TNAG-2348-FCO40-3417-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong--China-and-Canada-1991 — Page 8

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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CONFIDENTIAL

ENVIRONMENT CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT: Hong Kong has counter-proposed an environmental cooperation agreement. There is some reticence by Environment Canada to sign a bilateral framework agreement that has little substance, especially at a time when they are under scrutiny for their Green Plan. As well, they have no personnel or financial resources to commit to any new bilateral programs. ISTC may become interested in this matter in view of the commercial possibilities in Hong Kong for Canadian companies interested in the environment.

DOUBLE TAXATION: As Hong Kong does not tax foreign income nor disclose tax information, there is little basis for an agreement at this time. This idea continues to be pursued by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

EXCHANGES:

A catalogue of positions for a possible exchange is being developed. To date 4 job descriptions have been provided to the Hong Kong government (salary and benefits to be paid by the Hong Kong government):

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Foreign and International Trade Policy position in EAITC Telecommunications/Broadcasting policy position in Communications/CRTC

Policy position with the Immigration and Refugee Board Surface Transport policy position with the Ontario Government

The Public Service Commission (Mr. Brian Watson) is searching for candidates for 10 secondment positions in Hong Kong (salary and benefits to be paid by the sending Department).

There will be an increasing focus on short-term exchange visits (two weeks or less).

RIGHT OF ABODE:

Canada does not inted to implemented a right of abode package because of domestic considerations relating to our universal immigration policy; There is already considerable flexibility with existing Canadian citizenship and immigration regulations.

Hong Kong citizens did not respond positively to the U.K. right of abode package.

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20 September 1991

P M Newton Esq

British High Commission

Ottawa

HKD 021/3

Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

London SWIA 2AH

Telephone: 071-

Dear Peter,

DEFERRED RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR HONG KONG CITIZENS INTO CANADA

1. Thank you for your letter of 13 August to Nigel Cox, we were grateful for your kind offer to have a further go at the Canadians. We passed a copy of your letter to Hong Kong, and you will by now have seen Ian Strachan's letter to Nigel of 14 September.

2. I can see that Canadian ministers might be sensitive about publicising the flexibilities in the Canadian immigration rules in the way that Hong Kong would like to see; to be seen to encourage immigrants worldwide to exploit these loopholes might play badly to a domestic Canadian audience. But, if you see no objection, there should be no harm in sounding out the Canadians. We shall be interested to hear their reaction!

Yous ever,

John Monis

J C Morris

Hong Kong Department

cc: Ian Strachan

DAWAIW JRB

Secretary for Security, Hong Kong

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17 OCT:991 From: D A Burns

North America Department

Date: 17 September 1991

See attached list

WHITEHALL CANADA GROUP

1.

I attach a copy of a letter which Mr Beamish has sent to his counterparts in Whitehall, suggesting that we establish a Whitehall Canada Group to follow the successful example of the Whitehall Australia Group. You will see that we propose to hold the first meeting of the Group on 19 November and that, in the meantime, we have asked Whitehall Departments to assess the level of their existing links with Canada.

2. I should be grateful if recipients of this minute could let me have a note on their department's current dealings with the Canadians. (Where applicable, departments might find it helpful to refer to their responses to a rather narrower trawl which I conducted in October 1989 - see attached.)

3.

A reply by 20 October (at the very latest) would be helpful.

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