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

FELDSTED -- Trudeau is “disappointed”; Freeland is “very angry”. That should have the Chinese Communist Party sounding alarms and running for the bomb shelters

Justin Trudeau and China's Xi Jinping
Trudeau says he’s ‘disappointed’ by China’s charges against Michael Kovrig, Michael Spavor

By Katie Dangerfield ~~
Global News  ~~ June 19, 2020

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday said he is “disappointed” in China’s decision to formally lay charges against Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians who have been detained for well over a year on allegations of espionage. Speaking to the media, Trudeau said he is continuing to work with the Chinese government to send the “two Michaels home.”

... Trudeau was asked whether or not Canada has been “too soft” on China and should take a stronger negotiation tactic. The prime minister replied that Canada is using the “appropriate tactics and actions” in order to bring the two men back.

“... we are using a wide range of public and private measures to ensure that everything is being done to get these Michaels home,” Trudeau said. He added that “we do expect both Michaels will come back.”

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on Friday said she was “very angry” to learn about China’s decisions.
 

* * * * * * * * * *

What is a charge of “suspicion of spying”?

No civilized nation imprisons people on suspicion. Go get the evidence to prove suspicions or let the accused go. Only political prisoners face disrespect for the fundamental principles of justice.

Trudeau is “disappointed”; Freeland is “very angry”. That should have the Chinese Communist Party sounding alarms and running for the bomb shelters.

Canada’s response should be swift and clear.

Our government should advise China that Meng Wanzhou will spend time awaiting an extradition hearing in the Frazer Valley Institute for Women until Kovrig and Spavor are released.  Further, if they are not released within 30 days, Wanzhou will be charged with participating in a criminal conspiracy to corrupt Canadian government and judicial officials.

We have just had a clear look at how much influence our Prime Minister can bring to bear with a seat on the UN Security Council. If he or anyone else dreams that the Security Council venue makes one iota of difference to China’s geopolitical ambitions, they are dreaming.

Either our government plays skillful chess in the big leagues or picks up its checkerboard and comes home. The latter is preferable since we have an outbreak of virus-related crisis; the number and intensity is increasing daily. Actions (and failures to act) have consequences.

Years of elbowing important issues off the table in favour of those that provide photo ops and appear appealing in the media. Eventually the neglected issues undermine everything and the government with it.

John Feldsted ... is a political commentator, consultant, and strategist. He makes his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more