Liberal candidate Paul Chiang is running for re-election in Markham-Unionville. The Canadian Press
A Liberal candidate seeking re-election in a key GTA riding has apologized after making an inappropriate remark about a Chinese bounty on a local Conservative candidate.
Paul Chiang, running for Markham-Unionville, made the comment during a January news conference held by Chinese-language media. He joked that people could claim the bounty on Joe Tay, the Conservative candidate for Don Valley North, by bringing him to Toronto’s Chinese consulate.
"You can claim the one-million-dollar bounty if you bring him to Toronto's Chinese consulate," Chiang reportedly said, according to the Toronto Association for Democracy in China (TADC).
Chiang did not deny making the statement and issued a public apology on social media.
"The comments I made were deplorable and a complete lapse of judgment on the seriousness of the matter," Chiang posted on X. "I sincerely apologize and deeply regret my comments."
Tay, a democracy advocate, was among several individuals targeted by Hong Kong authorities in December. Police in Hong Kong issued a warrant and a bounty of $1 million HKD (around $184,000 CAD) for Tay and other activists promoting democracy abroad. Tay co-founded the Canada-based NGO HongKonger Station, which supports Hong Kongers living in exile.
The bounties were widely seen as an attempt by the Hong Kong government to silence overseas critics. At the time, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister strongly condemned the move, saying any threats or intimidation against Canadians would not be tolerated.
"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," she stated in December.
The TADC criticized Chiang’s remarks, calling them shocking and dangerous.
"Mr. Chiang openly encouraged people to assist in China interference and transnational repression," said Cheuk Kwan, the TADC’s co-chair. "Rather than protecting Canadians, he betrayed them and jeopardized their safety."
The incident has sparked backlash from the Conservative Party, which is demanding Chiang be removed as a candidate.
Joe Tay could not be reached for comment, but he reshared a statement from fellow Conservative Michael Chong, who slammed Chiang’s remarks.
"This expression of support for the [Chinese government's] illegal and unjust bounty on a Canadian citizen is disturbing, particularly to the countless Canadians of Chinese descent who have been targeted and harassed by the communist regime," Chong wrote on X.
As the controversy grows, calls for Chiang to step down continue to mount, with many questioning whether the Liberals will take action against him.
