Robert Oliphant
Don Valley West, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, June is ALS Awareness Month. As a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually reduces a person's ability to move, speak, eat and, eventually, breathe. Daily life changes within months of diagnosis, and life expectancy is dramatically reduced. However, there is hope.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge in this House that war is always a tragic experience. We are obviously encouraged by the peace deal that has been negotiated by regional partners, including Pakistan, Qatar and others. We have been following this process closely. There will be more work that needs to be done.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports: the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations: Parliaments and the United Nations: Better T…”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most vigorous and rigorous forced labour laws in the world, and it has been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere and anywhere it exists. Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.”
“Madam Speaker, June has arrived, and in a few weeks' time, it will bring the cheers of proud parents and the tossing of graduation caps as high school students across Don Valley West accept their diplomas and start the next chapter of their lives.”
“Finally, to the graduates of Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Leaside High School, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Northern Secondary School, as well as the many middle school students about to enter high school, I offer my best wishes and congratulations as they start their next adventure.”
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“Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge in this House that war is always a tragic experience. We are obviously encouraged by the peace deal that has been negotiated by regional partners, including Pakistan, Qatar and others. We have been following this process closely. There will be more work that needs to be done. Canada will play a role to ensure that peace continues to evolve in the region. We are not taking this naively; we understand this is a difficult part of the world. We will keep sanctions on, and we will continue to evaluate the peace process to ensure that there is peace and stability throughout the Middle East.”
“Lastly, to patients with ALS, like the late Mauril Bélanger and my friend Chris May, and to their families, their courage inspires us every day.”
“Mr. Speaker, June is ALS Awareness Month. As a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually reduces a person's ability to move, speak, eat and, eventually, breathe. Daily life changes within months of diagnosis, and life expectancy is dramatically reduced. However, there is hope. Researchers are making impressive advances in ALS treatment. Last year, scientists at Sunnybrook hospital's Hurvitz brain sciences program in Don Valley West achieved a world first by non-invasively delivering immunotherapy directly to the brain of an ALS patient. Home to Canada's largest ALS clinic, Sunnybrook is steadily improving care for patients with ALS. The ALS Society is central to this. To them, I say congratulations for nearly 50 years of advocacy representing Canadians with ALS.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports: the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations: Parliaments and the United Nations: Better Together, Delivering for the People, at New York, New York, United States of America, from February 12 to 13, 2026; and the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union respecting its participation at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, at Rome, Italy, from June 19 to 21, 2025. These reports have been tabled in an electronic format.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most vigorous and rigorous forced labour laws in the world, and it has been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere and anywhere it exists. Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening. After a decade of neglect, we are rebuilding the CBSA to ensure we have enforcement. We will continue to do that work. We will protect Canada's interests this day and tomorrow.”
“Finally, to the graduates of Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Leaside High School, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Northern Secondary School, as well as the many middle school students about to enter high school, I offer my best wishes and congratulations as they start their next adventure.”
“Madam Speaker, June has arrived, and in a few weeks' time, it will bring the cheers of proud parents and the tossing of graduation caps as high school students across Don Valley West accept their diplomas and start the next chapter of their lives. It is a time of immense excitement, marking the culmination of years of hard work that now opens the door to a future filled with endless possibilities. I thank the many teachers and administrators in Don Valley West for their tireless dedication to nurturing the bright young minds of our community. To parents and guardians, I extend my warmest thoughts as they balance the many emotions that come with such a momentous occasion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will close by reiterating Canada's position. We have indeed issued sanctions on two key ministers in the Netanyahu government, and we have issued sanctions on some settlers who have perpetrated violence in the West Bank. At the same time, we will call on all parties to stop hostilities and to uphold ceasefire agreements. A lasting peace in any region will only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue and sustained negotiations. Canada is working closely with allies and partners in reducing tensions, trying to safeguard the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz and supporting the stability that underpins global economic security, while continuing humanitarian aid and the building up of democratic institutions and the people of the region.”
