MP Apologizes for Downplaying Forced Labor, PM Carney Stresses Labor Standards

0:00It's March 30th. This is Toronto News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey with the story. Liberal MP Michael Ma apologized for comments that seemed to downplay force labor in China during a parliamentary committee last week. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the apology and said, Ma gets how serious the issue is, but wouldn't say if there are any penalties coming his. Way. Carney stressed that Canada treats forced and child labor as a major problem. Ma clarified his questions were about car manufacturing in Shenzhen, not the Xinjiang region, and he condemns forced labor everywhere. He switched from the conservatives to the Liberals back in December, and stays in the liberal group for now. The remarks drew quick backlash from critics who thought he was brushing off the concerns. Carney pointed out some parts of China, carry higher risks for forced and child labor, so companies here must check their supply chains closely. They have to report publicly and follow Canadian laws banning any forced labor in imports.

1:02He noted child labor evidence exists worldwide, including China. China's embassy called the force labor claims a straight-up lie on social media. Meanwhile, Carney is working to improve ties with China after years of strain, including his January trip there, the first by a Canadian PM and eight. Years. Finance Minister Francois Faleve-Champagne has to China this week, and Carney says they'll bring up labor standards and talks as part of ongoing economic chets. It's all about balancing trade and holding firm on human rights.