Tory MP Sanctioned by Beijing for Objecting to Rights Abuses Speaks Out on Ottawas Proposed Parliamentary Exchange Amid Sanctions

Conservative MP Michael Chong rises during question period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa March 21, 2023. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian PressTory MP and foreign affairs critic Michael Chong says if parliamentary exchanges are to take place between Canada and China as pushed for by Ottawa, there cannot be any Chinese sanctions on Canadian MPs or parliamentary committees.During his visit to China last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized “the importance of ongoing parliamentary exchanges and opportunities for enhanced understanding and communication between the two countries” when he met with Zhao Leji, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Jan. 15.