Thirteen Hongkonger-Canadian organizations strongly condemn Liberal MP Paul Chiang, candidate for Markham–Unionville

Toronto, ON - Thirteen Hongkonger-Canadian organizations strongly condemn Liberal MP Paul Chiang, candidate for Markham–Unionville, following his controversial remarks suggesting that Conservative candidate Joe Tay could be taken to the Chinese Consulate in Toronto to claim a HK$1 million bounty placed on him by Hong Kong authorities. The groups do not accept his insincere apology and urge the Liberal Party to revoke Chiang’s candidacy immediately. 85.4% of respondents of a Hongkonger survey are deeply concerned about transnational repression and infiltration issues in Canada.

Chiang’s remarks, made during a January media meeting with Chinese-language outlets, have sparked outrage. He stated, "If you can take him to the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, you can get the million-dollar reward," referring to Tay, who is wanted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law for his pro-democracy activism. The comments were widely seen as legitimizing foreign interference and potentially threatening Tay’s safety. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly warned last December, "This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated."

The thirteen groups emphasize that Chiang’s statements are intolerable and represent an endorsement of Beijing’s transnational repression. They argue that such remarks undermine Canada’s democratic values and sovereignty, while posing risks to political freedoms and the safety of Canadian citizens within Canada. The incident highlights the growing concerns about Chinese interference in Canada’s political system and its impact on Hong Kong immigrants.

Despite issuing an apology on social media, where Chiang called his comments “deplorable” and expressed regret, the groups dismiss his apology as a tactic to downplay the seriousness of his outrageous comments. They contend that his actions have damaged the integrity of Canada’s democratic elections and may have violated Canadian laws, including the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act and the Canada Elections Act. They further question Chiang’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong immigrants fleeing authoritarian rule. Anyone who is truly sympathetic to the oppressed Hongkongers will not have made such comments.

This controversy aligns with findings from a recent national survey on Hongkongers in Canada, conducted by C^Mind Think & Do Tank and Canada-Hong Kong Link*. The survey revealed that 85.4% of respondents are deeply concerned about cross-border repression and infiltration issues. Additionally, over 60% are concerned about how Canada manages its relations with China, particularly regarding activities of Chinese diplomatic institutions in Canada. These concerns underscore the pervasive fear among Hong Kong immigrants about Beijing's influence on their freedom of speech and political participation.

The survey also found that 40.9% of respondents have reduced their public political engagement due to fears of transnational repression, while over 30% have scaled back their activism since moving to Canada. Chiang’s remarks exemplify how foreign interference continues to cast a shadow over Hong Kong immigrants’ lives in Canada.

The thirteen organizations call on the Liberal Party to send a clear message by removing Chiang as a candidate. They stress that intimidation or threats against political candidates will not be tolerated and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to protecting its democratic processes from foreign interference.

Signatory Organizations:

Action Free Hong Kong Montreal 滿地可撐香港行動組

C^Mind Think & Do Tank 守望

Canada-Hong Kong Link 港加聯

Chinese Canadian Concern Group on CCP Human Rights Violations 加拿大華人關注中共違反人權小組

Friends of Hong Kong (Calgary) 香港之友 (卡加利)

Movement for Democracy in China (Calgary) 中國民主促進會 (卡加利)

Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong 沙省香港同行

Somebody.hk 佚名

Toronto Association for Democracy in China 多倫多支持中國民運會

Toronto Hong Kong Parent Group 多倫多香港家長會

Vancouver activists of Hong Kong 溫哥華手足

Vancouver Hong Kong Forum Society 溫哥華香港協進會

Vancouver Society In Support of Democratic Movement 溫哥華支援民主運動聯合會

* Full report of the opinion survey on Hongkongers in Canada will be published soon