Hong Kong Watch, a prominent human rights organization, has urged the RCMP to investigate Liberal candidate Paul Chiang over remarks the group alleges may constitute foreign interference in Canada’s federal election, set for April 28.
In an open letter to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, dated Monday, the group pointed to comments Chiang reportedly made at a Chinese-language news conference in January.
According to media reports, the Markham-Unionville incumbent encouraged attendees to turn Conservative candidate Joe Tay over to the Chinese consulate in Toronto to claim a $1-million bounty placed on Tay by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“To everyone here, you can claim the one million dollar bounty if you bring (Joe Tay) to Toronto’s Chinese Consulate,” Chiang is quoted as saying. He has not denied the statement.
Hong Kong Watch called the remarks a “concerning development,” arguing they suggest a parliamentarian incited the abduction of a political rival for delivery to a foreign government with a history of detaining Canadians unjustly.
“This call for a Canadian citizen to be delivered to the PRC Consulate in Toronto in return for a bounty should be disqualifying for political office,” the letter stated.
The organization asserted that Chiang’s conduct may violate Canadian law, specifically citing Section 464 of the Criminal Code, which addresses counselling to commit kidnapping — an indictable offence. It also referenced Section 20 of the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act, enacted last year, which prohibits intimidation or threats benefiting a foreign entity.
“It is without question that the intimidation and threats are for the benefit of a foreign entity, namely the authoritarian Communist Party government in Beijing,” the letter said.
Tay, a Hong Kong dissident who fled to Canada, is wanted by Beijing-controlled Hong Kong police under the 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law for his pro-democracy advocacy. The law claims extraterritorial reach, targeting actions like free speech exercised on Canadian soil.
Hong Kong Watch argued Chiang’s comments were an attempt to “intimidate Mr. Tay and his supporters and to silence him during an election,” backed by “implicit threats of violence and an illegitimate reward."
The group emphasized the broader implications, stating, “The PRC uses these fear tactics to send a chilling signal to the entire diaspora in order to force compliance and acquiescence to their extraterritorial goals.”
It urged the RCMP to launch an immediate investigation, warning that failure to act risks undermining confidence in Canada’s ability to counter foreign interference as the election nears.
“With Canadians preparing to vote on April 28, you must provide reassurance that the RCMP is capable of countering foreign interference,” the letter concluded.
“After years of revelations of Beijing’s interference in our democracy, it is long past time for Canada to take action.
The controversy unfolds as energy, economic policy, and now foreign interference take centre stage in the election campaign.
Carney called Chiang's comments "deeply offensive" and a "terrible lapse in judgment" but decided to keep him as a candidate. He described the situation as a "teachable moment," highlighting Chiang's long service as a police officer and his apologies to both Carney and Tay.
In the lead-up to the controversy, evidence of Chinese election interference in Canada had been mounting. Reports from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) indicated that China interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, aiming to support candidates perceived as favourable to Beijing’s interests while undermining others, particularly Conservatives critical of China.
This interference included disinformation campaigns on Chinese-language media, such as WeChat, and alleged financial support through proxies, with claims of funds (around $250,000) funnelled to candidates in 2019.
A notable case involved the targeting of Conservative MP Kenny Chiu in 2021, whose defeat was linked to a Beijing-orchestrated campaign. Despite these efforts, a May 2024 inquiry concluded that the interference did not alter the overall election outcomes, both won by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.
Tensions escalated with accusations of inadequate government response.
Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday said Chaig will remain as the party candidate.