A Look Back at the First 100 Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Quebec: CMA Survey Shows Quebeckers Are Heeding Prevention Advice, While Mask Wearing Is the Least Followed Measure 

QUEBEC HAS AN ANTI MASK ANTI MUSLIM LAW

Français

Canadian Medical Association

MONTREAL, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today presented the results of a Quebec survey indicating that preventive measures such as two-metre physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and coughing etiquette (coughing into one's elbow) have been widely adopted by Quebeckers since the pandemic began. However, mask wearing appears to be the least followed measure.

The survey, conducted in Quebec by L'Observateur from June 13 to 17, 2020, reveals that handwashing, physical distancing, and coughing etiquette have adoption rates of 70, 95, and 93% respectively. Mask wearing is the least followed measure: less than half of Quebeckers surveyed (42%) report wearing a mask regularly in public since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paradoxically, although 82% of respondents in the 18–34 age group believe there will be a second wave, only 27% report wearing a mask.

The survey also indicates that 87% of Quebeckers in the 18–34 age group do not consider themselves to be at risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. Thus, it appears that the older they are, the more Quebeckers consider themselves "at risk" and the more they observe preventive measures.

The survey also shows that three out of four Quebeckers (74%) expect there will be a second wave of COVID-19 in the coming months.

"The message is clear. We must continue our efforts to protect our neighbours, our friends, and our families," said Dr. Abdo Shabah, emergency physician and AMC board member. "The reality today is that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we must use every possible measure to avoid a second wave that could be even more devastating than the first."

The survey also dealt with tracing technologies. If a mobile app were available to facilitate community tracing of the virus, 42% of Quebeckers would download it.

About the CMA
Since 1867, the Canadian Medical Association has been the national voice of Canada's medical profession. We work with physicians, residents and medical students on issues that matter to the profession and the health of Canadians. We advocate for policy and programs that drive meaningful change for physicians and their patients.


SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

For further information: To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact: Media inquiries, 514-839-7296, mediainquiries@cma.ca

Organization Profile

Canadian Medical Association


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Staff, youth put at risk of COVID-19 in custody centres
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

TORONTO, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - OPSEU is greatly concerned that six youth custody centres run by the Ontario government have been denied the ability to isolate or test new admissions for COVID-19.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says it's hard to believe that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is resisting such sensible safety precautions this deep into the pandemic.

"We're four months into this pandemic. Over 2,600 have died in Ontario alone. COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young people. What's it going to take to get the ministry to take action to protect our youth and the workers who care for them? More fatalities?"

OPSEU represents the workers who watch youth serving sentences or on remand orders while awaiting trial. For weeks the union has been trying to get ministry officials to agree to testing.

"Our members have suggested several options to limit the possibility of COVID-19 entering one of our facilities, and we've offered to work with the employer to develop a protocol," said Youth Justice Divisional Health and Safety Co-Chair Tom Gibson. "Unfortunately, the employer has failed to respond in any fashion for over a month."

In contrast, the province's adult correctional facilities, as well as many privately run transfer payment youth facilities, have been using full protections and quarantining new admissions for many weeks. Gibson says youth facilities face the same difficulties as adult facilities with setting and maintaining physical distancing. He says there are alarming reports of spikes in the number of youth now testing positive for COVID-19.

"Preventing the disease at the point of admission is key. Our workers face the same dilemmas that led to many of the long-term care facility outbreaks. Pretending there's no problem won't make it go away."

OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, who is a correctional officer, says Minister Todd Smith must intervene with his officials to ensure safety comes first.

"Mr. Smith, your youth justice workers are pleading with ministry managers to stop gambling with the lives of staff and vulnerable youth," said Almeida. "It's time to put test-and-isolate protocols in place at all youth facilities before it's too late."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

For further information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
Related Links

www.opseu.org


Organization Profile



Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is one of the most progressive and powerful unions in Ontario. It represents 165,000 frontline workers who provide a vast array of public services in communities across the province. They work in provincial government...