“We will continue to prioritize and respond to the safety of Canadians in the region as well. We will work to support a return to stability in the whole of the Middle East. The hearts and minds of Canadians are with the people of Gaza, the people of the Palestine as a whole and the people of Lebanon, including the south and Beirut, as we are with the people of the gulf who are bombarded daily.”
“That is why we firmly support the Lebanese government's effort to restore, exercise full state authority, including through the disarmament of Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada, and to advance credible and durable peace. Our government will continue working with international partners to support an end to the conflict, the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Lebanon. We are clear-eyed about the challenges facing the region. It is a region that is in disruption. A lasting solution will never be achieved through military action by anyone. It will only be secured through diplomacy, dialogue, sustained negotiations, conversation and goodwill. We have to reach a new position of understanding. We remain guided by international law every day, and we stand ready to play our part.”
“Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, and its support for terrorism through proxies and on its own must end. The U.S. and Iran must reach an agreement that ensures robust International Atomic Energy Agency verification of Iran's nuclear program that limits Iran's ballistic missile program and addresses Iran's support for those regional proxies. I also want to comment for a moment on the concurrent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. We are deeply concerned by its escalation and the risk of further regional instability. Real people are losing their homes and their livelihoods and are being put at risk.”
“Canada continues to work with international partners to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In parallel, Canada is working through the G7 to support coordinated engagement with gulf partners, which would restore that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Canada stands ready to support a Strait of Hormuz defence mission in only three potential areas, maritime logistics, demining support and satellite imagery, which would support efforts by the U.K. and France. We must maintain pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to address its destabilizing behaviour, including nuclear and ballistic missile programs, support for terrorism and human rights violations, through sanctions and UN engagement. We must be unequivocal on this.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for her commitment to, tenacity with and passion for the issues that we both care about deeply. I also want to thank her for elaborating on the question because, on March 9, she never got to the question. She gave the Minister of Foreign Affairs lots of air time, but now I know what the question is. Without chiding too much, I am really glad to get to the question. Let me be clear that Canada has been consistent and clear in its position regarding Iran. We continue to call for an end to the hostilities. We call for all parties to uphold the April ceasefire agreement, exercise restraint and respect international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to avoid actions that can further destabilize the region.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have condemned, in the strongest terms, mistreatment of any people who were on the flotilla. We have made our opinion extremely clear that it is unacceptable to treat people in that way. At the same time, we continue to work on delivering humanitarian aid and ensuring that we find solutions that are permanent for the people of Gaza and all Palestinians to live in peace and security, with Israel and Palestine living side by side.”
“I will always be inspired by his work; his wit, even his bad jokes; his moral courage; his intelligence and his integrity. I just wanted one more cup of coffee with him. Our country is richer for the life and work of Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld, but I hope heaven is ready for him.”
“Mr. Speaker, he was a passionate advocate for social justice, a wise and thoughtful theologian, and a compassionate and caring rabbi. However, for me, Arthur Bielfeld was mostly my dear friend of 40 years, my mentor and teacher as a colleague in ministry, my supporter, and an occasional thorn in my flesh as a member of Parliament. Arthur's life came to an end two weeks ago at a time and place of his choosing, but his legacy will continue for decades. Founder of the Leo Baeck Day School, Mazon Canada and Campaign Against Child Poverty, he served as rabbi and rabbi emeritus at Temple Emanu-El in North York for 58 years. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his extraordinary contributions to the Jewish community and decades of interfaith work on poverty, hunger and social inequality.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think everyone in this House knows that our government is significantly engaging around the world to do three things. We want to open markets for Canadian goods and services while attracting investment. We want to create jobs for young people and all Canadians. We want to ensure that our economy is resilient. Just last week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was in Armenia representing Canada at the European Political Community Summit. This was the first time Canada has participated in this forum. We attracted investment. We will continue to create jobs. We will continue to build Canada strong.”
