It is imperative that Canadians seeking to do business with China can do so in reliance on agreed upon rules and basic principles of justice, both substantive and procedural, wrote law firm Fasken Martineau, which represents the family, in a legal brief for the federal government. Get Toronto Sun, Ottawa Sun and 14 other news sites for $1/week. Listen and subscribe to get a daily fix on the latest political news and issues. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. ", Airline workers face insults, physical threats amid travel delays: Worst Ive ever seen, Potential strike looms as WestJet employees in Calgary, Vancouver seek new contract with airline, Click to share quote on Twitter: "There's no need to have Canadian citizens detained overseas and imprisoned. Read more about cookies here. A year is a long time to languish in prison, and I sympathize with the family and with the daughter who is so steadfast and articulate in her fight for her parents release.. Free-trade negotiations would also allow the two countries to discuss differences in how they respond to cases like this, she said. Related: Daughter of winery owners facing trial in China pleads for Trudeau to intervene. However, news websites 163.com and Canada-based iask.ca both identified John Chang by his full Chinese name. A B.C. "As a Canadian company and as Canadian citizens, we have let the Canadian government take the lead on resolving this issue." The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. Winery owners John Chang and Allison Lu, seen here with their daughter Amy, were detained in March 2016 on a trip to Shanghai. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The Globe and Mail reported from the trial on Friday that Chinese authorities claim Chang and Lu owe nearly $20 million, but Chang said he thought he was exporting legally, and he used Chinese expertise because he didnt know the customs system well. In 2000, Chang founded Blossom Winery, before later establishing Lulu Island Winery in 2007.
Diana Khaddaj of Global Affairs Canada confirmed a Canadian had been arrested in China, but didnt release further details. Meanwhile their daughter is travelling to Ottawa next week with the hopes of arranging a face-to-face meeting with Trudeau. Theyve done nothing wrong and (Trudeau) needs to have his attention on this, she told CTV Vancouver in an interview this week. It was delivered to Global Affairsministry officials earlier this month. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Chang has been in jail since then. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Chinese customs officials in Shanghai have charged John Chang, 62, and his wife Allison Lu with smuggling. it says. White-gloved court officers escorted Mr. Chang and Ms. Lu into court with Bian Shihua, a Taiwanese man who once worked for Lulu in Shanghai, where he did logistics. The winery later released a statement in response to the reports. We encountered an issue signing you up. Kutulakos said the council doesnt see many cases like this, but its important that anyone doing business in China not take shortcuts, as the consequences of doing so are very severe., Doing business in China means doing things methodically and well, she said. This sort of consequence is very rarely seen, executive director Sarah Kutulakos told the National Post.
The briefing paper also warned that the conviction rate in China for criminal offences is nearly 100 per cent.
"I thought it was a proper price," Mr. Chang said. Lulu Island and Mr. Chang have been co-operating fully with customs authorities with their investigation, and we are confident that the investigation will confirm that Lulu Island has not done anything wrong.. This page was last modified on 7 January 2021, at 17:43.
[2] He reported they faced sentences of between ten years and life imprisonment. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. She would later describe hearing of her parent's arrest, and being advised to drop everything and immediately exit the country, in case her own arrest was imminent. Mr. Bian testified that a Chinese customs clearance firm had told him Lulu was understating the value of its goods and warned him to abandon the winemaker, he said. winery owners 'should not be politicized'", https://web.archive.org/web/20181029142929/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/china-s-ambassador-detention-of-b-c-winery-owners-should-not-be-politicized-1.3441802, "Daughter of B.C. A welcome email is on its way. We are disappointed with the unsubstantiated speculations that have been reported which are disruptive to our business. But that opinion also holds that Canadians also expect their government to call on the Chinese government to respect human rights, he said. Im hopeful that (Trudeau) will meet with me, because I think this is a very important case and a very important issue.. Lulu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C. Mr. Chang's lawyer, Chen Shen, argued that any errors were not deliberate, and that a misunderstanding should not land a businessman in criminal court. winery owner jailed in China seeking Ottawa's help", https://web.archive.org/web/20191021195850/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/daughter-of-b-c-winery-owner-jailed-in-china-seeking-ottawa-s-help-1.3428550, "Winery owners' arrest a warning for Canadians doing business in China: daughter", https://web.archive.org/web/20191008144855/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/winery-owners-arrest-a-warning-for-canadians-doing-business-in-china-daughter, "Daughter of winery owners facing trial in China pleads for Trudeau to intervene", https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201421/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/daughter-of-canadians-detained-in-china-hopeful-for-meeting-with-pm/article35159878/, "Daughter of Canadians detained in China hopeful for meeting with PM", "Chrystia Freeland says Canadians detained in China are top priority", https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003650/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/winery-owners-arrest-a-warning-for-canadians-doing-business-in-china-daughter/article35178997/, http://en.wikialpha.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=John_Chang_(Canada)&oldid=212189. Lulu Island Winery has appealed to the government, arguing that the detention is a violation of Chinas international trade obligations under the World Trade Organizations valuation agreement, and therefore a matter of Canadian national interest. B.C. John Chang and Allison Lu, the Canadian owners of Richmond-based Lulu Island Winery, were detained in March 2016 on a trip to Shanghai and accused of under-reporting the value of the wine they export to China. Please try again. Chang as born in Taiwan. Want to discuss? Canadian bedding company aims to offer sustainability and softness for sleep textiles. READ MORE:Local winery catches eye of Chinese market.
