Minister Meets Head of Quebec’s Alleged Chinese Secret Police Stations

Minister Holds Meeting with Head of Suspected Chinese Secret Police in Quebec

March 20, 2024 TruthUSA

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne shared that he unexpectedly met with the leader of two Chinese organizations in the Montréal area that are currently being investigated by the RCMP for possible links to Chinese police stations.

This meeting took place at an event organized by a Liberal MP with a history of supporting these groups.

The event, which aimed to recognize Liberal volunteers, was hosted by Alexandra Mendès, the Liberal MP for Brossard–Saint-Lambert, as reported by Le Journal de Montreal. About 30 people attended.

According to the minister’s spokesperson, Audrey Champoux, Mr. Champagne was unaware that Xixi Li would be present at the event.

Ms. Li holds the position of executive director at the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal and the South Shore Sino-Québec Centre, situated in Brossard within Greater Montreal. These organizations have portrayed themselves as community centers offering services like language training and care for the elderly to the Chinese diaspora.

The RCMP revealed an investigation into both organizations in March 2023. In the following month, the federal police agency confirmed that they were actively looking into “reports nationally of criminal activity in relation to the so-called ‘police’ stations.” The existence of Beijing’s alleged secret police stations in Canada and various other countries came to light after a report from the human rights organization Safeguard Defenders in September 2022.

Interference in Legal Process

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that the force’s probe into the two Montreal Chinese organizations regarding their alleged ties to Chinese police stations is grounded on “credible” information. This statement followed a nearly $5 million defamation lawsuit filed by the groups against the force for investigating them.

In a court filing on March 6, the executive director of the two Montreal centers accused the RCMP of improperly disclosing their investigation to the public. Ms. Li claimed her organizations suffered a $3.2 million loss, including cuts in government grants, as a result. She is seeking compensation.

Ms. Mendès aligned with Ms. Li’s criticism of the police force, stating, “The RCMP bears some responsibility… It’s clear that [this investigation] has caused significant harm to the organizations. Is it beneficial? I doubt it,” as quoted by Le Journal.

Contrarily, Minister Champagne’s spokesperson expressed disagreement with Ms. Mendès’ remarks.

“We do not share the views of Ms. Mendès. We respect the RCMP investigation and are anticipating the outcomes,” Champoux informed Le Journal.

Candidate for Speaker and Liberal MP Alexandra Mendes delivers a speech in the House of Commons prior to voting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Oct. 3, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Ms. Mendès also confirmed her frequent meetings with Ms. Li and her unwavering support for her. The Epoch Times sought a comment from Ms. Mendès but did not receive a response before publication.

Paul Laurier, a former member of the RCMP Integrated National Security Team, disapproved of the MP’s statement, raising concerns about political interference in a legal process.

“It’s interesting that an MP is intervening in a legal process. There is typically an accepted separation of powers. She should exercise restraint,” he told The Epoch Times.

“It’s not just a matter of restraint. It’s an ethical obligation to respect this division of powers. This should be understood by all elected officials,” Laurier added.

The RCMP Integrated National Security Team is tasked with investigating the Montreal Chinese service centers. So far, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been laid in connection with the investigation.

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