The liberal candidate GTA apologizes for having suggested to people to claim China’s generosity in conservative

A liberal candidate in the running for the re -election in a battlefield GTA is apologizing after suggesting the people to try to claim a Chinese generosity about a local conservative candidate.

Paul Chiang-The liberal candidate for Markham-Unionville-he suggested during a local media conference in local Chinese in January that people should claim generosity about Joe Tay-Attemploymentally running for the conservatives in the guide of Don Valley.

“For everyone here, you can claim the generosity from one million dollars if you take it to the Chinese consulate in Toronto,” said Chiang, according to the Toronto Association for Democracy in China (Tadc).

Chiang has not denied comment and issued excuses in a post on social media on Friday.

“The comments I made were deplorable and a complete sphere of judgment on the gravity of the matter,” wrote Chiang, a former police officer, on X.

“I apologize sincerely and I deeply potted my comments.”

In December, the Hong Kong police published a wealthy and arrest for Tay – for a value of $ 1 million HK, about $ 184,000 – and other supporters of Chinese democracy. Tay is co-founder of the Ngo ongkonger station based in Canada.

Warrant are largely seen as the Hong Kong government which aims at vocal critics based abroad. At the time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly denounced the gifts.

“This attempt by the Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, also issuing threats, intimidation or coercions against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated,” he said in a note in December.

Cheuk Kwan, TADC co -resident, called “shocking” Chiang comments.

“Mr. Chiang has openly encouraged people to help interference and transnational repression in China,” Kwan said in a note. “Rather than protecting the Canadians, he betrayed them and endangered their security.”

Conservatives invite the liberals to drop Chiang

Tay could not be reached for a comment. But he republished a declaration on social media of the conservative colleague Michael Chong, who defined Chiang’s comments “outrageous”.

“This expression of support for the illegal and unjust generosity of the Chinese government on a Canadian citizen is disturbing, in particular for the countless Canadians of Chinese origin who have been targeted and harassed by the communist regime”, wrote Chong on X.

Chong invited the liberals to revoke Chiang’s candidacy.

CBC News contacted the liberal campaign for a comment, but has not yet received an answer.