Speech by Mr. Diem H. Do, former Viet Tan Chairman, at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on October 7, 2025
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Canada–Vietnam Relations in a Changing Political Landscape
Diem H. Do, Viet Tan
October 7, 2025
Good afternoon, distinguished policymakers, friends of Vietnam.
I speak to you today not only as a policy observer, but as someone who deeply cares about the future of my country. Vietnam is home to over 100 million people — hardworking, resilient, and full of potential. Yet we live under a system where one party has controlled every aspect of our political and social life for more than five decades.
As the world shifts into a multipolar era — with the United States and China competing for global influence — Vietnam is more important than ever to Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. But with that importance comes a moral test for Canada. Will Canada simply see Vietnam as a convenient trading partner, or will it use its relationship to stand up for freedom, rule of law, and the dignity of the Vietnamese people?
The U.S.–China rivalry is changing the global economy. Companies are moving supply chains out of China. Vietnam has become a key manufacturing hub. Yet this economic boom has not translated into greater freedom for ordinary citizens. In fact, as Vietnam becomes wealthier and more connected, the ruling party is tightening its grip.
Since August 2024, Vietnam has been under the leadership of General Secretary Tô Lâm. His rise has meant more political stability for the Hanoi regime but also more repression.
Let me name just a few cases that weigh heavily on those of us who care about human rights:
- Trịnh Bá Phương, a courageous land rights activist, is serving 21 years in prison for speaking out about forced evictions.
- Đặng Đình Bách, an environmental lawyer, is behind bars on tax charges widely condemned as politically motivated.
- Lê Đình Lượng, a member of my own party – Viet Tan, is serving 20 years in prison for condemning China’s territorial ambition against Vietnam.
These are not isolated cases. They represent a pattern: silencing voices who dare to speak about corruption, the environment, or to defend Vietnam’s sovereignty.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for deepening partnerships across the region, and Vietnam is central to that vision. Canada and Vietnam enjoy strong economic ties — bilateral trade now exceeds CA $14 billion. Vietnam is Canada’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.
But trade alone should not define this relationship. Canada is a country that has long championed democracy, human rights, and the rule of law on the world stage. These values must not be lost when we engage with partners like Vietnam.
I applaud Canada’s generosity and commitment to drive progress on shared global priorities at the recent 80th United Nations General Assembly. In particular, two programs relevant to Vietnam: supporting economic growth for ethnic minority communities, particularly in the face of climate challenges, and improving equality and human rights for women and marginalized populations.
Canada has already raised human rights concerns in bilateral dialogues with Vietnam. I urge you to make these conversations not just symbolic, but consequential — linking them to concrete outcomes such as legal reforms, labor protections, and the release of prisoners of conscience.
As policymakers, you have a unique opportunity to ensure Canada’s approach to Vietnam reflects both strategic and moral clarity:
- Principled Trade Policy – Use Canada’s role in the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) to encourage Vietnam to uphold labor rights, enforce environmental standards, and respect rule of law.
- Quiet but Firm Diplomacy – Raise individual prisoner cases consistently, and push for greater civic space, independent media, and judicial reform.
- Support Civil Society – Fund programs that protect human rights defenders, independent journalists, and climate activists — so they can do their work safely.
- Work Multilaterally – Coordinate with other democracies to amplify the call for human rights and sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Canada has a choice: to engage with Vietnam as just another market, or to engage as a friend who believes the Vietnamese people deserve freedom and dignity. I ask you to make every trade mission, every diplomatic meeting, every development program count, by tying them to measurable progress on human rights and rule of law.
Canada has always been a country that leads with principle. You can help ensure that Vietnam’s path to prosperity is not built on silenced voices and imprisoned activists, but on openness, justice, and the participation of its people.
Just over a month ago at Sophia Square in Kyiv, Prime Minister Carney said to the Ukranian people: “…you should have no doubts about the commitments of Canadians to your cause. Because your cause – freedom, democracy, sovereignty – is our cause.” Let that message also be the commitment of Canadians to the Vietnamese people’s cause.
Thank you.