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OPSEU stands with vulnerable migrant workers

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)


TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU, and OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida have issued the following statement:

One of the great tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic is how it has spread through migrant workers who have come to Ontario to do temporary, seasonal jobs on farms and in greenhouses. Approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario each year, mainly from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.

The spread is severe enough that parts of southwest Ontario remain under restrictions that have been already lifted in the rest of the province. There are media reports that some 470 farm workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Windsor-Essex region alone. Tragically, three of these workers have died.

But it's hard to tell the full extent of the spread among the approximately 8,000 migrant workers who have arrived. Only 750 of them have been tested. Some mobile testing sites in Ontario had to close due to a lack of workers coming in, probably because many of them are afraid of losing their precarious jobs if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Migrant workers have few rights and don't have the benefits like paid sick leave that come from being in a strong union.

OPSEU has been working with the group Justicia for Migrant Workers for years to try to educate Ontarians about the working conditions of migrant workers.

This pandemic has shown us how vulnerable these workers are and how little governments have done to protect them.

The labour movement needs to be an even stronger voice in calling for better working conditions for these workers who put food on our tables.

We at OPSEU stand in solidarity with migrant workers and say it's time they started to get the benefits and rights the rest of us take for granted.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

For further information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
Related Links

www.opseu.org


Organization Profile



Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is one of the most progressive and powerful unions in Ontario. It represents 165,000 frontline workers who provide a vast array of public services in communities across the province. They work in provincial government...


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CMG calls for funding to convert temporary employees at CBC to full-time
Canadian Media Guild

TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - CMG is encouraged by a positive meeting with Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault where CMG CBC/Radio-Canada Branch president Kim Trynacity, asked the minister for targeted funding to convert 50% of temporary/precarious workers at CBC to full-time staff.

"Many of the temporary employees are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour," Trynacity told the minister. "Converting so many temps to full-time will make the corporation more reflective of Canada, and go a long way to repairing a damaged workplace culture that must work to address issues of racism at CBC/Radio-Canada."

Since the brutal killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a groundswell of protest has emerged with rallies being held across the world to demand the end to systemic racism against Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Within CBC/Radio Canada, employees have called for real change at all levels of the corporation, from decision-making, to the stories we cover and how we cover them, as well as equity and respect for BIPOC workers at the public broadcaster.

Several CMG members have spoken publicly about their experiences and the problems they've encountered in the crown corporation .

More than 1,200 employees, representing approximately 25% of the workforce at CBC/Radio-Canada are temporary workers who lack job security, and any certainty about future work. Many of these are generally younger workers from diverse backgrounds.


While not promising funding, Guilbeault assured Trynacity, and CWA-Canada President Martin O'Hanlon, that addressing issues of racism across Canada is a priority.

During the 40-minute meeting, CMG also stressed the need for a resumption of all CBC regional television news programming, which in some locations remain abbreviated during the pandemic. The union also sought assurance that future CBC/Radio Canada funding will be linked to a moratorium on job cuts. Since 2008, there have been continuous job cuts at the public broadcaster resulting in drops in employment, diversity, and news programming, as well as increased reliance on temporary workers.

Trynacity asked that public funding for CBC/Radio-Canada be increased to $50 per capita in the next budget to help stabilize the country's largest news service and major cultural institution at this critical time. Overall federal funding has declined significantly over the years due in part to unfunded inflation, and compares poorly to the levels of funding for public service media in other countries.

SOURCE Canadian Media Guild

For further information: Jeanne d'Arc Umurungi, Communications Director, Canadian Media Guild, jeannedarc@cmg.ca, 416-708-4628
Related Links

http://www.cmg.ca/


Organization Profile

Canadian Media Guild


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Unifor releases Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery 

NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor

OTTAWA, ON, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor calls on governments to #BuildBackBetter and reveal a detailed plan to rebuild the economy in a virtual news conference live on Facebook.

