Close Xinjiang camps and ban goods
Petitioners ask the MP to recognize Uyghur atrocities as genocide, condition agreements on closing Xinjiang camps and releasing detained children, and ban products of Uyghur forced labour. The government responds that it shares these concerns.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would require the MP to press for international action and make Canada condition agreements on closing Xinjiang camps and releasing detained children, increasing pressure for accountability.
- Banning products linked to Uyghur forced labour would reduce market incentives for exploitation and strengthen supply-chain due diligence.
- Formally recognising the abuses as genocide or crimes against humanity would raise political and diplomatic urgency and justify stronger multilateral responses.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Conditioning agreements and public accusations may damage diplomatic relations with China and complicate cooperation on other Canadian priorities.
- A broad import ban risks being hard to verify and enforce, potentially harming legitimate businesses and consumers without reliable supply-chain proof.
- Declaring genocide has legal and diplomatic consequences; some may prefer independent UN investigations and targeted measures rather than unilateral labels.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the member of Parliament for Surrey Newton We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the member of Parliament for Surrey Newton to: 1. Acknowledge the mass atrocities committed against Uyghurs in East Turkistan (also known as Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous Region) by the Chinese government Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and Torture, and take the lead to stop it; 2. Make any new bilateral and multilateral agreements with the Chinese government conditional on the closure of the concentration camps, so called the Vocational Education and Training Centre, the Canadian government should lead during this inhumane crisis and ask the United Nations to demand an immediate release of the children and their families; and 3. Ban all products associated with Uyghur forced labor.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada shares the concerns expressed by petitioners regarding human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China. Particularly about credible reports of arbitrary detention of over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities; forced labour and systemic surveillance; suppression of religious and cultural practices; and the forced separation of children from families. The promotion and protection of human rights is a core element of Canadian foreign policy. A number of United Nations human rights mechanisms and independent experts are calling on China to address serious allegations of human rights violations. All states are all bound by human rights obligations and must collectively work to address human rights concerns within each of our countries. Canada wants to see China respond meaningfully to these allegations and take action to address these reported human rights violations. Canada’s goal is to ensure engagement on human rights issues is effective and strategic through various tools, including public statements and diplomatic representations, both bilaterally and in multilateral forums, as well is in coordination with countries that share similar concerns. Canada has expressed its grave concerns on many occasions about the reports of systematic violations of human rights in China against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. These concerns are based on credible evidence and reports presented by United Nations bodies, international human rights organizations, and victims. Canada has repeatedly reinforced on China to end the repression of Uyghurs and other minorities, allow independent United Nations investigations into the situation, and implement the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights violations in Xinjiang. This commitment is further reinforced through Canada’s multilateral engagement on human rights. Canada continues to take action in support of the Uyghur people in China through diplomacy and its efforts at the United Nations, including via the Human Rights Council. On September 29, 2025, Canada reaffirmed before the United Nations that it remains steadfast in promoting democracy, pluralism, and human rights as central pillars of its foreign policy. In response to increasing unilateralism and global instability, Canada continues to champion international law and multilateral cooperation to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals worldwide. Canada has also taken action to support Uyghurs in third countries, by diplomatic action to oppose forced returns and by creating a dedicated immigration pathway for Uyghurs in third countries who are at risk. Canada has implemented a suite of trade measures to address human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang: a ban on imports produced with forced labour; mandatory Xinjiang Integrity Declaration for Canadian companies; issuance of a Business Advisory warning of risks in Xinjiang supply chains; and enhanced export controls and guidance for Canadian firms. On December 10, 2024, Canada invoked the Special Economic Measures Act to impose sanctions on eight current and former People’s Republic of China officials for their respective roles in grave human rights violations. Most recently on November 11, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the situation of human rights in China directly with her Chinese counterpart. Canada also regularly engages with a broad spectrum of civil society organizations, diaspora communities, and faith and belief groups, as well as international partners, to inform its human rights advocacy. As the government works to advance Canadian interests in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context, it will continue to take effective, strategic action in support of democracy, pluralism, and human rights.