Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I'd invite Mr. Hutchison to address this question.

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Patry, are you able to address this question?

Foreign Affairs committee  I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. For clarification, you're seeking the impact upon Uighur activists in Canada. Is that correct?

Foreign Affairs committee  What I can say about these incidents of harassment and intimidation that are happening on Canadian soil against Canadians is that it is something we take very seriously. There is a whole-of-government effort being led by Public Safety Canada in this regard. We would urge any victims of such acts of intimidation or harassment to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.

Foreign Affairs committee  As mentioned earlier, the case of Mr. Celil has been a priority for the Government of Canada since 2006. While we have tried repeatedly to obtain consular access to him, we have been unsuccessful to date. We have continued to raise his case at the highest levels with the Chinese government at every possible opportunity.

Foreign Affairs committee  We will continue to use all available consular and diplomatic tools available to leverage emerging opportunities to advance Mr. Celil's case.

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I'd like to invite Mr. Hutchison to address this question.

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I'll go over to Mr. Patry.

Foreign Affairs committee  I've only read reports from NGOs indicating that they're talking about hundreds of thousands.

Foreign Affairs committee  As stated earlier, we do not accept China's definitions or rationale for the establishment of these mass detention centres under the rubric of counterterrorism. The testimonials we have heard and read have been deeply troubling about the mass incarceration. We've already spoken about sexual and gender-based violence, indoctrination, forced labour, human trafficking, family separation and the list goes on.

Foreign Affairs committee  As you know, China has a long history of population control measures. While they have, I believe, evolved over the last few decades, it is quite unfortunate that we see the return of these practices as they relate to Uighurs.

Foreign Affairs committee  I think what's been important for us is that it is an independent investigation by international experts. This has long been our position for many years now. Again, we are looking forward to Madam Bachelet's upcoming visit to China.

Foreign Affairs committee  This policy work is ongoing with the department. I'm not in a position to anticipate or foreshadow any of the advice that we might be preparing, but we are working closely together within Global Affairs Canada and also with our like-mindeds to ensure a coordinated effort.

Foreign Affairs committee  I do not believe I am able to comment on what may or may not happen at this time, but again, that policy work is ongoing. We continue to assess and work with our partners.

Foreign Affairs committee  To my knowledge that list has not been made public due to privacy considerations.