Statement made on 19 October 2010 by Senator Joseph Day
Hon. Joseph A. Day:
Honourable senators, further to His Honour's introduction, I, too, would like to welcome the visiting delegation from the National People's Congress. As honourable senators have heard, the Honourable Zheng Silin, Chairman of the China-Canada Legislative Association, leads the delegation.
On October 13, 1970, Canada officially recognized the People's Republic of China. In 1973, the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau became the first prime minister to pay an official visit to China, helping to expand fledgling Canada-China relations. With the foundation of diplomatic recognition in place, the two countries turned to their economic relationship.
In 1973, Canada and China signed the Canadian-Chinese Trade Agreement, which allowed for the mutual extension of "most-favoured-nation" status. As well in 1973, a Canadian trade fair was held in Beijing that attracted over 600 Canadian officials and business leaders. It was the first such trade fair attended by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
Honourable senators, there are many events marking the special fortieth anniversary this year, and there will be many more to come. Last week, on October 13, which marked the actual day of the establishment of diplomatic relations some 40 years ago, two significant conferences took place at the Chateau Laurier: the second annual Canada-China Cultural Dialogue and the fortieth anniversary of the Canada-China Relations National Conference sponsored by the University of Alberta. Both conferences allowed experts in various fields to share their knowledge and insight into the current and future state of Canada-China relations.
Honourable senators, the Canada-China Legislative Association was pleased to sponsor the reception following the meetings. The Honourable Stephen Harper and Chinese Ambassador Lan Lijun were both in attendance. The Prime Minister spoke favourably of expanding relations between Canada and China.
I would like to draw the attention of honourable senators to a recent report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The report studies the economic partnership between Canada and China.
Honourable senators are invited to attend round table discussions this afternoon from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. with colleagues from the National People's Congress. I hope that all honourable senators will attend Room 200 West Block to have an opportunity to participate in the discussions.