An Open Letter to Prime Minister Carney

The Right Honorable Mark Carney

Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister；

On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Canada–China Friendship Promotion Alliance extends our sincere greetings and best wishes to you and to all Canadians. The New Year symbolizes renewal and shared hope—values that resonate deeply in our diverse and multicultural country.

Chinese Canadians continue to contribute significantly to Canada’s prosperity and social cohesion. In healthcare, research, education, entrepreneurship, and public service, they help strengthen our nation while upholding Canada’s democratic institutions, rule of law, and pluralistic values. Their engagement in civic and political life reflects confidence in Canada and commitment to its future.

At the same time, we respectfully raise concerns about the impact of recent geopolitical tensions on segments of the Chinese Canadian community. Public discourse surrounding alleged “Chinese police stations,” “foreign agents,” and related narratives has generated reputational harm and anxiety, leading to a chilling effect on civic participation.

Investigations by Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, were initiated in part on the basis of external reports such as those issued by the Spanish NGO Safeguard Defenders. We recognize the importance of safeguarding national security; however, we are concerned about the broader community impact when preliminary allegations become widespread public narratives without judicial conclusions.

Similarly, the report Harnessing the People, published by Jamestown Foundation, has suggested that numerous Chinese community organizations in Canada may be linked to foreign influence. The Canadian civil society organization Canadians United Against Modern Exclusion has warned that the absence of transparent verification risks casting suspicion broadly over Chinese Canadian civic life. Treating ordinary cultural, economic, or political participation as evidence of foreign alignment may unintentionally discourage democratic engagement.

https://www.cuame.ca/cuame-newpressrelease-jamestownreportstatement

History reminds us that when communities are viewed primarily through the lens of geopolitical tension, social trust can erode and long-term harm can result. Protecting national security must go hand in hand with protecting civil liberties, equality before the law, and the dignity of all citizens.

As we enter the new year, we encourage continued leadership that strengthens social cohesion, ensures evidence-based public discourse, and affirms that all Canadians—regardless of heritage—can participate fully and confidently in our democracy.

We remain committed to working constructively with government and civil society to promote unity, fairness, and mutual respect.

With sincere New Year’s wishes,

Canada–China Friendship Promotion Alliance