RCMP probing comments from Liberal Paul Chiang about Chinese bounty placed on Conservative

The RCMP is currently investigating whether a Toronto-area Liberal candidate may have violated the law by suggesting that people turn in a Conservative candidate to the Chinese consulate and collect a bounty. This controversial statement has raised concerns about foreign interference in Canadian politics.

Mountie spokesperson Kristine Kelly stated that “foreign actor interference, including instances of transnational repression, continues to be a pervasive threat in Canada.” The RCMP’s involvement in the matter has put pressure on Liberal Leader Mark Carney, who is facing calls to drop Paul Chiang as the party’s candidate in Markham-Unionville.

The controversy began in January when Chiang, the incumbent MP, made the suggestion during a Chinese-language media news conference. The target of the bounty, Joe Tay, was seeking the party’s nomination in Chiang’s riding at the time and is now running for the Conservatives in the Don Valley North riding. Tay, a vocal critic of Beijing, has been targeted by Hong Kong police with a bounty and arrest warrant, along with other China democracy advocates.

Chiang issued an apology for his comments, calling them “deplorable.” However, Tay has rejected the apology, stating that it was an unsolicited attempt to contact him and that no apology is sufficient. Tay expressed fear for his safety, calling the comments “insidious” and intended to intimidate him.

Despite the controversy, Carney has stated that Chiang will remain a candidate, describing him as a person of integrity with a long history of community service. However, this decision has faced criticism from diaspora organizations, including Canada Hong Kong Link and Hong Kong Watch, who are calling for Chiang’s candidacy to be revoked.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has condemned the comments, suggesting that they may rise to the level of criminality due to the potential threat to Tay’s life. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also expressed concern, stating that Carney’s decision to stand by Chiang sends the message that such commentary is acceptable.

The RCMP’s involvement in the matter underscores the seriousness of foreign interference in Canadian politics. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, which monitors foreign interference, has expressed concerns about the bounty placed on Tay by Hong Kong authorities.

As the investigation continues, the implications of this incident on Canadian democracy and the integrity of the electoral process remain a pressing concern. It is essential to address foreign interference and uphold the principles of democracy and political integrity in Canada.