Minister’s Office Says He Was Unaware After Meeting With Head of Organization Accused of Being Chinese Police Station

The South Shore Sino-Québec Center in Brossard, Quebec, is seen on March 9, 2023. The RCMP is investigating this organization, along with the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal, for allegedly serving as clandestine overseas Chinese police service stations. (Noé Chartier/The Epoch Times)

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne says he had an unexpected meeting with the leader of two Montréal-area Chinese organizations that are under RCMP investigation for alleged links to Chinese police stations.

The meeting occurred at an event hosted by a Liberal MP known for her past support of these groups.

The event to acknowledge Liberal volunteers was hosted by Alexandra Mendès, Liberal MP for Brossard–Saint-Lambert, Le Journal de Montreal reported. Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

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

Ms. Li is the executive director of the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal and the South Shore Sino-Québec Centre, located in Brossard within the Greater Montreal area. These organizations have presented themselves as community centres offering services such as language training and elderly care to the Chinese diaspora.

The RCMP disclosed an investigation into both organizations in March 2023. The federal police agency stated a month later it was actively investigating “reports nationally of criminal activity in relation to the so-called ‘police’ stations.’” Beijing’s alleged operation of secret police stations in Canada and dozens of other countries surfaced following a report from human rights NGO Safeguard Defenders in September 2022.

“We expect that the organizers of public events in which the minister participates will carry out the necessary checks,” Ms. Champoux told Le Journal in French.

Five other locations in Canada, in addition to the two Montreal-area Chinese community service centres under RCMP investigation, have been identified through Chinese sources as being involved in the overseas police stations operation. These include two in British Columbia and three in Ontario.

Interference in Legal Process

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said the force’s investigation into the two Montreal Chinese organization for their alleged links to the Chinese police stations is based on “credible” information. This response came after the groups’ filed a nearly $5 million defamation lawsuit against the force for its investigation.

The executive director of the two Montreal centres accused the RCMP in a March 6 court filing of improperly disclosing its investigation to the public. Ms. Li said her organizations have suffered a $3.2 million loss as a result, including cuts to government grants. She is seeking damages.

Ms. Mendès echoed Ms. Li’s criticism of the police force. “There is some blame to be placed on the RCMP ... It is certain that [this investigation] has done enormous damage to the organizations. Does it serve any purpose? I don’t think so,” she told Le Journal.

However, the MP’s comments sparked opposition, with Minister Champagne’s spokesperson voicing disapproval.

“We do not agree with the comments [of Ms. Mendès]. We respect the RCMP investigation and we are waiting to know what will come out of it,” Ms. Champoux told 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 to Le Journal that she frequently meets with Ms. Li, whom the MP supports “absolutely, 100 percent.”

The Epoch Times reached out to Ms. Mendès for comment but didn’t hear back prior to publication.

Paul Laurier, a former member of the RCMP Integrated National Security Team, also expressed disapproval of the MP’s remark, raising concerns of political interference in a legal process.

“It fascinates me that an MP interferes in a legal process. There is a separation of powers which is normally accepted. She should show reserve,” he told The Epoch Times.

“It’s not just a duty of reserve. It is an ethical duty to respect this separation of powers. This should be understood by all elected officials.”

The RCMP Integrated National Security Team is responsible for investigating the Montreal Chinese service centres. So far, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed in connection with the investigation.