Chinese Montrealers Seek Answers After RCMP Closes Investigation into Alleged CCP Police Stations
Members of the Chinese community in Montreal are demanding answers after the RCMP closed its investigation into two community centers suspected of operating as clandestine police stations for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The investigation, launched in early 2023, has left many questions unanswered and has had a significant impact on the community.
Investigation Closure and Community Response
The executive director of the two non-profit organizations under investigation expressed relief at the closure but seeks clarification on the reasons behind the probe. Xixi Li, executive director of Service à la Famille Chinoise du Grand Montréal and Centre Sino-Québec de la Rive-Sud, stated she learned of both the investigation's launch and closure through media reports. She stated, "We don’t know why this happened, there’s no one who informed us,"
RCMP's Stance and Ongoing Efforts
The Quebec RCMP announced its investigation in early 2023, alleging the stations were used to exert pressure on members of the Chinese community in Canada, sometimes through threats to relatives in China. While the investigation into the Montreal centers has been closed with no charges recommended, the RCMP has not confirmed the status of similar investigations in Toronto and Vancouver. RCMP Cpl. Erique Gasse stated that efforts would continue "to combat foreign interference and any form of intimidation, harassment, threats or harmful targeting of diaspora communities or individuals in Canada."
Damage to Community Organizations
Despite relief at the investigation's end, Li and other community members emphasize the significant damage caused by the allegations. The centers reportedly lost 70% of their funding, leading to staff layoffs and service cuts. The allegations also jeopardized the Montreal building housing one of the organizations. Li said, "It’s very painful because we’re there to help the people that are very marginal in society," highlighting the centers' role in providing language classes and assisting new immigrants.
Lawsuit and Calls for Apology
Li and the organizations have filed a $4.9-million lawsuit against the RCMP, alleging defamation for publicly labeling them as suspected "police stations." The lawsuit argues the allegations are unfounded. Walter Tom, an immigration lawyer and Chinese community advocate, criticized the RCMP's public announcement of the investigation as a "total violation of due process." He said, "Whatever happened to the presumption of innocence? It’s very strange…There needs to be questions asked as to why the RCMP decided to go public." He calls for an apology and a statement clearing the organizations.
Chilling Effect and Concerns for the Future
May Chiu, the co-ordinator of the Montreal Chinatown Roundtable, described the investigation as having a "chilling effect" on the community. She stated that vulnerable community members, including seniors, were affected. Chiu, like Tom, believes the RCMP must take steps to restore the organizations' reputations and ensure similar incidents are prevented. "What precautions are they going to take so that innocent bystanders are not targeted and hurt, and racialized communities are not stigmatized by RCMP actions?" she asked.
