EZRA LEVANT | Sam Cooper exposes Liberal MP Michael Ma’s ties to Chinese influence network

Summary

Rebel News Podcast — Summary

Episode: EZRA LEVANT | Sam Cooper exposes Liberal MP Michael Ma’s ties to Chinese influence network

Date: April 4, 2026
Host: Ezra Levant
Guests: Sam Cooper (The Bureau News), Liberal Party representatives, other commentators

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Episode Overview

This episode delves into alleged Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interference in Canadian politics, focusing particularly on Liberal MP Michael Ma's recent conduct in Parliament and his associations. Host Ezra Levant interviews investigative journalist Sam Cooper, exploring the influence network operating in Canada, reactions to Ma's dismissal of forced labor in China, and broader risks posed by CCP activities—including economic and cultural infiltration.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Michael Ma’s Controversial Committee Performance

• Forced Labor Dismissal: Michael Ma, now a Liberal MP, questioned and cast doubt on the credibility of a witness warning about forced labor in China during a parliamentary committee.
  • Quote: “He was browbeating the witness who said that she herself didn’t put eyes on it, but her staff did... Michael Ma clearly has other bosses in mind.” — Ezra Levant (05:29)
• Liberal Party Response: Despite backlash, the Liberal Party doubled down, with Mark Carney publicly praising Ma and reaffirming his position within the caucus.
  • Quote: “[Ma] has apologized for his comments and directly recognized the seriousness of the issue. Continues to be a member of our caucus and I'll continue to work with him.” — Mark Carney (01:51)
  • Quote: “We’ve been so glad to welcome you and work with you.” — Mark Carney to Michael Ma (06:54)

2. Sam Cooper’s Investigation: Ma’s Connections and Influence Operations

• Background on Ma:
  • Represented a riding deeply affected by alleged CCP interference in recent elections. (07:54)
  • Former director of the “Chinese Canadian Conservative Association,” linked by Jamestown Foundation to Beijing’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), which coordinates foreign influence globally.
  • Repeated appearances at events with individuals under CSIS/RCMP scrutiny for alleged foreign agent activity. (09:45)
• Influence Tactics:
  • Ma’s involvement in groups attacking Conservative leaders for being “anti-China.” Both the Liberals and Conservatives have been targeted, with pressure applied to mute criticism of the CCP, regardless of which party is in power.
  • Quote: “The United Front Work Department… want to have representatives that can pressure foreign democratic governments no matter which party is in power.” — Sam Cooper (12:07)
• Chinese State Media Reaction:
  • Chinese outlets amplified and celebrated Ma’s performance at the committee; targeted and discredited witness Margaret McQuaig Johnston, labeling her an “anti-China pawn.” (09:45)
  • Implication: Ma’s actions may intentionally or unwittingly serve foreign propaganda interests.

3. Broader CCP Influence in Canada

• Entryism:
  • Ezra describes the use of political organizations as “entryism,” likening involvement by pro-CCP actors across parties to sleeper cell tactics. (13:51)
  • Both hosts stress the lack of hard evidence of illegality but agree Canadian security agencies are likely monitoring.
• Falun Gong Incident:
  • Recent artistic performance (Shen Yun) associated with Chinese dissident group Falun Gong canceled after bomb threats, a pattern internationally attributed to CCP-linked agents or sympathizers attempting to suppress dissent. (15:26)
  • Quote: “This is a well-known tactic of the Chinese Communist Party…” — Sam Cooper (15:26)

