Recognizing the Authoritarian Threat in the New Cold War: Canada Must Remain Vigilant

As the world enters a new Cold War, a stark reality has emerged: authoritarian regimes—led by China, Russia, and Iran—pose a growing threat to the values of freedom and democracy upheld by the West. The global recognition of this axis of autocratic power has led democratic nations to reassess their stance on national security, foreign influence, and internal vulnerabilities.

For Canada, this means taking a hard look at political figures who have historically aligned themselves with China’s interests, whether intentionally or through naivety. One such figure is Chinese-Canadian politician Wai Young (杨萧慧仪), who is once again running for a seat in Parliament. Her past rhetoric and associations raise serious concerns about Canada’s susceptibility to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations. She recently stated in a media release that there is "No Evidence of Foreign Interference."

She also attacked Kenny Chiu—who himself became a victim of CCP interference—by claiming he "divided the community." This completely ignores the fundamental fact that Chiu was targeted through coordinated efforts on China's WeChat platform, precisely because he steadfastly defended Canadian freedom and democracy and opposed China’s human rights violations. Even the Hogue Report suggests that foreign interference may have played a role in his electoral defeat.

In her latest media release, Young went further by dismissing concerns about foreign government interference as "reckless abuse of power and fearmongering." She even twisted the narrative, falsely framing national security measures as a "threat to Canadians."—a stance that is unacceptable to freedom-loving Canadians., whose past rhetoric and associations raise serious concerns about Canada’s susceptibility to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations.

It is not surprising that she made such a statement, given that Wai Young has previously portrayed herself as a bridge between Canada and China. In the past, she has openly expressed her commitment to fostering strong ties with China, even to the extent of using language that closely aligns with Beijing’s narrative. Chinese state-run media, such as China News Service and Global Times—both known as CCP propaganda arms—have prominently featured Young in their coverage.

In these reports, she is described as someone who has told Chinese audiences that she "comes from the same place" as them, a phrase that suggests an ethnic and ideological affinity with China rather than an unequivocal allegiance to Canada. Such statements, especially when amplified by Beijing’s media apparatus, fit into the CCP’s broader strategy of co-opting overseas Chinese figures for influence operations and United Front work.

The CCP’s United Front strategy is well-documented as a tool for shaping foreign political landscapes, exerting soft power, and undermining democratic institutions from within. By cultivating relationships with sympathetic or unwitting political figures in foreign countries, China gains valuable footholds to push its narratives, stifle criticism, and advance its geopolitical interests under the guise of fostering bilateral goodwill. This is why figures like Young should be scrutinized, not just for their past statements, but for the potential risks they pose to Canada’s sovereignty and security.

In the context of the new Cold War, Canada can no longer afford the complacency of previous decades, when political and business leaders often prioritized economic engagement with China over national security concerns. The CCP’s increasing aggression—whether through espionage, election interference, or economic coercion—demands a decisive and united response. Canadian policymakers must acknowledge that individuals who have a history of aligning with Beijing’s narratives, even if under the pretense of cultural diplomacy, represent vulnerabilities that China could exploit.

This is not about xenophobia or excluding Chinese-Canadians from politics. On the contrary, it is about ensuring that all politicians, regardless of their background, are committed to defending Canadian democratic values against foreign authoritarian encroachment. In an era where the stakes are higher than ever, Canada must take a firm stance: there can be no room for politicians whose past or present actions signal alignment with regimes that threaten global democracy. The future of Canadian sovereignty depends on it.