“I was proud to honour Safia and other volunteers of the Thorncliffe Wellness Café Group at my annual New Year's levee this past January on their 10th anniversary To Allah she belongs and to Allah she returns.”
“Mr. Speaker, on April 2, Don Valley West mourned the loss of Safia Parveen, a formidable community leader and advocate for the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood in my riding. Recognizing the significant benefit that nature can have on our mental health, a decade ago Safia launched the Thorncliffe Wellness Café Group, connecting newcomers with each other and their natural environment. Having been a newcomer to Canada herself, Safia knew the toll that coming to a new country can take on even the healthiest person. Safia's commitment to improving the mental and emotional health of newcomer women was remarkable. With endless compassion, she guided countless women, helping them to stay healthy and contribute to our community.”
“From humble beginnings in the United Kingdom to transforming lives in 134 countries, their faithful work continues to inspire.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure today to welcome to Ottawa the world leaders of the Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, with officers of the Canadian headquarters, which is located in my riding of Don Valley West. Dedicated to selfless service and holding high the dignity of those in need, the Salvation Army has been helping Canadians for more than a century. Through food banks and thrift stores, shelters and housing, long-term and palliative care, youth programs, life skills training and emergency disaster response, the Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. The Salvation Army is an important partner for our federal government, helping people in need. I know every member of this House is grateful for its work in their communities.”
“This investment of $130 million through the apartment construction loan program is one example of our federal government providing affordable housing solutions for Canadians in need. We are building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, Don Valley West is home to the largest community of Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada. This vibrant community is made up of thousands of engaged, committed Canadians who make our city and our country richer in every sense of the word. Recently, I was honoured to join His Highness the Aga Khan and members of the community to celebrate the inauguration of Generations Toronto, a new not-for-profit intergenerational community in Don Valley West. Comprising 390 affordable rental homes, 122 long-term care residences, on-site health care, an early learning centre, space for prayer and community programming, this project represents the best of our efforts to build vibrant and affordable housing: a generational project for several generations to live together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition initiated by Mr. Drew Depratto, a resident of the Greater Toronto area, whom I congratulate for his advocacy. This petition is supported by 4,520 Canadians. The petitioners call on the government to reaffirm Canada's role as a safe place for LGBTQI individuals fleeing persecution, by creating dedicated and expedited immigration pathways for those people in our community facing systemic discrimination, loss of rights, or threats to their safety in their countries of residence. This petition reminds us of the work that remains to be done to ensure that people who are threatened simply for loving whom they love may reach safer shores.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that Canada continues to have the strongest regime when it comes to arms export controls. We will continue to monitor every sale that leaves this country. We will continue to ensure that we have the best corporate social responsibility as we are engaged in peace activities around the world. We will continue to do that. We will never let our eye off that ball.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the parliamentary secretary for his thoughtful speech. This morning, I listened to the debate from the Conservative Party talking about somehow believing our government was not standing with victims of violence and crime. This bill stands with victims of violence and crime, particularly hate crime. How is it possible that Conservatives are not supporting this bill, which would stand with Jews who have been targeted for hate crimes, with Muslims who have been targeted for hate crimes, and with people like me, gay and lesbian people, who have been targeted with hate crimes? Is this not a victim-centred approach to actually address hate head-on?”
“These organizations enhance our community and provide opportunities to meet, learn and grow. It was a pleasure to honour their contributions in our community, and it is a privilege to stand in this chamber and recognize their success.”
“Mr. Speaker, community organizations contribute to our lives in countless ways. At my annual New Year's levee, we celebrated 16 organizations in Don Valley West with anniversaries from five to 75 years in 2025 and 2026. Today, I want to lift up five that are celebrating this year. Flemingdon Community Support Services, which works with some of our community's most vulnerable people, and the York Mills Chinese Community, which ensures newcomers have a great start, both have 10 years of service. For 15 years, the Canadian Language Museum has promoted all languages used in Canada. The Leaside Garden Society has been beautifying our community for 40 years, and Glendon Campus of York University has offered 60 years of bilingual post-secondary education in Ontario.”