4. Chinese Electric Vehicles: Economic and Security Risks

• US-Canada Auto Trade Tensions:
  • US refuses to allow Chinese EV imports routed through Canada, citing economic undercutting and deep security vulnerabilities.
  • Quote: “Those cars can come in from China, come into Canada; they’re not going to cross the border into the US… it’s a great gobbler of data.” — US Ambassador/Industry Expert (17:33)
• Data Collection Concerns:
  • Canadian auto and intelligence experts warn that Chinese EVs are “spy vehicles” due to embedded technology capable of mass data collection.
  • Quote: “It’s not only a spy vehicle concern, but it’s concern that you, Mark Carney, could be burning up our trade agreement with the United States if he lets those spy vehicles… into our supply chain. It’s a suicidal trade deal, I believe.” — Sam Cooper (20:52)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the seriousness of foreign interference:
  • “I think it is universally acknowledged that there is forced labor and child labor in China. I actually don’t think there’s any credible observers who dispute that. But Michael Ma clearly has other bosses in mind.” — Ezra Levant (05:29)
• On bipartisan infiltration:
  • “They want to have people on the conservative side too, obviously… that’s a little bit shocking to me, but it makes complete sense.” — Ezra Levant (12:31)
• On CCP tactics abroad:
  • “Fake bomb threats… to disrupt critics of the Chinese Communist Party; this is a well-known tactic.” — Sam Cooper (15:26)
• On security risks of Chinese EVs:
  • “Imagine China going around North America capturing more information through spy vehicles about where our leaders might be living.” — Sam Cooper (20:52)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:49–02:20: Mark Carney’s and party response to Michael Ma’s forced labor remarks
• 04:27–05:29: Ma’s committee questioning and Ezra’s commentary
• 07:54–10:42: Sam Cooper details Ma’s associations and the United Front Work Department
• 12:07–13:51: Discussion of United Front’s tactics to infiltrate both Conservative and Liberal parties
• 15:26: Bomb threats against Falun Gong-related events; CCP harassment in Canada
• 17:33–20:49: US Ambassador/Industry expert on Chinese electric vehicles
• 20:52–21:49: Cooper on the dual threat of Chinese EVs to economic and national security

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Tone & Language

The episode maintains a skeptical, investigative tone, with urgent warnings about Canadian sovereignty, political interference, and the dangers of complacency toward CCP activities. Both Levant and Cooper mix pointed criticism, fact-based investigative reporting, and occasional speculation—directed at both the Canadian government and the broader public’s need for awareness.

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Summary Conclusion

This episode presents a comprehensive and critical look at foreign interference in Canada, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, through the lens of Michael Ma’s recent conduct and long-term networks. It highlights the dangers posed to Canadian democracy, sovereignty, and security—not only through direct political involvement but also via economic (auto industry) and cultural (disruption of dissident groups) vectors. Listeners are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed, turning to independent investigative sources for ongoing reporting on these sensitive issues.

Transcript

[Ezra Vance]

Tonight, a talk with Sam Cooper about China's infiltration of Mark Carney's government. It's April 3rd and this is the Ezra Vance Show. Shame on you, you censorious. Oh, hi everybody and happy Good Friday to you. Today, a special long form interview with Sam Cooper. I think he's Canada's leading journalist on the infiltration of Canadian society by foreign interests, in particular Iran and in today's case, the Chinese Communist Party. So sit back and enjoy a conversation with Canada's leading investigative journalist on this file.

[Interviewer/Host]

What consequences, if any, will Michael Ma face for his dismissal of forced labor in China?

[Mark Carney or Liberal Party Representative]

Well, thanks for the question. The first thing is that Mr. Ma has apologized for his comments, as he should have. He's recognized the seriousness of the issue in that, in that apology. So the first is to recognize up front the seriousness of the issue. He does is apologize. He apologized directly to Ms. McQuaig Johnson as well. But then more broadly about the issue. First point. Second is that, look, we take this issue of forced labor, child labor, incredibly seriously. Canada has the most rigorous set of engagements on the issue.

[Interviewer/Host]

Anyone who watched that clip and committee saw his scrum with CBC after saw one version of his comments and then he released a statement. How is the public supposed to believe that statement is at all genuine? And are you still attending the fundraiser with him this evening?

[Mark Carney or Liberal Party Representative]

Two things. First is Mr. Ma has, has apologized for his comments and directly and unequivocally recognized the seriousness of the issue. Continues to be a member of our caucus and I'll continue to work with him, including in the issue that you referenced in the second part of your question. This is a government event, though, so I don't want to speak about party specific things around fundraising.

