My Take | Canada has nothing to lose from an extradition deal with China
Such a treaty would primarily target those accused of corruption or financial crimes, it’s virtually unthinkable that Canada would ever hand over a dissident
Premier Li Keqiang’s four-day visit to Canada is being overshadowed by revelations that the two countries are negotiating a bilateral extradition treaty. Judging by media commentaries and letters to editors, Canadian public opinion is firmly against it, primarily out of human rights concerns.
Beijing has sought for such a treaty in the past 20 years. It went nowhere with the previous Conservative government. But the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau appears to be far keener on having better economic relations and advancing the national interests than addressing human rights concerns.
Many Canadian critics believe their country has little to gain from such a treaty, as fugitives tend to flee from China rather than the other way round. Some argue it would breach the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by extraditing suspects who may face torture, execution and other abuses. Others say the lack of a guarantee of a fair trial and of an independent judiciary and due process in China should be reason enough to reject Beijing’s overture.
Canadians are by and large idealists and moralists. That is why many believe the kind of migrants who should be welcomed are those fleeing war, oppression and famine; and why they are generally critical of any immigration scheme based on investment or wealth.
But their political leaders have to operate in the real world and pursue the national interest as powerful countries continue to pay the “great game”. Today’s China simply cannot be ignored or denied. Twenty-five of China’s most wanted are believed to be living in Canada.