“She loved highland dancing and roared with laughter when she saw me trying to do it. She was, as always, encouraging, despite my limitations. To Sven, her husband and partner in life, our hearts are broken along with his, but our resolve to live each day a little more the way Kirsty lived her own is even stronger now. To young women who saw in her a model for sports, dance, academics, politics and public service, let us all commit to being just a little more noble and a little kinder. Godspeed to my friend Kirsty.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday's news of the passing of Kirsty Duncan, the former member for Etobicoke North, reverberated throughout the offices and corridors of the Canadian Parliament. We are all grieving the loss of a thoughtful, vibrant, intelligent, strong and kind person who served Canadians with grace and kindness. Kirsty Duncan stood out in our small class of new Liberal MPs in 2008. While she was kind, we learned to never mistake her kindness for her strength, her feistiness and her principled nature. She brought academic rigour, curiosity and science to everything she did. She was a fierce defender of multiculturalism and a voice for those who face economic challenges. She called for respect, dignity and accountability for athletes and artists so they could work and play without fear or exploitation.”
“[ English ] A similar issue arises with the concurrence motion process laid out in the bill even when the study does happen and a report is generated with recommendations and tabled in the House. As we know, concurrence motions cannot be moved until after the government has tabled its response to the report, 120 days on top of the time it takes to do the study itself. This is something that will simply paralyze Parliament. In closing, I want to say that we value the input of parliamentarians before treaties are made, while they are under discussion and as they approach ratification. We have processes in place to make sure that happens. We want to engage with everyone in the House on these treaties. This bill would not help. It is burden without benefit, and we want to ensure that everyone in the House votes against this bill.”
“The most obvious challenge with this clause is that it is not a defined period. The less obvious challenge is that it fails to recognize the prerogative of standing committees to set their own agendas. This is critical in work that comes before committees. This parliamentary autonomy is an important aspect of our democracy and of parliamentary privilege writ large to take all the necessary time to study the matters that are important to Canadians, with a view to improving the lives of Canadians. [ Translation ] If we want to preserve this parliamentary autonomy, we also need to recognize that, under this legislation, a committee could choose to never study a treaty. This would have the practical effect of killing a treaty, since the bill would make it illegal to ratify a treaty before such a study has taken place.”
“The second way is through a concurrence motion on a committee report. There are many committee reports that do not receive concurrence motions, but an opposition member, in particular, or a government member could decide to move concurrence in a report and have a debate in the House, which takes precedence to any other business of the House. [ Translation ] Other members have already pointed out that the sheer number of treaties tabled in any given parliamentary session would paralyze Parliament and use up the limited number of opposition days. I will instead focus on two related issues: parliamentary autonomy and the current structure, timeline and mechanisms for votes on concurrence debates. [ English ] The bill uses the phrase “within a reasonable timeline” when setting out procedure for committee reporting.”
“As I said, those bills are right now before the House for members' consideration, for debate in this place and for Parliament to speak on. [ Translation ] Most of the Bloc Québécois's public messaging on this bill has referred to a vote on all major treaties, but I would like to point out that there is no reference to a mandatory vote in the text of the bill. [ English ] Nevertheless, under our current Standing Orders agreed to by this Parliament, there are two principal ways that a treaty could be voted on in the House. It is within the right of opposition parties to have an opposition day, and hence a motion, through which a treaty could be debated and discussed if it is important to that party. That would ensure that it comes before the House if it is something that the Bloc Québécois or the Conservative Party wants to debate.”
“The Bloc Québécois has purported that the bill is, above all, designed to ensure that Parliament has a say in the trade deals that the government is negotiating, but I would emphasize that all such agreements require implementing legislation and follow due process every time they are about to be ratified. Indeed, at this time, even as we speak, on the Order Paper we have two pieces of implementing legislation on trade deals: one with the U.K., a very important piece of legislation that would ensure Canadian businesses can engage with U.K. counterparts and that Canadian consumers would benefit from that trade; and another one with Indonesia, one of the key economic partners we have in the ASEAN world. It is an important economy that Canada and Canadian businesses need to have access to.”
