Carney’s Office Says Privy Council Made Error Claiming He Didn’t Raise Human Rights With China

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Lede

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office says the Privy Council Office (PCO) submitted incorrect information to Parliament when it claimed Carney did not proactively raise human rights or foreign interference concerns during his January visit to Beijing. The government has now corrected the record, insisting Carney did raise these issues directly with Chinese officials.

What the Privy Council Originally Told Parliament

A parliamentary return tabled on March 13 stated that:

• Carney “did not proactively raise human rights or foreign interference” during meetings with Xi Jinping.
• Sensitive issues were instead raised by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, according to the document.
• The statement was submitted in response to questions from Conservative MP Ned Kuruc.

This version directly contradicted Carney’s own public comments in Beijing.

Carney’s Office: The Document Was Submitted “In Error”

Carney’s spokesperson, Audrey Champoux, said:

• The PCO’s parliamentary return was incorrect.
• A corrected version was re‑tabled in the House of Commons.
• Human rights concerns were raised “proactively at multiple levels,” including by the prime minister himself.

Carney had told reporters in Beijing that he discussed:

• Human rights
• Foreign interference
• The case of Hong Kong pro‑democracy figure Jimmy Lai, who has family in Canada

This aligns with Carney’s longstanding position that Canada raises human rights “through direct conversations, not megaphones.”

Why the Error Matters

1. Parliamentary accuracy

Incorrect information in a parliamentary return is a serious matter — it shapes public understanding of foreign policy and accountability.

2. Canada–China relations

The issue comes amid:

• Ongoing concerns about foreign interference
• China’s detention of Canadians in past diplomatic disputes
• Human rights concerns in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and beyond

3. Domestic political pressure

Opposition MPs have pressed the government to clarify:

• Whether Carney raised human rights consistently
• Whether Canada is firm enough with Beijing
• Why the PCO’s initial statement contradicted Carney’s own account

What Carney Said During the Trip

Carney emphasized that:

• Canada “fundamentally stands up for human rights.”
• Engagement with China must reflect Canadian values and interests.
• Human rights issues were raised in “broader discussions” with Xi and other officials.

He also noted that Beijing still does not fully grasp how seriously Canada views foreign interference.

Context: Human Rights Expectations Ahead of the Trip

Human Rights Watch and other organizations had urged Carney to:

• Prioritize human rights in all meetings
• Address forced labor concerns
• Raise the persecution of dissidents and minorities
• Confront China’s transnational repression

Carney’s office maintains that these issues were raised.

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Sources

• MSN — Government initially says Carney did not proactively raise human rights.
• Victoria Times Colonist — Carney’s office says PCO document was submitted in error; corrected version tabled.
• CityNews Toronto — Details on the original PCO statement and Carney’s prior comments.