NDP public safety critic Jenny Kwan says Canadians deserve to know what information the RCMP is sharing under an agreement with China’s Ministry of Public Security.

In an open letter, Kwan urged Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to disclose the full text of the memorandum of understanding.

Kwan said in the letter she wants to know if safeguards are in place to prevent Canadian information from being used against dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists or diaspora communities.

She also said she wonders what oversight mechanisms exist to ensure compliance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian privacy laws.

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She said the fact the text is being kept under wraps has created widespread uncertainty and legitimate concerns among Canadians, particularly within Hong Kong, Uyghur, Tibetan and broader Chinese diaspora communities dealing with transnational repression by Beijing.

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Kwan’s letter said the important goal of fighting crime cannot come at the expense of transparency, public trust or the safety of vulnerable communities.

In addition to immediately releasing the full text of the memorandum, Kwan said she wants Ottawa to provide a public explanation of all related oversight, accountability, privacy and Charter compliance mechanisms.

She also calls on the government to brief Parliament and relevant committees on the agreement and consult with affected diaspora communities on their concerns.

“Canadians must be assured that any co-operation with foreign law enforcement agencies is conducted fully within Canadian law, with proper safeguards, and without compromising the rights and security of people living in Canada,” her letter said.