Hong Kong Watch Canada officially launched on Parliament Hill
On May 30th, 2023, Hong Kong Watch Canada held an official launch reception on Parliament Hill, with around 100 guests in attendance. Among them were 20 parliamentarians from all sides and former Hong Kong Legislative Council member Dennis Kwok.
Hong Kong Watch Canada’s mission is to monitor Hong Kong’s democracy, freedom, and human rights situation, and provide support for Hong Kongers in Canada. The launch reception was held in the Canadian parliament, symbolic of the support and awareness of Hong Kong by the Canadian legislature and public.
Hong Kong Watch co-founder and trustee Aileen Calverley said in her remarks:
“Since the 2019 pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, several thousand Hong Kongers have been charged and over a thousand have been detained. We cannot bear witness to the suffering of Hong Kongers under an oppressive government without action. Hong Kong Watch must continue our mission of defending Hong Kong’s fundamental freedoms and human rights, as well as speaking up for Hong Kongers who have faced threats and intimidation on Canadian soil. We urge the Canadian Government to honour their commitment to human rights and democracy through expanding the lifeboat scheme Stream B such that young Hong Kongers have a path to safely come to Canada and obtain permanent residency.”
Former Legislative Council member Dennis Kwok said in his remarks that we cannot forget the sacrifices of the young protesters of Hong Kong. He was very pleased to see the launch of Hong Kong Watch Canada and the unity of Hong Kongers in Canada in fighting for the future of Hong Kong. He encouraged Hong Kongers to be steadfast in their efforts.
The launch was hosted by four Canadian patrons of Hong Kong Watch and parliamentarians, including Senator Leo Housakos, Melissa Lantsman MP, Garnett Genuis MP. They expressed their support for the pro-democracy movement and welcomed newcomers from Hong Kong who came to Canada to escape political persecution by the Chinese Communist Party. They also urged the Government to combat foreign interference in Canada by the regime in Beijing to protect Canadian sovereignty and democratic values.
Additionally, Hong Kong Watch patrons and former Minister the Honourable Irwin Cotler and former Senator Jim Munson, and parliamentarians Jenny Kwan MP and Jean Yip MP, also delivered remarks expressing their support for Hong Konger Canadians and congratulations for the official launch of Hong Kong Watch Canada.
The launch of Hong Kong Watch Canada emphasized the support and awareness of Hong Kong by the Canadian legislature and public, as well as creating an important platform for Hong Kong Canadians to unite in their efforts to fight for a better future for Hong Kong. Hong Kong Watch Canada will also support and amplify the voices of those who are speaking out for Hong Kong democracy and human rights on the international stage.
The following parliamentarians were in attendance:
Senator Housakos
Hon. Irwin Cotler
Former Senator James Munson
Melissa Lantsman MP
Garnett Genuis MP
James Bezan MP
Cathay Wagantall MP
Jean Yip MP
Michael Chong MP
Brad Redekopp MP
John McKay MP
Kyle Seeback MP
Jenny Kwan MP
Tom Kmiec MP
Senator Plett
Senator Carignan
Senator MacDonald
Senator Mockler
Senator Omidvar