On Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held his year-end interview with Mercedes Stephenson from Global News. Sitting in Ottawa, Stephenson grilled Trudeau on various issues such as the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing hostility with China, changing relations with the United States (US), the fall of Afghanistan, and sexual misconduct in the Canadian military.
Canada-China Relations
Trudeau called the release of the two Michaels—Michael Kovrig, a former Canadian diplomat, and Michael Spavor, an entrepreneur—an “extraordinarily emotional” moment, marking the end of a three-year “hostage diplomacy” spat between Canada and China. He reflected proudly on Canada not caving into Chinese pressures, saying, “They were coming home because of the fact that we stayed strong on our value, we stayed strong on the rule of law, and we didn’t make any side or backroom deals.” Trudeau further highlighted his administration’s diplomatic efforts as central to their release. He said, “We got countries around the world to bring up the case of the two Canadians every time they were speaking with Chinese leadership,” adding that this was crucial in securing their release.
In 2018, authorities in Vancouver arrested Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou over a bank fraud warrant issued by then United States (US) President Donald Trump. In retaliation, Chinese authorities arrested Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Meng and the two Michaels were released in September this year.
Next, Trudeau stressed how Western countries with similar values could come together to fight against “coercive diplomacy,” in a thinly veiled reference to China. Nevertheless, despite how the situations regarding the release of the two Michael’s unfolded, Trudeau emphasised that he wants to collaborate with China, particularly with regards to climate change. However, he warned that “we’re going to have to continue to challenge China,” particularly on human rights issues, democracy in Hong Kong, the crackdown on civil society, and interference in independent countries in Asia.
Canada-US Relations
Stephenson mentioned that Canada could be losing an important geostrategic buffer due to the opening up of the Arctic and increasing aggression from China and Russia and questioned Trudeau on how American protectionism in this context plays out for Canada. Trudeau admitted that things are changing but assured that Canada remains in a “good position.” He said that a strong emphasis on “multilateralism” is crucial, as even the US cannot achieve things all by itself. Last week, Trudeau issued his ministerial mandate letters that called for his International Trade Minister to take measures against US protectionism.
Sexual Misconduct in Canadian Military
Stephenson questioned Trudeau on the sexual misconduct scandal that rocked the Canadian military. In this regard, Trudeau talked about the court-mandated apology his administration made over the history of sexual misconduct by high-ranking military officials. He said, “We need to fix the culture in the military; we need our military to keep growing, to keep being able to serve Canadians.” Furthermore, Trudeau stressed that the newly appointed Defence Minister Anita Anand and her staff are committed to changing the system and not repeating the grave mistakes of the past.
COVID-19
Talking about the pandemic, Trudeau said his administration is focused on making booster doses available for all Canadians. Until then, he urged everyone to follow health guidelines as his administration tries to revive the economy.
Afghanistan Crisis
Responding to Stephenson’s criticism of his cabinet being busy campaigning for elections during the unfolding of the Afghanistan crisis, Trudeau said his government had provided refuge to 4,000 Afghans and was working to bring in 40,000 more refugees over the next two years.
Trudeau Says Canada Will Continue to Challenge Beijing On Human Rights, Democracy
In an end of the year interview, Trudeau reflected on various important issues, from Canada’s changing relations with China to sexual misconduct in the Canadian military.
December 27, 2021
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS