Statement on Paul Chiang Stepping Down Amid Foreign Interference Concerns
Ottawa, ON – Today, Liberal MP Paul Chiang stepped down and announced that he will not be running in the ongoing federal elections. Despite these steps taken, Mr. Chiang’s actions underscore serious and ongoing concerns regarding foreign interference and ethical misconduct within Canadian politics and democratic processes. Chiang’s alleged ties to the National Congress of Chinese Canadians (NCCC), an organization with connections to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) United Front, have raised significant national security and ethical questions. Dropping out of the upcoming federal elections, while necessary, does not absolve the Liberal Party of Canada from addressing the systemic vulnerabilities that allowed him to remain in office for so long.
Beyond his concerning affiliations, Chiang’s recent remarks regarding Conservative candidate Joe Tay were deeply alarming. Reports indicate that his remarks suggested that Conservative candidate Joe Tay be delivered to the Chinese Consulate in Toronto to collect a bounty placed on him by Beijing’s national security police under Hong Kong’s controversial National Security Law. Such rhetoric not only endangered Joe Tay’s safety but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the security of political opponents. This situation highlights the urgent need for expanded investigative powers to identify and counteract individuals or organizations covertly serving foreign state actors.
Over 40 Hong Kong diaspora organizations and numerous human rights advocacy groups have called for a firm response from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Mr. Chiang’s statements and actions, aligned with the CCP’s transnational repression tactics, warrant further investigation under Section 20 of the “Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act,” passed in 2024. Furthermore, Mr. Chiang’s remarks could also constitute a criminal offense and should be subject to investigation by Canadian law enforcement as his actions may align with the legal definition of counseling an indictable offense, specifically kidnapping, as outlined in Section 464 of the Criminal Code.
URAP’s Executive Director, Mehmet Tohti, has strongly condemned Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s support for Chiang’s candidacy, stating that “his nomination sent the wrong message to China and diaspora communities, undermining our collective efforts to combat transnational repression. For all political parties, even if it is not a distraction, it is a matter of principle.”
While Chiang's stepping down is a step in the right direction, it does not negate the responsibility of all political parties to take concrete action against foreign influence within its ranks. There is an urgent need for all political parties in Canada to take transnational repression, foreign interference, and hostile influence seriously. Safeguarding our democratic institutions must be a shared priority. The integrity of our political system starts with the nomination process. Rigorous due diligence, comprehensive background checks, and strong quality controls are essential to ensuring that those seeking public office do so in service of Canada’s interests alone. Canadians expect transparency and accountability, and there can be no room for divided loyalties or foreign influence in our electoral process.
All party leaders also bear the responsibility of exercising careful judgment in selecting their advisors. This is not merely an election issue. This is a fundamental matter of principle, central to protecting Canada’s democracy and sovereignty. Political leadership must align with the expectations of Canadians, who are resolute in their demand for vigilance against transnational repression and foreign interference.
Canadians deserve leaders who prioritize national security, uphold democratic values, and engage in ethical conduct. Failure to implement stronger safeguards will further erode public confidence in the government's commitment to combating foreign interference and protecting the integrity of Canada’s democratic institutions.
Media Contact
Mehmet Tohti
Executive Director, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP)
mehmet@urap.ca - 613-261- 8512