Unpacking MP Michael Ma’s floor-crossing motives and Tim Hodgson’s ties to the United Front Work Department in Markham ridings.

By Bureau News

Go to The Bureau’s website here to view the discussion, summarized below.

In Brief by Probe International

Investigative journalist Sam Cooper and political columnist Brian Lilly explore the implications of former Conservative MP Michael Ma’s recent floor crossing to the Liberal Party and the influence of Chinese foreign interference.

Cooper highlights Ma’s connections within the Chinese community and his past aspirations to run for the Conservatives, which suggests a nuanced relationship with various political factions. Cooper references a Canadian Security Intelligence Service document indicating the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) strategically supports candidates across all major parties to hedge its bets, particularly in light of tensions surrounding Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, whose arrest on charges of fraud sparked a diplomatic storm.

The conversation delves into the role of the Jiangsu Chamber, a business group linked to the CCP’s United Front Work Department, and its connections to various political figures including Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, raising concerns about loyalty and influence in diaspora politics.

Both Lilly and Cooper agree on the dangers of increasing trade with China, citing historical examples of technology theft and market manipulation. They express skepticism about the viability of a Canadian trade pivot to China in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing the risks of economic dependency and security vulnerabilities, particularly regarding Chinese-made vehicles and technology.