GTA Liberal candidate apologizes for suggesting people claim China’s bounty on Conservative

A liberal candidate running for re-election on the battlefield GTA rides after it was suggested that people try to enjoy a Chinese bounty to local conservative candidates.

Markham-Unionville liberal candidate Paul Chiang suggested in a local Chinese media press conference in January that people should ask for a bounty for Joe Tay – currently running for the Conservative Party in Toronto.

“For everyone here, if you take him to the Chinese consulate in Toronto, you can ask for a million dollars in bounty,” Chag said.

Chiang did not deny comments and apologized in a social media post on Friday.

“The comments I made are pathetic about the seriousness of the matter and have made a thorough judgment on the seriousness of the matter,” former police officer Chiang wrote on X.

“I sincerely apologize and deeply regret my comment.”

Last December, Hong Kong police issued a bounty and arrest warrant for Tay – worth $1 million, about $184,000, and other advocates of Chinese democracy. Tay is the co-founder of the Hong Kong Station, a Canadian-based non-governmental organization.

The warrant is largely seen as targeting the Hong Kong government of foreign vocal critics. At the time, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the bounty.

“Hong Kong authorities attempted to carry out transnational repression abroad, including threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or Canada, will not be tolerated,” she said in a statement in December.

TADC co-chair Cheuk Kwan called Chiang’s comments “shocking”.

“Mr. Qi’an publicly encourages people to assist in China’s intervention and transnational repression,” Guan said in a statement. “Instead of protecting Canadians, he betrayed them and endangered their safety.”

Conservatives call on liberals to give up their ambitions

Taiyi cannot be contacted. But he reposted a social media statement from conservative Michael Chong, who called Chiang’s comments “outrageous”.

“This expression of support [Chinese government’s] The illegal and unjust bounty on Canadian citizens is disturbing, especially for countless Canadians of Chinese descent who are targeted and harassed by the Communist regime,” Chong wrote on X.

Chong called on the Liberal Party to revoke Chiang’s candidate.

CBC News commented on Freedom Event, but has not received a response.