Commonwealth_ Canadian Member of Parliament Paul Chiang has stepped down as a Liberal Party candidate following remarks suggesting that a political rival should be handed over to the Chinese consulate in exchange for a bounty. His withdrawal comes amid growing political tensions surrounding foreign interference and national security concerns.
Chiang’s remarks targeted his political opponent, who is running for the Conservative Party in the upcoming federal election on April 28. The candidate, Tay, is among several overseas activists sought by Hong Kong authorities for allegedly violating the city’s national security law. Tay, originally from Hong Kong, immigrated to Canada as an adult and co-founded the nonprofit group HongKonger Station, which advocates for democracy and free speech. In December, Hong Kong police placed a bounty of HK$1 million (approximately C$184,000 or $128,000) on Tay, accusing him of incitement to secession and collusion with foreign forces.
Chiang, who previously defended his comments, announced his resignation in a social media post shortly after midnight. He stated that he was stepping down to prevent unnecessary distractions at a critical moment in the election. He also highlighted his commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting Canada’s values. His resignation followed growing criticism and pressure, including an announcement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that they were reviewing the situation. A spokesperson from the RCMP emphasized that foreign interference and transnational repression remain serious threats in Canada.
Initially, Prime Minister Mark Carney had supported Chiang, defending his candidacy despite the controversy. Carney had suggested that Chiang’s apology for the remarks, which were made earlier this year at a Chinese-language media event, was sufficient for him to remain in the race. However, as political pressure mounted, Carney ultimately accepted Chiang’s resignation. While campaigning in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Carney acknowledged the gravity of Chiang’s remarks, describing them as deeply troubling and regrettable.
The issue quickly became a point of contention between political parties. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s handling of the situation, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over national concerns. He argued that Chiang should have been removed from the race as soon as the comments surfaced late last week.
The controversy also drew attention to broader concerns about foreign interference in Canadian politics, particularly from China. Canada has been increasingly vigilant about potential threats, with officials highlighting instances of transnational repression affecting activists and political figures.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Chiang was not the only candidate-related issue in the election. The Conservative Party also faced internal challenges and removed one of its candidates due to past controversial remarks. The candidate in question had made comments on a 2022 podcast in which he appeared to joke about former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deserving the death penalty. His removal signaled the party’s attempt to distance itself from inflammatory rhetoric while continuing to pressure the Liberal Party over its handling of the Chiang situation.
As the federal election approaches, issues of political accountability, foreign interference, and national security continue to shape the campaign landscape. The resignation of Chiang highlights the growing scrutiny on political candidates and their past remarks, particularly in an era where international relations and security concerns are at the forefront of national debates.