[Ezra Vance]

Interference in our elections by the Chinese Communist Party has been happening for years. CSIS has rung the alarm on it, but because the interference seemed to support the incumbent Liberal government, first under Justin Trudeau and then again under Mark Carney, there never really was a disclosure of all the facts, let alone anyone doing anything about it. There were 11 electoral ridings that were initially named. It wouldn't surprise me if there were more. And it was very dramatic. It wasn't just things like, oh, busing in foreign nationals to vote in a Liberal Party nomination. It was threats. You might recall in the Greater Toronto area. There was an actual threat by the Liberal candidate saying there was a bounty on his Conservative Party opponent. And again, this isn't really about Liberal or Conservative. It's about the Chinese Communist Party wanting to have pro Chinese assets in Canada and frankly, Mark Carney looking the other way. Well, this accelerated recently with when a Conservative candidate who ran in the last election under the Conservative banner, which includes a bundle of policy ideas like being skeptical and critical of human rights violations in China, Michael Ma defected to Mark Carney's Liberals and was rewarded immediately thereafter by traveling with Mark Carney to China and being prominently featured. This would have been an amazing feeling of importance and satisfaction for Michael Ma that trip. You might recall, Mark Carney announced Canada's pivot towards China and a new world order. But just a few days ago, Michael Ma was in parliamentary committee and he was asking questions of an NGO that was ringing the alarm about child labor in China, which is actually not a rare thing. And Michael Ma just couldn't help himself. He wanted to put on a good show. I don't know, was it for Mark Carney or was it for Xi Jinping or for both? Take a look at how he grilled this woman who was worried about child labor and denied it. Take a look.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

Do you have an advanced degree in technology and cybersecurity? Yes or no?

[Ezra Vance]

No, but I have spent seven years.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

I need to get short answers, please. The other one is you belong to the China Strategic Risk Institute. So does this institute specifically look for risks when there isn't one? Yes or no?

[Ezra Vance]

No.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

So why is it a risk institute?

[Ezra Vance]

Because it analyzes risks that are obviously there.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

Thank you. So the last question then is you claim about forced labor in Shenzhen. Have you witnessed this yourself? Have you been there ever?

[Ezra Vance]

I've been to China many times.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

Have you witnessed, since 1979, have you witnessed any force that. Just a short answer. Have you witnessed forced labor in Shenzhen, yes or no? So did you get that from here?

[Ezra Vance]

Human Rights Watch, where researchers did witness it.

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

So thank you.

[Ezra Vance]

Just incredible. He was brow beating the witness who said that she herself didn't put eyes on it, but her staff did. I think it is universally acknowledged that there is forced labor and child labor in China. I actually don't think there's any credible observers who dispute that. But Michael Ma clearly has other bosses in mind. What was interesting as I mentioned is that Michael Ma is the new star in the Liberal Party. And just the other day there was a gala fundraiser featuring him and Mark Carney. And many people wanted where they were wondering, would Mark Carney actually show up given that Michael Ma had revealed his true colors? Well, the answer was yes. Well, with high praise. Take a look at Mark Carney praising Michael Ma despite that display we just saw. Take a Look. Or maybe because of it. Take a look.

[Mark Carney or Liberal Party Representative]

Michael joined our caucus in a room. It was a Liberal holiday party. Wasn't that smaller than this, actually,

[Questioning Politician or Committee Member]

but

[Mark Carney or Liberal Party Representative]

he joined our caucus in December. And he joined as he said he was guided by the values of building up others, delivering results. These results oriented individual and choosing a path that creates opportunities for Canadians. These are fundamental liberal values, fundamental Canadian values. And that's why Michael Ma has found

[Industry Expert or Commentator]

a home in our party.

[Mark Carney or Liberal Party Representative]

And we've been so glad to welcome

[Sam Cooper]

you and work with you.

