【评论】卡尼必须放下过去：应即时取消蒋振宇资格

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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【评论】卡尼必须放下过去：应即时取消蒋振宇资格

以下为英文原文中译摘录：

自由党万锦—于人村选区现任国会议员蒋振宇(Paul Chiang)，近日被媒体揭发涉嫌发表言论，指称其保守党对手郑敬基(Joe Tay)可以被带去中国驻多伦多总领馆以换取悬红。事件曝光后，迅即在加拿大社会引起广泛争议与忧虑。

即使此言论属开玩笑，其性质亦极为不当，令人质疑一位现任国会议员，怎可作出对民主制度及公众信任带来严重伤害后果的行为。

面对争议，自由党党魁卡尼(Mark Carney)选择让蒋振宇继续参选。他承认蒋言论不当，但强调对方已公开道歉，应获得改过自新的机会。他表示“蒋犯了错，但他愿意承认，我信每个人都应该有机会改过。”

对此，我并不认同卡尼的决定。蒋振宇的言论并非单纯失言，而是触及民主与法治底线。即使其后撤回，影响已很深远，破坏了市民对选举公正性及制度诚信的信心。

卡尼选择保留蒋振宇作为自由党推荐候选人，无异于释出错误讯号——即使行为不当，亦未必会有实际后果。这种做法恐令类似行为未来变得更难惩治，甚至予人感觉自由党为选举利益可放下原则与标准。

作为一位经验丰富、聪明干练的政坛人物，卡尼必然明白此事严重性。他此举引起质疑：究竟他是选择维护政党忠诚与选举利益，还是坚守诚信与责任？

卡尼曾被视为自由党的改革希望，甚至与前总理马田相提并论，但他处理蒋振宇事件的方式，正正动摇了这个形象。若要证明自己与过去十年自由党有所不同，卡尼必须展现果断与道德勇气。

自由党领导层是否真正意识到人们对外国干涉我们民主进程的指控在日益增长的担忧。加拿大人理所当然地要求透明度、问责制和将民主诚信置于党派政治之上的领导力。

卡尼若真心代表“新自由党”路线，就必须重新审视蒋振宇资格，必要时应果断取消其参选资格。

加拿大人值得拥有有原则、有担当的领导人。

（加通社图片）T01