Hodgson defers questions on Michael Ma to PM Carney

Liberal MP Michael Ma is facing scrutiny after an exchange with MP Margaret McCuaig-Johnson regarding forced labour in China. Annie Bergeron-Oliver explains.

OTTAWA — Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said today the federal government is opposed to forced labour, a day after another Liberal MP cast doubt on China’s labour practices.

On Thursday, Michael Ma apologized after appearing to question reports of human rights abuses in China while engaging with a witness at a parliamentary committee hearing earlier in the evening.

Speaking to reporters in Markham, Ont., today, Hodgson deferred questions on whether Ma should remain in the party’s caucus to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Hodgson also said Ma acknowledged his views did not reflect the views of the Liberal party.

Ma made no such acknowledgment in the apology posted to his social media or in his statement to The Canadian Press.

Hodgson was reported to be involved in courting Ma to cross the floor to the Liberals from the Conservatives in December.

• READ MORE: Liberal MP Michael Ma sorry after confusion over remarks on forced labour in China
• READ MORE: Carney’s government admits ‘error,’ says PM did raise human rights with Xi

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press