Rights Group Disappointed by Ottawas Decision to Halt Honorary Citizenship for Hong Kong Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai

Published: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:10 am

Ottawa Halts Honorary Citizenship Bid for Hong Kong Activist

Ottawa has decided against a motion to grant honorary Canadian citizenship to Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The decision, communicated to Liberal MP Judy Sgro by Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, effectively blocked the motion from being presented to Parliament.

The motion, which aimed to recognize Lai's contributions to democracy, was intended to be tabled ahead of the G7 leaders summit. The motion required unanimous consent to pass, meaning it would have been adopted without debate if no member objected.

Lai, 77, has been imprisoned in solitary confinement for over four years due to his criticism of the Chinese government. He is a prominent supporter of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. He was arrested in December 2020 under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Supporters have expressed concerns about his deteriorating health, including diabetes, due to his imprisonment.

The Toronto Association for Democracy in China expressed disappointment at the decision, arguing that honorary citizenship would have drawn international attention to Lai's case and put pressure on China. The group believes the government's decision was likely motivated by a desire to avoid straining relations with China.

The Government House Leader's office declined to comment on the specific case but stated that serious foreign policy issues should be debated before a decision is made. The office suggested that MPs could use other tools, such as Private Members Motions and committee studies, to raise important issues. MP Sgro, who spearheaded the motion, expressed shock at the decision and plans to continue her efforts to present the motion.

BNN's Perspective:

While the government's decision to halt the motion is understandable given the complex geopolitical landscape, it presents a difficult balance. The desire to maintain diplomatic relations with China must be weighed against the importance of upholding human rights and supporting those who advocate for democracy. A more open discussion on this issue within Parliament would have allowed for a more transparent and considered approach.

Keywords: Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong, honorary citizenship, China, human rights, democracy, Judy Sgro, Steven MacKinnon, Apple Daily, solitary confinement, pro-democracy movement, G7, foreign policy, Beijing, national security law, Toronto Association for Democracy in China, NDP, Jenny Kwan

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