"Tomorrow's economy cannot look like the one that we left behind, where essential workers could barely get by on low wages, could not access sick pay, and where the social safety net failed them," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Eventually this crisis will end and we want to ensure that a more fair, inclusive, and resilient economy takes shape on the other side."

Built on the principles of economic justice, the new recovery plan is based on consultation with rank-and-file members and includes dozens of recommendations targeting all levels of government.

The plan organizes policy recommendations into five themes:
Build an income security system that is accessible
Build sustainable green jobs and decarbonization
Build critical physical and social infrastructure
Rebuild domestic industrial capacity
Set strong, enforceable conditions on corporate support packages

"The steps that governments take in the coming months and years will define workers' well-being and progress for a generation," said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director. "It is vital that we get it right, and rebuild the economy not to what it once was, but to an economy that meets people's needs no matter the crisis."

Visit buildbackbetter.unifor.org to read the recommendations and download the Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery.

Watch the digital media conference on www.fb.com/uniforcanada to see Jerry Dias and Unifor members from across the country present the vision.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: contact Sarah McCue, Unifor National Communications Representative at 416-458-3307 (cell) or sarah.mccue@unifor.org; For French interviews, please contact Unifor Quebec Communications Representative, Véronique Figliuzzi at Veronique.Figliuzzi@unifor.org or 514-212-6003
Related Links

http://www.unifor.org


Organization Profile



Unifor

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SEIU Healthcare Renews our Demand for a Judicial Inquiry After the Breaking News from Brian Lilley


NEWS PROVIDED BY SEIU Healthcare
Jun 24, 2020


The Ford government response leaves workers and families with more questions than answers

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, is renewing our demand for a judicial inquiry into the long-term care scandal after breaking news reveals how the Doug Ford government rejected funding requests as recently as February, after the first case of COVID-19 hit the province.

STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:

"It's unconscionable to think that senior ministers in Ontario's government actually rejected proposals for urgent funding into long-term care after the first case of COVID-19 had already hit the province. Unfortunately, the Ford government response to this story leaves Ontarians with more questions than answers. That's why Premier Ford must commit to nothing less than a full judicial inquiry with both Ministers Fullerton and Bethlenfalvy agreeing to testify about what they know, under oath. The 1800 families who needlessly lost loved ones—residents and workers—deserve justice for this scandal."

SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE SEIU Healthcare

For further information: For media inquiries, contact: Corey Johnson, SEIU Healthcare, Head of Strategic Communication, 416-529-8909, c.johnson@seiuhealthcare.ca
Related Links

http://www.seiuhealthcare.ca/


Organization Profile

SEIU Healthcare


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Unifor disappointed as Kenney presents support for corporations and slim pickings for workers


NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor

EDMONTON, AB, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor urges Premier Kenney to change course and invest in workers instead of further padding corporate profits.

"Alberta's workers are looking for leadership, and instead, Kenney launches an incomplete plan that squeezes education, and school boards, and proposes two-tiers of minimum wage. That's not going to cut it," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "While Albertans are supporting one another, the least he can do is recognize that this crisis is the time to invest in Albertans, not funnel more profit off of workers' backs into the pockets of corporate bosses."

In the June 29 announcement, Premier Kenney floated possible changes to labour relations legislation that would no doubt take from workers, and refused to commit to not making deeper cuts to public services that are supporting the province through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While details are sparse, his message is clear. Kenney is still turning his back on workers in order to hold the hands of corporate Alberta," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. "A fair economic recovery can build public services that this province needs, and protect labour standards while providing the conditions that business needs to grow. Don't let anyone tell you that we cannot achieve both."

On June 24, Unifor released its Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery. Our bold plan is available at buildbackbetter.unifor.org, and focuses on five key economic areas to not only rebuild the economy, but also to support Canada's workers.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: contact Sarah McCue, Unifor National Communications Representative at 416-458-3307 (cell) or sarah.mccue@unifor.org.
Related Links

http://www.unifor.org


Organization Profile



Unifor

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create...