“At the federal level, the imposition of an obligation to obtain the advice of Parliament for the ratification of all important treaties, as considered in this bill, would weaken the ability of any government to respond to time-sensitive international developments and opportunities and to ensure that we secure benefits from Canada's bilateral and multilateral international partners. Canadians want action as we face global challenges, and they want that action quickly. They want a responsive government, as has been demonstrated by the Prime Minister .”
“[ English ] As our speed ramps up and as the world continues to change, we cannot afford to create new burdensome processes in Parliament that would simply result in gridlock that would derail the hard work that is going on to build these new partnerships for Canadians and Canadian businesses. To that end, I share the concerns already raised in the House by the members for Wellington—Halton Hills North and Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga about the impact this bill would have on the work of Parliament and the undue burden, without benefit, that a study for each treaty would create for committee work and for debate in the House. I would reiterate that it would be without significant value for Canadians. This would be burden without benefit.”
“We are clear-eyed about the facts. The global order has been ruptured, and Canada's posture and assumptions must change with it. We are also clear-eyed about our priorities. We will remain grounded in Canadian principles and Canadian values while, at the same time, building issue-based coalitions that will drive our economic growth and create opportunities for Canadians. [ Translation ] As Canada diversifies its global partnerships to protect jobs and stimulate economic growth, we cannot afford to have our efforts derailed. We are rapidly diversifying our activities abroad. In just six months, we have signed roughly 12 trade and security agreements on four continents, all of which have been or will be tabled in the House, along with any legislative measures required to ratify them.”
“[ English ] However, I assert that the current processes that we use in the House, in our Parliament and in our governments strike a very good balance between, on the one hand, ensuring respect for all the principles we have in the House, including processes that allow the opposition to initiate debate on any given treaty, and on the other hand ensuring the continued functioning of Parliament and timely response to a changing world. Both items are imperative for a well-functioning Canada in a very turbulent world. (1120) The resumption of debate on this bill comes at a very critical time, after we have spent a great deal of time away from the House contemplating global events and our place in them and while we watch a world that changes every day. Last week in Davos the Prime Minister laid out the challenges we face.”
“Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my colleagues, particularly my colleague from Jonquière , who proposed this piece of legislation and exposed some of the issues that underlie it, which are very important in our world today. He has stressed the importance of international treaties, which are now as important as they have ever been. [ Translation ] I want to reiterate the comments made by my colleagues and thank the member for Jonquière for raising the issues addressed in the bill. Our government is a strong advocate for integrity, transparency and accountability in the treaty-making process.”
“She has combined her passion for helping children with disabilities, her work ethic and her magnetic personality to make Holland Bloorview a place of innovative treatments with the highest level of respect for children and their families, as it promotes social justice and inclusion for children and youth with disabilities. Holland Bloorview is a family. It continues to do great work. It will miss Julia. Her legacy will continue.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today to rise to celebrate a great Canadian, a great leader and a good friend. For 10 years, Julia Hanigsberg has served as CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Don Valley West. Holland Bloorview has become an incredible centre of excellence, with a reputation in Canada and abroad. Holland Bloorview recently received the highest possible rating from Accreditation Canada, an exemplary standing that recognizes its commitment to excellence in all parts of health care delivery. This is just one of the marks of Julia's incredible leadership.”
“Again, I want to thank the member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for his ongoing co-operation and conversation about the bill. I look forward to getting it to committee and having all members of the House, through their committee, be sure to make it the most effective bill possible.”
