GTA Liberal candidate apologizes for suggesting people claim China’s bounty on Conservative

A Liberal candidate seeking re-election in a hotly contested GTA riding is facing backlash and issuing an apology after suggesting that individuals should attempt to claim a Chinese bounty on a local Conservative candidate.

Paul Chiang, the Liberal candidate running in Markham-Unionville, made the controversial remarks during a Chinese-language media news conference in January. He encouraged people to claim a one-million-dollar bounty by bringing Conservative candidate Joe Tay to Toronto’s Chinese consulate, according to the Toronto Association for Democracy in China (TADC).

Chiang, a former police officer, did not deny making the comments and took to social media to issue an apology on Friday. He expressed deep regret for his remarks, calling them “deplorable” and acknowledging that it was a serious lapse in judgment.

The controversy stems from the fact that in December, Hong Kong police issued a bounty and arrest warrant for Tay and other China democracy advocates, including a $1 million HK bounty (approximately $184,000 CAD). Tay, who is a co-founder of the Canada-based NGO HongKonger Station, was targeted by the Hong Kong government in what many see as an attempt to silence critics abroad.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the bounties at the time, denouncing the Hong Kong authorities’ efforts to engage in transnational repression by threatening, intimidating, or coercing Canadians or individuals in Canada.

Cheuk Kwan, co-chair of the TADC, described Chiang’s comments as “shocking” and accused him of supporting China’s interference and transnational repression. Kwan emphasized the importance of protecting Canadians and criticized Chiang for jeopardizing their safety.

Conservative candidate Joe Tay was unavailable for comment, but he shared a statement from fellow Conservative Michael Chong, who condemned Chiang’s remarks as “outrageous.” Chong expressed concern over the Liberal candidate’s support for the Chinese government’s illegal bounty on a Canadian citizen, particularly highlighting the impact on Canadians of Chinese descent who have been targeted by the communist regime.

Chong called on the Liberal party to revoke Chiang’s candidacy in light of the controversy. CBC News reached out to the Liberal campaign for a response but has not received one at the time of reporting.

The incident has sparked a debate over foreign interference and the importance of upholding Canadian values and protecting individuals from threats and intimidation. It remains to be seen how the Liberal party will address the situation and whether Chiang’s candidacy will be affected by the controversy.