitarian conditions in the northwest. On 5 March, Turkey and Russia agreed to a ceasefire in Idlib.

On 11 July, the UNSC approved a 12-month extension of the UN cross-border mechanism via the Bab al Hawa border crossing in the northwest. Russian and Chinese pressure has resulted in the closing of three of the original four UN-sanctioned cross-border points, significantly limiting the ability of humanitarian aid to reach millions of Syrians in critical need. It is likely that Russia and China will use their influence/veto powers to block the renewal of the Bab al Hawa border crossing in July 2021, effectively eliminating the UN cross-border mechanism in Syria. 

The third round of the Geneva Constitutional Committee talks took place on 24-29 August 2020. No progress was achieved due to the regime’s unwillingness to discuss any matters related to the constitution. Both parties agreed to a fourth session, although a date has not yet been set. The Astana process (led by Russia, Turkey and Iran) lacks the ability to produce a lasting political solution.

Syria consular cases

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Consular case of orphan child

Background

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Turkey

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Update

Turkey’s vessel, the Oruc Reis has resumed its gas exploration mission in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean that Greece has claimed as its Exclusive Economic Zone.

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On October 5, 2020, you announced the suspension of relevant export permits to NATO Ally Turkey. This decision followed allegations of the possible export of Turkish drones with Canadian components to Azerbaijan and reports that these drones may have been used in combat operations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Canadian officials are currently investigating these allegations.

Recent Turkish actions to resume exploratory drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the partial reopening of the beaches of Varosha in Cyprus, [REDACTED] EU leaders, in the Oct 15-16 EU Council Conclusions, “deplore(d) renewed unilateral and provocative actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean”. You discussed the situation with key partners during your recent visit to Europe and signalled Canada’s willingness to play a bridge-building role.

On September 25, 2020, a Carleton University PhD candidate and permanent resident in Canada was detained while in Turkey (along with 81 others) as part of an investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over protests that took place in 2014 concerning the Syrian town of Kobani. Since then, there have been several media articles and public focus on the detentions, including a Carleton University statement and letter to you condemning the detention and advocating for Erdal’s release. Given that the individual in question is not a Canadian citizen, he does not have the right in Turkey to consular services. Canadian officials continue to closely follow developments with regard to any potential human rights concerns.

United States – bilateral relations

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Background

Economic recovery: Smooth and effective implementation of CUSMA is key to our economic recovery as is ensuring that North American supply chains remain resilient and efficient.

Trade: Canada’s efforts are now focused on ensuring the effective implementation of the CUSMA and defending Canadian interests from the real and potential impacts of U.S. protectionist actions (e.g. U.S. Section 232 national security tariffs). While CUSMA provides a certain degree of stability for the bilateral trade relationship, certain U.S. industries continue to pressure the U.S. administration to use all available tools under U.S. law to further their domestic interests.

North American Energy Security: Canada’s priorities include an ongoing high-level dialogue on a North American approach to energy markets, support for our energy sector and completion of key cross-border energy infrastructure projects (e.g. Keystone XL).

Border Management: The Canada-U.S. temporary border arrangement was renewed on October 21 and has been extended until November 21. Changes to permit entry for key cohorts were implemented on October 8, 2020, including for certain compassionate cases and expanded family reunification with Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Changes to permit entry for international students were also recently approved and are in effect as of October 20.

Elections

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Background

On November 3rd, Americans voted to elect their President, all 435 members of the House of Representatives (for a two-year term), and 35 of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate (for a six-year term).  Mr. Joseph R. Biden Jr. has won a majority of the popular and electoral-college votes. While the result will not be legally confirmed until December 14th when the Electoral College votes, he is set to become the 46th President of the U.S. when he is inaugurated on January 20, 2021. In a victory speech on November 7th, President-elect Biden reached out to supporters of President Trump and said he would seek to be a president for all Americans.

The Trump campaign is contesting some states’ results, claiming election fraud and irregularities. However, Mr. Biden’s margin of victory appears too large to be undone through the courts, even if the Trump campaign can prove their cases. Past U.S. recounts have typically altered vote totals by only hundreds of ballots.

PM Trudeau issued a statement congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election victory on Saturday Nov. 7th, and he was the first international leader to speak with the President-elect on Nov. 9th. They committed to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, migration, global security, anti-Black racism, trade, and energy. The PM also raised the cases of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been arbitrarily detained in China.

Venezuela

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Background

Yemen

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Update

Despite the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, efforts for a nationwide ceasefire in Yemen have not materialized. The security situation remains extremely concerning following a renewed escalation in violence since early 2020. The overall humanitarian situation is deteriorating due to the spread of COVID-19. UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths continues engaging in negotiations with the parties, identifying and building on points of convergence, and proposing compromises where differences remain. The October prisoner exchange between the parties is an important confidence building measure and viewed as a step forward to achieving peace. The Southern Transitional Council’s declaration of self-administration on April 25 is of concern as military tensions are now rising among the disparate factions in the south.

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5G review

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Responsive, if asked about specific vendors

Update

Canada is currently undeclared on 5G and on vendor diversification. All other Five Eyes partners have announced measures to ban or restrict Huawei from supplying equipment for the development of their future 5G networks.

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Background

The security of 5G wireless systems has been at the forefront of domestic and international media stories. It is anticipated that the introduction of 5G technology will empower new applications and innovations that will provide many economic opportunities for Canada. The full implementation of 5G in Canada will take many years but is already starting in Canada’s federally regulated wireless telecommunications sector. Canadian Telecommunications service providers are preparing for a 5G spectrum auction that will be held in 2021.

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