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Sweeping Workplace Changes Expected in a Post-pandemic World, Says Research From The Adecco Group

Businesses and workers call for greater flexibility, questions raised over the hours-based contract, and a new empathetic leadership profile emerges


NEWS PROVIDED BY The Adecco Group




ZURICH, June 30, 2020 /CNW/ --
Workers demand greater flexibility after coronavirus, with a 50/50 split of remote and office time confirmed as the universal ideal

Questions raised over the hours-based contract, with 69% saying contracts should be based on results delivered rather than hours worked

Boom in digital skills an unintended consequence of lockdown, with tech knowhow improving for six in 10 (61%), and two thirds (69%) eager for further digital upskilling post-pandemic

Leaders need to reinvent themselves as more emotionally intelligent, but they are not prepared, as less than half felt equipped to support employees holistically during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in pivotal shifts in attitudes and expectations among workers and leaders, as both call for permanent changes in how and where we work, workplace relationships and future skills, according to new research from the Adecco Group.

The Adecco Group, the world's leading HR solutions company, today unveiled the results of its latest study, Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work, examining the expected short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on resetting workplace norms. Fieldwork was conducted in May 2020, with 8,000 office-based respondents (aged 18-60) across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the USA.

The Adecco Group's Chief Executive Officer, Alain Dehaze, said: "The world of work will never return to the 'normal' we knew before the pandemic struck. The sudden and dramatic change in the workplace landscape has accelerated emerging trends such as flexible working, high-EQ leadership, and re-skilling, to the point where they are now fundamental to organisational success. As many countries emerge from the acute crisis phase of the pandemic, employers have an opportunity to 'hit reset' on traditional workplace practices – many of which have remained largely unchanged since the industrial revolution. This research highlights that employee attitudes have shifted and gaps between workforce expectations and entrenched labour market processes have been exposed. As we step into the new era of work, now is the time to establish better norms that will enable a holistically healthy, productive and inclusive workforce into the future."

Key research highlights:

The research revealed that the working world is ready for a new "hybrid" model, with three quarters (74%) of workers surveyed saying a mix of office-based and remote working is the best way forward. The universal ideal of spending half (51%) of their time in the office and half working remotely (49%) transcends geographies, generations and parental status. And company executives agree, with almost eight in ten (77%) C-suite leaders saying businesses will benefit from increased flexibility.

Another stark finding could signal the end of the hours-based contract and 40-hour week. More than two thirds (69%) of workers are in favour of "results-driven work," whereby contracts are based on delivering against business needs rather than working a set number of hours. A high proportion of C-suite executives (74%) agree that the length of the working week should be revisited.

The pandemic has also demanded a new set of leadership competencies and these expectations are expected to accelerate a reinvention of the modern-day leader. Emotional intelligence has clearly emerged as the defining trait of today's successful manager, but the soft skills gap is evident. Over a quarter (28%) of those questioned said their mental wellbeing had worsened due to the pandemic, with only 1 in 10 rating their managers highly on their ability to support their emotional health.

In a similar nature to flexible working, the findings demonstrate a universal appetite for mass upskilling. Six in 10 say their digital skills have improved during lockdown, while a further two thirds (69%) are looking for further digital upskilling in the post-pandemic era. A broad range of skills development were identified as important by the workforce, including managing staff remotely (65%), soft skills (63%) and creative thinking (55%).

Finally, the findings highlighted the importance of sustaining trust in the new working world. Companies have risen to the challenge of supporting their people during the crisis, and as a result, trust in corporations has increased. In fact, 88% say that their employer met or exceeded their expectations in adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. And with this increased trust comes increased expectations. While the future of work is a collective responsibility, 80% of employees believe their employer is responsible for ensuring a better working world post-COVID and resetting norms, compared with 73% who say the government is responsible, 72% who agree it is an individual responsibility, and 63% who believe it is in the hands of labour unions.