[Ezra Vance]

Well, you can see that the Liberal Party is closing ranks. I think part of it is they actually believe in their pivot towards China and the New World Order. And part of it is liberals never apologize and never explain. Well, someone who does a lot of explaining and a lot of research is our guest today. We've had him on many times, even though his time is so valuable. I see him on so many shows as the resident expert on China. We're so grateful that he makes time for us from time to time. His name is Sam Cooper. He's with the Bureau News. In fact, he founded it himself. And I think he's one of Canada's leading citizen journalists when it comes to foreign interference, not just from the Chinese Communist Party, but from Iran and other hostile entities. Sam, what a pleasure. I'm always so cognizant of the fact that your time is limited. So let's jump right in. Welcome back. Tell me what Canadians should know about Michael Ma and this incident, which we sort of shown in several parts.

[Sam Cooper]

The incident is shocking and I think the value of it is all Canadians can see there's something very wrong happening there. But, Ezra, I've done a lot of reporting at the Bureau News on the context leading up to that event. Michael Ma comes from a writing which was subject to deep interference from China in recent elections. It would be hard to explain how much was going on there, but something I've added to the body of reporting is that Michael Ma was part of a body called the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association. This is according to the Jamestown Foundation, a highly respected American think tank, one of 575 entities connected to Beijing's foreign interference arm, which is called the United Front Work Department. Ezra, the context of Michael Ma being listed as a director of that association is very telling when we look at that video, which I'll explain in a minute. But that association, of which Ma was a director, has attacked the past two Conservative leaders, Pierre Poliev and Ern o', Toole, for being anti China, supposedly so What I'm suggesting is Michael Ma was already part of a group that a well known think tank connects to. Beijing's foreign interference comes from a riding deeply impacted by foreign interference. We're not aware of any illegal activities from Mr. Ma, but I see him repeatedly in meetings with people in Markham, Ontario, which I assert are, are known to CSIS and the RCMP as alleged Chinese agents. So this looks suspicious. And then we have this clip where he's acting, essentially it looks like he's defense counsel for the government of China saying nothing to see here. Whereas you say, Ezra, all decent people can read the reports from Human Rights Watch and other entities that say there is forced labor and it will make it into our electric vehicle supply. So. So he's attacking the credibility of a well known Canadian witness. He's acting, it seems, like a defender of China. And Ezra, I looked at the Chinese state media the day after. They were not only amplifying and celebrating Michael Ma's performance, but they pulled out their dossier on the Canadian witness, Margaret McQuaig Johnston, saying she had been a friend of China, a researcher in years past. Now she was quote, an anti China pawn. They attacked her. And this makes me think, look, was Michael Ma in any way adding propaganda to help Beijing? Could there even have been behind the scenes arrangements? These are questions that I think need to be answered and I believe they're being studied by csis. I have to believe that.

[Ezra Vance]

Well, I sure hope so. You know, we know that some of the different political activists, including MPs have met with the Chinese consulate, which, you know, it just, I'm guessing they're a little more careful now. I used to know a senior RCMP officer who was in charge of the Russian embassy. And one of the things they did is document every single person going in and coming out of the embassy. And I've got to hope that, that they have a list of Liberal or Conservative MPs and senators who are going in and out. Although these days, who knows, maybe it's just being done by some encrypted app. Now I want to come back to something. I know there was a little detail you said that I just heard for a second and then you moved on. The name of this Chinese influenced group in which Michael Ma is a director, that's the conservative business. What was the name of it again?

[Sam Cooper]

The Chinese Conservative association of Canada.

[Ezra Vance]

So let me just ask you, is that entire organization's purpose set up to enter into the conservative side? If it's got the word conservative in it, was the Whole purpose to get pro ccp, pro Chinese Communist Party people in the conservatives, not just in the liberals. Is that why it's called conservative or is there another reason it's called conservative?

