Carney Sidesteps China Forced Labor Questions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday sidestepped direct questions about forced labor in China, framing the issue as a global concern while acknowledging higher risks in parts of the country, amid fallout from controversial remarks by Liberal Member of Parliament Michael Ma.

Carney spoke to reporters in Toronto during an announcement on housing initiatives alongside Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. The questions followed Ma's appearance at a House of Commons industry committee hearing last Thursday, where the committee examined Canada's policies on electric vehicles. Ma questioned witness Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa, about her testimony that Chinese EVs incorporate components linked to forced labor involving Uyghur minorities in Xinjiang. Ma asked if she had personally witnessed such practices, appearing to cast doubt on the reports. He later clarified that his query focused on production in Shenzhen, not Xinjiang, and issued a public apology, recognizing the seriousness of forced labor issues.

Carney confirmed that Ma, who crossed the floor to join the Liberals, has apologized directly to...