Canadian MP Michael Ma Faces Backlash Over Comments on China Forced Labor Evidence

• •MP Michael Ma faced backlash for questioning the validity of forced labor evidence in China.
• •His remarks were perceived as dismissive of human rights abuses against Uyghurs.
• •The Chinese Embassy denied allegations of forced labor, calling them lies.

On March 26, 2026, Canadian MP Michael Ma dismissed evidence of forced labor in China's electric vehicle industry during a House of Commons committee hearing, questioning the credibility of the testimony provided by expert Margaret McCuaig-Johnston. His insistence on firsthand evidence led to accusations of downplaying human rights abuses against Uyghurs. Critics, including the Hong Kong–Canada Alliance, condemned his remarks as harmful to Canadian values. Following backlash, Ma issued an apology, clarifying that his comments referred to Shenzhen and not Xinjiang, where forced labor allegations are prevalent. The Chinese Embassy in Canada responded by denying the allegations and labeling them as lies. Calls for Prime Minister Mark Carney to clarify Canada's stance on forced labor have intensified among Conservative MPs. The incident has sparked significant media coverage and political debate regarding Canada's trade relations with China.