[Sam Cooper]

In a nutshell, that's the answer at the Jamestown foundation. People can go to that entity and read their deep report. They can go to the bureau where I have unpacked it and how they explain it. Ezra is the United Front work department is working of course for the Chinese Communist Party. But they want to have representatives that can pressure foreign democratic governments no matter which party is in power.

[Ezra Vance]

Wow. So they are covering both. I mean, very smart long term strategy. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Of course, Justin Trudeau and Mark New World Order Liberals are pro Beijing, but they wanna have people on the conservative side too, obviously, is what you're saying that's a little bit shocking to me, but it makes complete sense. Do we know if the Conservative Party has adjusted their stance towards this group? Because if it is where the Michael Mahs of the world are coming from. Have they sort of put up a wall to keep out people from this pressure group?

[Sam Cooper]

That's a great question, Ezra. Let me explain it by saying people can go to the National Post, they can go to the Bureau and read about the activities of this Chinese Conservative Canadian association and they can see After Aaron O' Toole lost the 2021 election, this very same association held a press conference in Markham and said that Aaron o' Toole should step down to he lost for being anti China. As I've reported on the bureau, they did the same pressure tactic on Poliev after he lost. So you can see how they're doing a pincher movement on the conservatives for being critical of China. And that's the whole story. China does not like critics in foreign governments.

[Ezra Vance]

Right. You know, there's a word for this, I think, entryism. Entryism, where they just sort of walk right in and say, oh, I'm a Conservative Party activist and. And then it's almost like a sleeper cell. Now, as you say, we don't have evidence of criminality. But I agree with you. I'm sure CSIS and RCMP are on it. How much they're allowed to say publicly is partly a political question too, of course. Now let me just mention one more thing in passing. There's this concert, a touring operatic concert that supporters of the Falun Gong participate in. Falun Gong is a Chinese spiritual movement. The Chinese Communists call it a cult and it's been banned in China because It's really not under the control of the Communist Party. And one of the things they do is put on this beautiful opera in Chinese language, but it has some anti CCP overtones. I've been to their concert in Toronto probably three times. It's, it's just artistic. It's opera and singing and ballet and this year, and it's a very prominent event, it's a black tie kind of event and it just has a subtle freedom message. That's my take on it. This year it was false alarms and fire alarms and the whole thing was canceled. I mean, we don't know who did it, but it sure feels like the Chinese government or some of their agents are interfering in the lives of Falun Gong here in Canada. And this isn't the first time that they've done that. I mean they target these Falun Gong. I've seen it with my own eyes. Do you know anything about the canceling of the Shenyan concert this week?

[Sam Cooper]

Ezra, you're absolutely right. This is not unique to Canada. Schengen Concerts worldwide repeatedly get these types of bomb threats. And I know very credible observers that say it is Chinese communist, probably agents or people you could call self motivated supporters of the motherland that call in these fake bomb threats around the world. So I do think it's highly likely that's what happened in Toronto. And we have known cases, Ezra, of critics of the Chinese Communist Party. For example, in Australia being alleged, you know, being accused of calling in bomb threats to Chinese consulates. So people are trying to smear them with fake criminal activities. This is a well known tactic of the Chinese Communist Party. And the fact that it happened shortly after this controversy around Michael Maharaj, you know, it just, to me it shows that Canadians need to understand, wake up. Our freedoms are being attacked and they're being attacked in our own parliament.

[Ezra Vance]

Sam, I know you got to go, but let me ask you one last question. I recently sat down with a US ambassador and the topic of China came up a couple times. He referred in particular to the 49,000 electric vehicles mark Carney has agreed to import from China every year. And he said categorically, they're not going into the United States because he says they're like spying machines. All the little cameras on it feeding that data back to, to China. Have you heard anything from your contacts in CSIS or the rcmp? Because those, I mean, listen, a Tesla is the same way. A Tesla has a dozen cameras on it and it's really a data capture machine. That's how the Self driving happens. But these Chinese made EVs, I mean they really are spy mobiles. I know in some countries like Israel, you're not allowed to be a senior member of the military and have such a car. You're not allowed to bring a car in a military base because there's just a spying machine. Is there anyone in the Canadian government that you know of who is worried about this? Because this ambassador was very frank. Here's a quick clip of it. He said they ain't going into America.

