Bounty on CPC candidate is on election threat monitor radar, say watchdogs
While the bounty placed on CPC Candidate Joe Tay is on the radar of Canada's election security watchdog, comments by Liberal MP Paul Chiang urging he be turned over to Chinese authorities isn't
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OTTAWA — While comments by a Liberal MP are beyond the purview of Canada’s election threat watchdogs, they are looking at a bounty placed on a Conservative candidate by the Chinese government.
Speaking to reporters at a Monday morning press conference in Ottawa, members of Canada’s Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force said controversial comments made by Liberal candidate Paul Chiang — about turning electoral opponent Joe Tay over to Chinese officials for a reward — do not fall within the organization’s mandate.
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But the issue of the bounty placed on Tay’s head is indeed an open and active case.
“We’re aware of the comments made — the comments don’t fall under the mandate of the panel,” said Laurie-Anne Kempton, of the Privy Council Office, adding that SITE is indeed concerned about the situation.
“The bounty against the person is an example of transnational repression. The panel and SITE are monitoring as it relates to the bounty.”
During a Chinese-language press conference in January, the former York Regional Police sergeant told attendees they should claim the (HKD)$1-million bounty placed on Tay’s head by Beijing.
“To everyone here, you can claim the $1-million bounty if you bring him to Toronto’s Chinese Consulate,” Chiang reportedly said about Tay, known for his activism against China’s communist rule.
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Despite wide calls to boot Chiang from the Liberal ticket, Liberal Leader Mark Carney is standing behind his embattled candidate, insisting Chiang’s call to forcibly turn a Canadian citizen over to detention in a Chinese prison is just a “teachable moment.”
Chiang dismissed his comments as a joke, and issued an apology to Tay, who said the situation has left him feeling unsafe.
Overall, SITE has found no specific incidents that impact Canada’s ability to conduct a free and fair election, Kempston said.
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