【評論】卡尼必須放下過去：應即時取消蔣振宇資格

Carney Must Let Go of the Past: Disqualify Chiang Immediately

Opinion by Paul Rivett, STMG (Canada) Chair

Recent revelations regarding comments reportedly made by Liberal Member of Parliament Paul Chiang, the candidate for Markham–Unionville, have sparked intense controversy and concern among Canadians. According to media reports—and corroborated by Chiang’s own apology—he suggested that his Conservative opponent, Joe Tay, could be handed over to the Chinese consulate in exchange for a bounty.

If true, these comments are deeply troubling. Comments of this nature by a Canadian Member of Parliament, even if intended as humor, are inappropriate and damaging to public trust.

In response to the controversy surrounding Paul Chiang’s remarks, Liberal leader Mark Carney has decided to allow Chiang to remain on the ballot. Carney acknowledged that Chiang’s comments were inappropriate but emphasized that Chiang has apologized and learned from the incident. He stated, “Paul made a mistake, he has owned up to it, and I believe in giving people a chance to make amends.”

Carney’s judgment in this matter is questionable. While acknowledging one’s mistakes is important, the nature of Chiang’s comments—suggesting the handover of a political opponent to a foreign consulate—goes beyond a simple lapse in judgment. Such statements, even if
retracted, can have lasting implications for public trust and the perceived integrity of our democratic institutions.

By choosing to retain Chiang as a candidate, Carney risks signaling that such behavior, while regrettable, does not warrant significant consequences. This approach undermines efforts to deter similar conduct in the future and could be seen as prioritizing political expediency over the upholding of ethical standards.

Liberal leader Mark Carney, an experienced and intelligent politician, surely understands the gravity of such allegations and the damage they could inflict on public confidence. His response raises questions: Is Carney prioritizing political loyalty or election strategy over ethical accountability?

Carney’s continued support for Chiang sends the wrong message to voters. It could be interpreted as tacit acceptance or tolerance of serious misconduct. While Carney has positioned himself as a fresh voice and a potential agent of change for the Liberal Party—drawing comparisons to respected past leaders like Paul Martin—his handling of this controversy could significantly undermine that perception.

This incident also prompts broader concerns about whether the Liberal leadership truly appreciates growing anxiety about allegations of foreign interference in our democratic processes. Canadians rightly demand transparency, accountability, and leadership that places democratic integrity above partisan politics.

If Mark Carney genuinely wants to demonstrate that he represents a new chapter for the Liberal Party—one that is principled, transparent, and accountable—he should immediately review Chiang’s candidacy and, disqualify him.

Carney faces a clear choice: uphold the high ethical standards expected by Canadian voters, or risk appearing indifferent to serious ethical and political concerns in pursuit of victory at any cost. Canadians deserve better.

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【評論】卡尼必須放下過去：應即時取消蔣振宇資格

以下為英文原文中譯摘錄：

自由黨萬錦—於人村選區現任國會議員蔣振宇(Paul Chiang)，近日被媒體揭發涉嫌發表言論，指稱其保守黨對手鄭敬基(Joe Tay)可以被帶去中國駐多倫多總領館以換取懸紅。事件曝光後，迅即在加拿大社會引起廣泛爭議與憂慮。

即使此言論屬開玩笑，其性質亦極為不當，令人質疑一位現任國會議員，怎可作出對民主制度及公眾信任帶來嚴重傷害後果的行為。

面對爭議，自由黨黨魁卡尼(Mark Carney)選擇讓蔣振宇繼續參選。他承認蔣言論不當，但強調對方已公開道歉，應獲得改過自新的機會。他表示「蔣犯了錯，但他願意承認，我信每個人都應該有機會改過。」

對此，我並不認同卡尼的決定。蔣振宇的言論並非單純失言，而是觸及民主與法治底線。即使其後撤回，影響已很深遠，破壞了市民對選舉公正性及制度誠信的信心。

卡尼選擇保留蔣振宇作為自由黨推薦候選人，無異於釋出錯誤訊號——即使行為不當，亦未必會有實際後果。這種做法恐令類似行為未來變得更難懲治，甚至予人感覺自由黨為選舉利益可放下原則與標準。

作為一位經驗豐富、聰明幹練的政壇人物，卡尼必然明白此事嚴重性。他此舉引起質疑：究竟他是選擇維護政黨忠誠與選舉利益，還是堅守誠信與責任？

卡尼曾被視為自由黨的改革希望，甚至與前總理馬田相提並論，但他處理蔣振宇事件的方式，正正動搖了這個形象。若要證明自己與過去十年自由黨有所不同，卡尼必須展現果斷與道德勇氣。

自由黨領導層是否真正意識到人們對外國干涉我們民主進程的指控在日益增長的擔憂。加拿大人理所當然地要求透明度、問責制和將民主誠信置於黨派政治之上的領導力。

卡尼若真心代表「新自由黨」路線，就必須重新審視蔣振宇資格，必要時應果斷取消其參選資格。

加拿大人值得擁有有原則、有擔當的領導人。

（加通社圖片）T01