Liberal Member of Parliament Michael Ma is encountering backlash for downplaying serious allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang, China. This criticism arose during a recent committee hearing where the industry committee is reviewing Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) policies.
Criticism Amid Electric Vehicle Policy Review
The Canadian government has proposed accepting certain Chinese electric vehicles at a lower tariff rate. This initiative appears to be part of a negotiation to reduce Chinese tariffs on Canadian goods like canola. However, this proposal has drawn criticism, particularly from the Conservative party, which argues that Canada should not strengthen ties with China.
Questioning Witness on Forced Labor
During the committee session, Ma questioned academic Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa and an expert on China. His line of questioning aimed to challenge the credibility of reports on forced labor in Xinjiang.
- Ma asked if McCuaig-Johnston had personally observed forced labor.
- He inquired about her advanced degrees, which do not include cybersecurity.
- McCuaig-Johnston mentioned her collaboration with Human Rights Watch, where investigators have indeed observed such practices.
In a moment of tension, Ma pressed her on whether her knowledge stemmed from personal experience or hearsay. McCuaig-Johnston affirmed her expertise, noting her extensive travel to China since 1979.
Allegations Confirmed by Parliament and International Bodies
In 2021, Canada’s Parliament passed a motion classifying China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims as “genocide,” receiving support from various opposition parties and some Liberals. The U.K., U.S., and Netherlands have made similar declarations regarding human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Furthermore, in 2023, United Nations experts reiterated their concerns about continued reports of forced labor affecting minority groups in Xinjiang. This mounting evidence continues to draw attention from Canadian politicians.
Political Reactions and Calls for Clarification
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong expressed the need for the Liberal government to clarify its stance on these allegations. He criticized Ma’s questions as troubling and emphasized that the reality of forced labor against the Uyghurs is well-established.
In response to Ma’s questioning, NDP MP Jenny Kwan criticized him, suggesting he is either misinformed or ignoring the facts surrounding human rights violations in China.
Parliamentary and Public Accountability
Outside the committee, when asked if he believes forced labor exists in China, Ma stated, “I believe there is forced labor around the world,” but did not specifically acknowledge the situation in China. His refusal to engage further on the issue has raised questions about his understanding of international human rights.
Following the hearing, McCuaig-Johnston described Ma’s questioning as misguided. She stressed the government’s own robust measures regarding forced labor and offered him a copy of the Human Rights Watch report, to which he expressed skepticism.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion on Canada’s relationship with China and its ongoing commitment to addressing human rights violations.