For more information:
Download the Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work full report here.
Follow us on social #ResetNormal for updates

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading HR solutions company. We believe in making the future work for everyone, and every day enable more than 3.5 million careers. We skill, develop, and hire talent in 60 countries, enabling organisations to embrace the future of work. As a Fortune Global 500 company, we lead by example, creating shared value that fuels economies and builds better societies. Our culture of inclusivity, entrepreneurship and teamwork empowers our 35,000 employees and we are proud to have been consistently ranked one of the 'World's Best Workplaces' by Great Place to Work®. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN) and powered by nine global brands: Adecco, Adia, Badenoch & Clark, General Assembly, Lee Hecht Harrison, Modis, Pontoon, Spring Professional and Vettery.

adeccogroup.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theadeccogroup
Twitter: @AdeccoGroup

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Food Recall Warning - Fresh Express brand salad products recalled due to Cyclospora 

Français

NEWS PROVIDED BY Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Jun 29, 2020, 

Product photos are available: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1593481825568/1593481826383

OTTAWA,ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - The food recall warning issued on June 28, 2020 has been amended to correctly identify the affected products. The corrections for these products are marked by an asterisk (*).

Fresh Express is recalling Fresh Express brand salad products from the marketplace due to possible Cyclospora contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The following products have been sold nationally.

Recalled products
Brand
Product
Size
UPC
Production Code
Best Before Date


Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar
323 g
0 71279 30931 6*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 08*

Fresh Express
American
312 g
0 71279 24100 5*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Thai 'N' Cashews
332 g
0 71279 30925 5*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Veggie Lover's
312 g*
0 71279 28106 3*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp
315 g
0 71279 30933 0*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Iceberg Garden
680 g
0 71279 10411 9*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Iceberg Garden
340 g
0 71279 10302 0*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Shreds
Iceberg*
227 g*
0 71279 15101 4*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Green & Crisp
312 g
0 71279 10813 1*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Asian
340 g
0 71279 30929 3*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 13*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Southwest
326 g
0 71279 30930 9*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw*
397 g
0 71279 12302 8*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 14*

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Cyclospora may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. People infected with Cyclospora can experience a wide range of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some people do not get sick at all, while others suffer from a severe upset stomach. Few people get seriously ill.
Learn more about the health risks
Sign up for recall notifications by email and follow us on social media
View our detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process
Report a food safety or labelling concern

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

For further information: Public enquiries and media: Company information, Fresh Express, Consumer Service Centre: 1-866-709-8410; Media Inquiries: Barbara Hines 972-677-8127; Public enquiries, Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.), Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international), Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca; Media relations, Telephone: 613-773-6600, Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong
June 30, 2020 EMILY FENG


Pro-mainland supporters in Hong Kong hold Chinese and Hong Kong flags during a rally to celebrate the approval of a national security law on Tuesday.Kin Cheung/AP

Beijing's top legislative body has unanimously passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, a controversial move that could effectively criminalize most dissent in the city and risks widening the rift between China and western countries who have criticized the law.

The news was reported by NOWNews — a Hong Kong cable television station — the city's public broadcaster and a slew of local newspapers, including Wei Wen Po and Ta Kung Pao, two pro-Beijing outlets which often signal official Chinese policy. Beijing state media have yet to confirm the law was passed.

National security cases relating to subversion, secession, terrorism or foreign interference can now be tried by a special agency, likely to bet up within Hong Kong's police force, and subject to a more constrained judicial process in which Hong Kong's Beijing-backed chief executive can select the judges overseeing the cases. The law also allows Beijing to set up its own security force on Hong Kong soil to investigate security cases and collect intelligence.

The law will likely take effect on July 1, which is also the anniversary of Hong Kong's 1997 handover from British to Chinese rule.


"The legal firewall, if you like, that separates the two systems [of Hong Kong and Beijing] is now gone," said Alan Leong, a former chair of Hong Kong's bar association and chair of Hong Kong's Civic party. "We are allowing the long arms of the Chinese Communist Party to reach Hong Kong."

