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

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.

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)

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)

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

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.

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.