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Carney Praises Ma at Fundraiser After Forced‑Labour Query Backlash

The response signals a cautious approach to China ties under growing human‑rights scrutiny.

Prime Minister Mark Carney makes an announcement regarding housing and affordability at a new condo development in Toronto on Monday, March 30, 2026.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney is navigating the fallout from comments made by new Liberal MP Michael Ma, who last week cast doubt on reports of forced labour in China.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, shakes hands with Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville, at the Liberal caucus holiday party in Ottawa, on Dec. 11.

Overview

  • Video obtained Tuesday shows Prime Minister Mark Carney telling a closed fundraiser Monday night that Michael Ma represents Liberal values after Ma’s combative committee exchange on Chinese forced labour.
  • Pressed by reporters earlier Monday, Carney said Ma had apologized and would remain in the Liberal caucus, and he framed forced labour as a global problem with higher‑risk regions in China.
  • The witness Ma questioned, Margaret McCuaig‑Johnston, said she has not received a direct apology even as Ma clarified that he was asking about Shenzhen, a major auto hub, rather than Xinjiang.
  • Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne heads to China this week to raise supply‑chain integrity as Ottawa proceeds with a deal to allow up to 49,000 Chinese‑made electric vehicles at a lower tariff.
  • Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Canada to condemn Uyghur forced labour and strengthen enforcement of import bans, citing UN findings and a new U.S. review that could lead to tariffs on trading partners.