Beijing has defended the law by arguing such a measure is needed to restore stability to Hong Kong, which has been rocked by sometimes violent protests over the last year stemming first from a now-shelved extradition bill and general dissatisfaction with Beijing's heavy-handed governance.

Pro-Beijing legislators in Hong Kong tried to pass a similar but more limited national security measure in 2003 but the measure was rescinded after an estimated half-million peaceful protesters took to the streets in opposition.

Protesters gather at a shopping mall in Hong Kong during a pro-democracy protest against Beijing's national security law on Tuesday.Vincent Yu/AP

This time, Beijing took no chances. It announced in May that its own parliament would ram through the legislation in a swift and secretive process that has bypassed Hong Kong's own legislative council.

In passing the law in Beijing, China is making clear its legal system is paramount.

The end of Hong Kong self-governance?

Per the terms of its handover to Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong was promised 50 years of limited autonomy under a principle called "One Country, Two Systems." Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, and its decades of independent judicial rulings protecting civil rights were to take precedence over Beijing's governance until at least 2047.

But legal experts say the national security law demonstrates how Beijing sees its own political diktat as now superseding Hong Kong's rule of law.

"China gets to determine when its interests are involved and when a [legal] interpretation is warranted," said Cora Chan, an associate professor of law at the University of Hong Kong. "The [national security law] opens up a window into widespread interference in people's lives and potentially penetrates into a lot of activities that contribute to a lot of the vibrancy of civil society and the character of this financial center."

Breaking with procedure, a public draft of the law was not made available before it was passed in Beijing. Instead, in the weeks leading up to the law's passage, even proponents in Hong Kong were left to parse scant details fro Chinese state media about what the law would entail.

"That is just completely contrary to the notions of law that we had in Hong Kong, which is law as an accessible, transparent process, where before you enact a law you discuss, you get the draft out, you debate it," said Wilson Leung, a commercial litigator and a council member of Hong Kong's bar association, which has criticized the national security law and demanded greater transparency in the drafting process.

Beijing has also pushed ahead with the law despite sanctions from the United States and criticism from other western countries. The U.S. ended its preferential trading status with Hong Kong in May, saying the city no longer had any autonomy from mainland China, and has slapped visa restrictions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong. (China announced it would put retaliatory visa restrictions on Americans who exhibit "egregious conduct" toward Hong Kong.) The United Kingdom, Hong Kong's former colonial ruler, has offered a path toward citizenship for up to 3 million Hong Kong residents.

It is not yet clear how strictly the law will be applied in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has defended the law, asserting earlier this month that the measure "will only target an extremely small minority of illegal and criminal acts and activities."

Yet Lam also admitted that Hong Kong officials had not seen the full proposed text of the national security law in the weeks leading up to its passage. On Tuesday morning, as Hong Kong outlets began reporting the law had passed, Lam refused to comment, saying that it would be "inappropriate" to do so given the legislative body was still meeting in Beijing.

The fallout from the law is already being felt in Hong Kong.

Sales of VPN software, used to circumvent China's Internet censors and evade some measures of digital surveillance, have skyrocketed.

Hundreds of outspoken Twitter accounts run by Hong Kong residents have been voluntarily deleted in the last few days as people rush to clear any potentially incriminating web-browsing history and online political posts.

And mere hours after the national security bill was approved, at least two opposition political parties announced they had effectively dissolved themselves.

Activist Joshua Wong and fellow activists Agnes Chow and Nathan Law announced their resignations from Demosisto, the youth political party they founded in 2016, on Facebook Tuesday. They resolved to continue their activism individually.

Andy Chan, an activist who advocates for outright independence from Beijing, also said he was disbanding the Hong Kong branch of his political party and shifting operations to Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

"Great changes are coming....no one can be sure about their tomorrow, " Wong wrote on his Facebook page.



I hereby declare withdrawing from Demosisto...

If my voice will not be heard soon, I hope that the international community will continue to speak up for Hong Kong and step up concrete efforts to defend our last bit of freedom. pic.twitter.com/BIGD5tgriF— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) June 30, 2020