Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

ALBAS: One of the concerns is that a new law in China requires any domestic firm (which could include Huawei) to assist the Chinese government when requested to do so


If you follow virtually any Canadian news source, you have likely heard about the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei.  Recently I was asked why there was so much media reporting about Huawei.  The answer is not a simple one.

Huawei is a world leading technology company that, among other activities, produces hardware such as servers and other technologies that enable 5G wireless networks. 5G networks enable autonomous vehicles and other automated machinery to operate and is widely considered to be essential for the emerging new digital economy.

Although Huawei is not the only company that manufactures 5G devices, it is the most controversial.

Currently many of Canada’s allies including the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan have all banned Huawei citing security concerns.  Currently other countries, including Canada, are reviewing the status of Huawei.

One of the concerns is that a new law in China requires any domestic firm to assist the Chinese government when requested to do so.

Another concern is allegations that Huawei has circumvented trade sanctions against countries such as Iran and North Korea.

It is based on these types of allegations that the United States has requested Canada arrest Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, for extradition to the United States.  There, she would face charges such as bank fraud, obstruction of justice and theft of technology from the United States Justice Department.

In a response that many believe is related to this action, several Canadians in China have now been imprisoned in some cases under very questionable circumstances.

The situation has become very complicated diplomatically, as Prime Minister Trudeau was just forced to fire John McCallum, the former Liberal cabinet Minister that Mr. Trudeau had appointed to be Canada’s Ambassador to China.

It should be noted that Huawei denies accusations of corporate espionage and spying; that said the Polish government recently arrested a Huawei employee on spying charges.  The Czech government has also warned their citizens against using Huawei equipment for security reasons.

China has also warned Canada that there will be consequences to Canada if Huawei is banned.

Conservatives believe that Canada, as a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence network, should stand with our allies in banning Huawei from participating in our 5G rollout in Canada.

To date the Liberal Government continues to state that it is reviewing this situation with no decision yet being made.




SO ... here’s my question this week:

  • Do you agree that Huawei should be banned from participating in the 5G network in Canada?


I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca (mailto:Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca)  or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...

Labels

Show more