Open Letter to the PM: Free Jimmy Lai

Dear Prime Minister Carney, and Minister Anand,

Open Letter: Free Jimmy Lai

Since the enactment of Hong Kong's extradition bill in 2019 and the draconian National Security Law in 2020 severely compromised Hong Kong's judicial system and the "one country, two system" rule, Hong Kong has lost autonomy, and its people have lost the most basic human rights and freedoms. Many people have been arrested, jailed and persecuted under these laws for standing up for democracy, for attending peaceful pro-democracy protests, even for merely participating in primary elections. Those convicted can face life imprisonment.

Jimmy Lai, founder of the very popular newspaper Apple Daily, is a steadfast champion of democratic principles and journalistic freedom in Hong Kong. Mr. Lai has also become a most high-profile political prisoner. He was arrested and charged under the National Security Law in December 2020 and has spent nearly 1700 days in prison; his sham trial has resumed today. Mr Lai, who has many connections to Canada, needs your advocacy. He is 77 years old, and his health is quickly declining. Mr. Lai has close ties to Canada, and this is a time for Canada to step up and be world leaders in protecting human rights and democratic values.

I have long called to free Jimmy Lai. In June 2025 I joined with members of all parties, who came together with Mr. Lai’s family and his international legal team to champion freedom for Jimmy Lai just ahead of the G7 in June – yet your government failed to take that opportunity to send a clear message.

I again ask that you now advocate for Mr. Lai and request his humanitarian release. I also renew my calls on your government to act on your Ministerial authority to grant Jimmy Lai honorary Canadian citizenship. The urgency in Mr. Lai’s case is acute and I hope you will act with the necessary swiftness.

Sincerely,
Jenny Kwan
Member of Parliament for Vancouver East

Cc: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

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OTTAWA — Housing Minister Gregor Robertson tabled legislation on Thursday to establish the federal government’s new affordable housing agency, but acknowledged Build Canada Homes has no set targets on how many homes it will build.

In December, the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a report that estimated the agency’s efforts would result in 26,000 directly funded units over the next five years. The federal government has said the report does not take into account the units that will result from Build Canada Homes’ partnerships with private developers and its $51-billion infrastructure fund.

Still, the PBO estimates federal spending on housing programs is set to decline by 56 per cent, from $9.8 billion in 2025-26 to $4.3 billion in 2028-29, due to expiration of funding for existing programs and cuts set out in Budget 2025.

“Canada’s non-profit housing stock has dwindled to only about four and a half percent of its total housing stock, well below the G7 average,” said NDP housing critic Jenny Kwan, in an interview with the National Post. “Countries that are doing well in addressing the housing situation is sitting at about 20 per cent.”

Click image or link to read the news story - https://nationalpost.com/news/minister-says-new-housing-agency-has-no-targets-on-number-of-homes-it-will-build

 

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