FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2014

CANADIAN HOUSE OF COMMONS ADOPTS NDP MOTION
SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG

OTTAWA – The House of Commons today, with all-party support, adopted an NDP motion to support democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.

“This motion demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with the people of Hong Kong and their legitimate demands for genuine universal suffrage,” said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre), who introduced the motion. “At this crucial moment in Hong Kong, I am pleased to see the Canadian House of Commons adopt this motion to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong by urging restraint during demonstrations, respect for existing agreements under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, and a responsible dialogue on electoral reform.”

The full text of Dewar’s motion follows:

That this House reiterates Canada’s continued support for freedom of expression and association in Hong Kong, including the right to peaceful protest; affirms Canada’s support for the democratic aspirations of Hong Kong residents for genuine universal suffrage in the election of political leaders; stands with the people of Hong Kong who aspire for democracy, peace and the protection of human rights; and calls on all sides to exercise restraint during demonstrations, fully respect existing agreements in respect to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, and open a meaningful and constructive dialogue to seek a mutually acceptable plan for electoral reform.

The video footage of Dewar introducing the motion in the House can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcmGJljYj4w.