Two Quebec community organizations are currently being investigated by the RCMP for allegedly operating secret Chinese police stations. Despite this investigation, the groups are now recruiting volunteers for the upcoming China-Canada International Film Festival (CCIFF), an annual event that has previously showcased films that praise the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking place from July 14 to August 19 at the Centre Cinéma Impérial in Montreal, the CCIFF is organized by Canada China Art-Tech, a federally registered nonprofit. Since its establishment in 2016, the festival has consistently awarded films that promote the CCP’s global image and political agenda. The CCIFF did not respond to requests for comment.
The two Quebec community groups supporting the CCIFF, the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal (SFCGM) and the Centre Sino-Québec de la Rive-Sud (CSQRS), allegedly operate Chinese police stations. They recently posted an article on their joint WeChat account, recruiting volunteers for this year’s festival.
Both organizations are overseen by Brossard city councillor Xixi Li, who has raised concerns after the RCMP publicly announced investigations into alleged secret Chinese police stations in Montreal and Brossard. These two stations are among seven locations suspected of operating as such across Canada.
The festival has a history of promoting propaganda films. For example, in past years, films like “A Man of the People,” “Faith Makes Great,” “My Father Jiao Yulu,” “Hi! China,” “The Frontline,” and “Break Through the Darkness” were awarded for their depictions of CCP leaders, the CCP’s founding, and the regime’s response to COVID-19.
The CCIFF aligns with the CCP’s strategy of “telling China’s story well” through international media engagement and propaganda campaigns. The festival has also held events with themes related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China’s founding.
The CCIFF has several public partners, including the Quebec provincial government and the Chinese Consulate in Montreal. Various Chinese organizations and state media outlets are listed as sponsors and partners, showcasing their support for the festival.
Recently, the CCIFF expressed support for a parliamentary petition opposing the enactment of foreign agent registry legislation in Canada. The petition was sponsored by Liberal MP Chandra Arya and has been supported by Senators Yuen Pau Woo and Victor Oh. The CCIFF urged Chinese Canadians to sign the petition and participate in a protest on Parliament Hill against racism and to mark the 100th anniversary of Canada’s Chinese Exclusion Act.
Despite controversies surrounding the festival and its alleged connections to CCP propaganda, it continues to operate with the support of various Chinese organizations and state media outlets. The RCMP investigation into the alleged secret Chinese police stations is ongoing.