Roundtable discussion on North Korean Refugees and Human Rights

Vaughan, Ontario –      The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, alongside Barry Devolin MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, hosted a roundtable for Korean-Canadian community leaders in the Vaughan area to discuss human rights in North Korea and MP Devolin’s Private Members Motion M-369 (North Korean Refugees).

“It was a pleasure to have my colleague MP Devolin and Korean community leaders at my roundtable to discuss ways in which our Government can improve the plight of North Korean refugees,” said Minister Fantino. “Our government is committed to the Canadian principles of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

Minister Fantino hosted the roundtable with 23 representatives from Korean-Canadian community groups ranging from business, religious and social stakeholders. These leaders share a collective interest in resolving the plight of North Korean refugees fleeing persecution.

“My goal is to achieve unanimous consent in the House of Commons for my Private Member's Motion," explained MP Devolin, sponsor of M-369. "This is not a partisan issue. I believe that every Canadian supports the principle of basic human rights - and that we who enjoy them should work together to extend them to people around the world."

“The Korean community in Vaughan is vibrant, growing and committed to our region's future,” said Minister Fantino.  “Canada is immensely enriched by the contributions of Korean-Canadians in all areas of human endeavor.”