Carney Refuses Demands to Replace Liberal Candidate Who Proposed Sending Opponent to China

March 31, 2025 TruthUSA

Liberal Leader Mark Carney criticized Liberal candidate and incumbent MP Paul Chiang for suggesting a rival Tory candidate should be handed over to China, calling it a “terrible lapse in judgment.” Despite this, Chiang will remain on the Liberal ticket.

“He’s apologized publicly, to the individual concerned, to me directly, and he will continue with his candidacy,” Carney stated during a campaign event in Vaughan, Ont., on March 31.

Carney expressed his deep offense at Chiang’s remark but sees it as a “teachable moment” highlighting the importance of human rights in Canada and the differences between Canadian society and others.

“He has my confidence,” Carney added, commending Chiang for his lengthy career as a police officer.

The controversy began with comments Chiang made to Ming Pao, a Chinese-language publication, during an ethnic media conference in January. The Toronto Association for Democracy in China first reported the comments about Conservative candidate and Hong Kong democracy activist Joe Tay.

Chiang reportedly suggested that Tay, his then-rival in the Markham-Unionville riding, should be handed over to Chinese authorities.

“If you bring him to Toronto’s Chinese Consulate, you can claim the $1-million-dollar bounty,” Chiang allegedly stated.

In late 2024, Hong Kong authorities issued international bounties and revoked the passports of democracy activists, a move condemned by Global Affairs Canada.

“The attempt by Hong Kong authorities to engage in transnational repression and threats against Canadians will not be tolerated,” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly declared in December.

One of the affected individuals is Tay, now a candidate in the Don Valley North riding, targeted with a bounty alongside another Canadian.

Tay, a democracy advocate and former actor from Hong Kong, has been living in Canada since 1995.

Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship Paul Chiang rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 22, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang) — Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship Paul Chiang rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 22, 2024. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Calls to Remove Chiang

Conservatives and the NDP have called for Chiang’s removal, with Tories stating he should not be allowed to run for re-election.

“His threatening comments were meant to intimidate me, and they cannot be condoned,” Tay stated in a March 31 release. He expressed his fear for his safety, having already contacted the RCMP for protection before Chiang’s remarks.

NDP candidate Jenny Kwan, who has faced interference from Beijing, described Chiang’s remarks as “absolutely astounding,” criticizing his behavior as a former policeman and denouncing Chinese tactics of intimidation.

Acknowledging his error, Chiang apologized on March 28, calling his comments “deplorable and a complete lapse of judgment.” He reiterated his commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s fight for freedom and human rights.

Chiang issued a second apology on March 30 after personally speaking with Tay.

Carney clarified that he was not considering the demographics of the Markham-Unionville riding in his decision to retain Chiang. He emphasized his support for human rights and Canada’s stance on China.

“I stand firmly for rights, our position regarding China, and the respect for Canadian citizens’ rights regardless of dual citizenship,” Carney affirmed.

Carney also noted that Chiang has family in Hong Kong and is well aware of the situation in the region and in China.

Foreign Interference

Given heightened concerns about foreign interference, Carney received a briefing on the issue on March 30. However, he did not disclose specific details.

The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force updated its work on March 31, informing that security-cleared party representatives had been briefed on election threats in the preceding week.

The task force clarified that Chiang’s comments fell outside its scope, referring to the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol, also known as the “Panel of Five.” This panel comprises top officials responsible for alerting the public to incidents affecting electoral integrity.

“The bounty against [Joe Tay] illustrates transnational repression. The Panel and SITE are monitoring the situation regarding the bounty,” stated Laurie-Anne Kempton, assistant secretary of the cabinet for communications at the Privy Council Office.

The Canadian election occurs following the completion of the Foreign Interference Commission’s final report in late January, which detailed significant interference by the Chinese government in Canadian democracy.

The Commission identified the Chinese regime as the main perpetrator of foreign interference in Canada.

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