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3w ago

Paul Chiang Withdraws From Canadian Election Amid Chinese Bounty Controversy

Liberal candidate Paul Chiang steps down after backlash over comments about a bounty on Conservative rival Joe Tay, as RCMP investigates potential foreign interference.

Paul Chiang, Parliamentary Secretary of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, speaks during a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, regarding support for Black community initiatives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
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 Friday, March 22, 2024.
Paul Chiang, who is seeking a seat in the Markham-Unionville riding, apologized last week for comments he made in January about Joe Tay, a Conservative candidate for Don Valley North, who had a bounty placed on him by Hong Kong police last December.
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Overview

  • Paul Chiang, Liberal candidate for Markham-Unionville, announced his withdrawal late on March 31, citing a desire to avoid distractions for the party's campaign.
  • Chiang faced widespread criticism for January comments suggesting people could claim a Chinese bounty on Conservative candidate Joe Tay by delivering him to the Chinese consulate.
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed they are investigating Chiang's remarks for potential criminality related to foreign interference and transnational repression.
  • Opposition leaders and advocacy groups condemned Liberal leader Mark Carney's initial decision to support Chiang, raising broader concerns about the party's stance on foreign interference.
  • The incident has amplified scrutiny on China's influence in Canadian politics, with calls for stronger measures to safeguard democratic processes and protect political figures.