Is the Communist Party of China influencing the Canadian-Chinese press? Journalist and paralegal Jonathan Fon joins Jesse for a discussion on the influence of Beijing.

After penning a critical piece about Liberal Cabinet MPP Michael Chan, 51.ca columnist Xin Feng started receiving death threats. Helen Wang was fired from her editorial post for the Chinese Canadian Post after publishing a critical piece by Jonathan Fon. Gao Bingchen was fired from his ten-year column at Global Chinese Press after expressing his views.

In 2010 2015, the Globe and Mail concluded a 10-month investigation that included details of CSIS director Richard Fadden’s public statement that two anonymous provincial Crown ministers were under the influence of foreign governments. Michael Chan is currently suing the Globe and Mail for libel. Chan was asked to comment for this podcast; his statements can be found below.

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Leblanc, Bryan (MCIIT) <[email protected]>

Date: Fri, Jun 24, 2016 at 2:38 PM

Subject: RE: FW: Request for comment from CANADALAND

To: Jesse Brown <[email protected]>

Mr. Brown –

“The following is a statement from Michael Chan:

“I have released several statements regarding my ongoing litigation with the Globe and Mail. I have attached them to this e-mail, and I have no further comment on that matter.

Your request mentioned the comments made by Jason Kenney that were reported in the Globe and Mail on June 8, 2016. Mr. Kenney’s comments related to things he claims to have witnessed at a Chinese cultural event are categorically false and completely untrue. The events he described simply did not occur.

As a Canadian, I support the press freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and believe they should be upheld and defended. However, freedom of the press does not equate to a license to defame.

I will have a specific response to Mr. Kenney’s comments in the near future.”

Let me know if you need anything else.

Cheers,

BCL

—

From: Jesse Brown <[email protected]>

Sent: June-24-16 1:50 PM

To: Leblanc, Bryan (MCIIT)

Subject: Re: FW: Request for comment from CANADALAND

Thanks for the response Bryan,

Please send me the most current versions of any statements that you feel would be relevant.

Best,

Jesse

On Fri, Jun 24, 2016 at 1:37 PM, Leblanc, Bryan (MCIIT) <[email protected]> wrote:

Mr. Brown –

Minister Chan is not available for an interview, but will provide a written response.

Do you have the statements and open letters that Minister Chan has issued in relation to hi ongoing litigation against the Globe and Mail? If not, I can forward them to you.

Cheers,

BCL

Bryan Leblanc

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade

Statements sent by Michael Chan’s representation:

Letter From Michael Chan June 17

Chan Statement June 22, 2015

Letter From Michael Chan to Peter MacKay

Chan Statement August 7 2015 FINAL

June 9

Craig Offman’s Globe and Mail piece, “The making of Michael Chan”

Nathan VanderKlippe & Craig Offman’s Globe and Mail piece, “Columnist’s firing at B.C.-based Chinese paper stirs press-freedom concerns”

Nathan VanderKlippe’s Globe and Mail piece, “China softens tone after minister’s angry outburst at Canadian journalist.”

Craig Offman’s Globe and Mail piece, “CSIS warned this cabinet minister could be a threat. Ontario disagreed”

Craig Offman’s Globe and Mail piece, “Chinese Canadian Post editor says she was fired over Chan critique“