[Industry Expert or Commentator]

I think it's those cars can come in from China, come out, come into Canada. They're not going to cross the border into the U.S. you know, China's imports brought to you through Canada into the U.S. chinese airports or imports, you know, that ain't going to happen. Okay. The Canadians are going to buy, you know, if anybody buys those cars, it's going to be Canadians and they'll, you know, you guys will have to take a look at it. I'm rather a simple guy on some of this stuff. It's kind of like, okay, if you're buying 49,000 cars that are made in China, that means that you're probably not going to be buying 49,000 cars that were built in Ontario. Okay? That, that's a Canadian decision. 49,000 cars is not enough cars to build a factory. I, again, I'm a marketing guy, I'm not an engineer. But my understanding in talking to folks in the auto industry that if you really want to build, to scale a car plant, you know, where the efficiencies and all of that and you got to be at least at a quarter of a million cars, okay, you're not gonna, you're not gonna build a factory for maybe the Chinese will, but you're not gonna build a factory to build 49, 000 cars. But those are, those are decisions that Canada has to make. You had other factors in play like, you know, exports of canola or Canola. Canola that played into this and other tariffs so that, you know, but we're not going to get involved in that. But we know that we're not going to open, you know, the, we're not going to open the floodgates to have Chinese cars coming into the US from Canada. That ain't going to happen. And so, you know, security standpoint, you know, with the technology that they now have built into cars, you know, and I think the, you know, some insurance companies or some states are looking at, you know, when you go out and buy your license plates, it's going to be dependent on how many miles you drive per year. And that number is not going to be, you know, derived from a form that you fill out that says, oh, I drove 11,500 miles last year. It'll come from some data that they're getting that has tracked your car for the last year. And they said, yeah, you said you drove 11,500. We're tracking it. You drove 13,321 miles and here's exactly where you went. And so, you know, I, I would expect coming out of the intelligence world that, that, that little, that car driving around from China, it's a great gobbler of data and information and it's consuming and getting information and you know, at times it will be sending information.

[Ezra Vance]

So have you heard anything like that in Canada?

[Sam Cooper]

Yeah, Ezra, I have heard from, you know, self acknowledged former Canadian national security experts that say, absolutely, those are spy vehicles. In Poland, also another country, I believe that such vehicles are banned. And look at the state of modern warfare, Ezra, where foreign governments and I'm talking about the good guys. So United States and Israel can locate to a kill point where people live. So imagine China going around North America capturing more information through spy vehicles about the nooks and corners where our leaders might be living. So absolutely, it's not only a spy vehicle concern, but it's concern that, that you, Mark Carney, could be burning up our trade agreement with the United States if he lets those spy vehicles made by Uyghur slave labor into our supply chain. It's a, it's a suicidal trade deal, I believe.

[Ezra Vance]

Yeah, I just don't get why, how that could possibly help the Ontario auto industry. Sam, great to see you. Always happy to have you join us folks. If you're not following the bureau news, you're doing it wrong because you're going to get more of the other side of the story from Sam than pretty much anywhere else. You know, and it's not just on China stuff, which we care about, but on Iran and other bad actors in Canada. So I really encourage you to go to TheBureau News. We're in the age of citizen journalism where an expert like Sam on his own can do as much important work as a major outlet. So. And we're always glad that you come on. All the best you Sam, keep in touch and stay safe. I'm sure that you're on a lot of hit list too. God forbid I, you know, stay safe. I know. Keep your head on your swivel. I know you, you do. You're very alert to these things because you're a thorn in the side of the bad guys. So thanks for being here.

[Sam Cooper]

Thanks, Ezra. I'm staying safe and staying straight. Staying trained up.

[Ezra Vance]

Right on. There he is. Sam Cooper.