Canada's ambassador to China says human rights in that country have taken a step backwards in some areas in recent years. Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's top diplomat in China for four years, said he's noticed a change in terms of people's ability to express themselves freely, and not in a positive way. Saint-Jacques said the prime minister raised the issue of human rights in his meetings with both Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping. The ambassador said the prime minister also spoke about individual consular cases, including Canadian Kevin Garratt, who was indicted on charges of espionage. Before he was appointed ambassador to China Saint-Jacques served in Canada's embassy in Beijing and Hong Kong.

Source: CBC News August 31, 2016 14:18 UTC