“However, we want to test all the recommendations in the bill, which would become law, to ensure that they would actually accomplish this while preserving the freedom of the press. In conclusion, we are eager for further debate on Bill C-219 . We are ready to take it to committee. We want to support the member in his aspirations to look at the bill, but we also challenge and commend the committee to do its due diligence on the bill, to find out the way a parliamentary committee can make it more effective, to make it better to defend human rights and better to fight corruption, and to make it effective and sustainable to attack not only today's issues, but tomorrow's issues. This would be a piece of legislation that will last, so we want to make sure it is fit for purpose not only for today, but also for tomorrow.”
“Transparency, accountability, parliamentary engagement, inter-agency co-operation and information are all things that could add costs but that could also be very effective and could be part of a tool box that would both be effective and save taxpayer money. One section of the bill that, very frankly, I am less familiar with, because it is not in my wheelhouse, is the Broadcasting Act section. However, I understand, as we all do, that media is critical and important in the promotion of human rights. The broadcasting-related provision of Bill C-219 seeks to curtail the proliferation of broadcast content from licensed broadcasters found to be susceptible to influence from foreign actors, foreign persons or foreign entities, especially ones who have committed genocide or are under Canadian sanctions. This is something we all agree on.”
“These are things that should also trigger the use of sanctions, as well as transnational repression. I want to underscore that in all of this, we need to be evidence-based and thoughtful as we push on the sanctions to make them effective. We do not want to add cost to the system. We want to ensure that we find an effective way that is both profound and important, to ensure that the Canadian taxpayer is able to stand up and say, “These are dollars that are being well spent.” Therefore, I challenge the committee as well to look at the bill from that lens to ensure that we have an effective use of Canadian dollars as we promote human rights and as we defend our world against corruption.”
“[ Translation ] Our government remains firmly committed to ensuring that Canada plays a leading role in preserving and strengthening a rules-based international order. Sanctions are a critical tool for advancing this approach. [ English ] However, as I said, we need to update the sanctions tool box. I am very pleased that the member has added the concept of transnational repression, and I reflect on the fact that the Bloc Québécois has also seen this as an important new trigger for sanctions. We respectfully accept this and think it is an important addition. However, we think the bill can be strengthened by adding some other triggers, such as migrant smuggling, foreign interference, cyber- and hybrid attacks, organized crime, undermining democracy and arbitrary detention.”
“Two reports, tabled in the Senate and in the House in 2023 and 2024, respectively, showed how significant our work in this House is to make sure that government is responsive to the desires, the will and the aspirations of Canadians. Sanctions are a key component in Canada's approach to protecting the rules-based order and in advancing human rights. Recently, we have seen the use of sanctions increase significantly as conflicts escalate in nature, such as in the case of Ukraine. Canada has sanctioned nearly 2,300 individuals and over 1,000 entities or vessels since 2022. It is an exponential increase in the number of sanctions that we have been doing. However, at the same time, we want to constantly re-examine our sanctions regime to make sure it is fit for purpose.”
“While the bill seeks to protect human rights defenders, we have concerns that some of the specific elements could put the safety and security of human rights defenders, including Canadian citizens, at risk. I know that the safety and security of these defenders are paramount to all of us in the House, and I look forward to exploring these issues in greater detail at committee. The government recognizes and values Parliament's role not only in studying sanctions but also furthering our sanctions regime, the tools to protect human rights and the tools to take on corruption and other crises. (1810) The passage of a Senate public bill, Bill S-226 , in 2017, was one example of Parliament's working to improve our sanctions regime as a response to human rights violations and acts of significant corruption.”
“[ Translation ] “Voices at Risk: Canada's Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders” reflects the government's commitment to supporting their essential and courageous work. Canadian officials abroad adapt these guidelines to the local context and specific needs of each individual and each case. They do so to provide the most effective support and defence possible, often in close collaboration with our partners. [ English ] When a human rights defender who is at risk is a Canadian, regardless of whether they are a dual citizen, Canada considers this to be a consular case. These cases are monitored closely by Canadian officials providing consular assistance on a, usually, daily basis. This is part of the Vienna Convention.”