In his absence, Omar Alghabra, parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, responded. The couple is set to face a trial in China on Friday. This is the English version reprinted in full. Your product has to stand out, Chang told Postmedia in a January 2016 article. The Chinese procurator said its case was based on confessions and written documents, including order forms and e-mails, although none were presented in court. Chang also said Canadas ambassador to China, John McCallum, recently met with her mother and promised to send a letter to Chinese officials on her parents behalf. Their children were born in Canada.
Lulu Island believes all of its wine imports to China have been done in full compliance with all application laws, rules and regulations.
Chinese-Canadian Jean Zou has been working to appeal her husband Wilson Wang's prison sentence in China after he was convicted of bribery charges. Have a good accounting firm. Their trial starts May 26th, and supporters are demanding Ottawa come to their aid. Sometimes in China its just not clear, she said, because its an environment where things are evolving, laws are evolving.. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Lu, who was released from jail in January, is prohibited from leaving China. Both have been under arrest since March 2016. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. ", 4 men connected to Texas migrant deaths indicted on federal charges, U.S. list accuses 60 Central American officials of corruption, undermining democracy, Truck driver in deadly Humboldt Broncos crash granted day parole for 6 months, Hoover Dam explosion: A look at whats happened so far, Micrometeoroid causes uncorrectable damage to James Webb Space Telescope, Massive waves clear two-storey condo in Hawaii as huge swell rolls in, 6 in 10 Canadians avoiding airports due to delays: poll, WestJet employees back strike vote if deal not reached, Historic Hawaiian waves crash into 2-story condos, video shows, Hoover Dam transformer explodes, sparks brief fire but no injuries, Calgary group hopes to save northwest green space from redevelopment, Complainant cross-examined in sexual assault case of former Vancouver Canuck, Local winery catches eye of Chinese market, Canadian icewine makers producing liquid gold. Ricky Wilson, a Dior Celebrity Makeup Artist, shares the looks and products that he's most excited about this season. For our customers and the public who have expressed care and support for Lulu Island and John, please accept our most sincere appreciation. At 6.1-hectares, Richmonds Lulu Island Winery is the largest winery in Metro Vancouver and produces about 1,000 tonnes of winemaking grapes annually. In Shanghai Friday, the defendants begged for light sentences. Winemaking should be an art. The couple's daughter,Amy Chang, 23, has been running Lulu Winery since her parents were arrested.
winery owners on trial in China is very rare outcome of Asia trade, business council says. The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox. But she said there is no justifiable reason why the Chinese government has criminalized a commercial dispute, and shes hoping the prime minister can sway Chinese authorities to drop the case against them. Chang and Lu immigrated to Richmond, B.C. Changs daughter, Amy, is in Ottawa this week requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Alberta First Nation to be visited by Pope a community of proximity and history, locals say, Concerns as convoy-connected group establishes in Ottawa neighbourhood, 'It could have ended in disaster': Winnipeg woman told by 911 dispatcher to confront intruder in her home, 5-year-old girl in critical condition after being struck by cars on Vancouver sidewalk, Toddler in stroller killed after collision in Montreal North, CTV National News for July 20: Inflation hits 40-year high, Truck driver in deadly Broncos crash granted day parole, 96-year-old 'sweating to death' in Toronto LTC room, Police to review investigation of alleged sex assault following Hockey Canada event, Truck driver in deadly Humboldt Broncos crash granted day parole, Inflation rate will remain 'painfully high' all year, Bank of Canada governor anticipates, Canada reaching 'end of the food inflation tunnel': expert, Nearly 1,000 Hells Angels headed for Toronto. This article was published more than 5 years ago. And the Canadian government is under fire for not doing more to help them. The case has made headlines at a time whenCanada is considering a free-trade agreement with China. Especially when youre talking about a free trade agreement (with China) in the future., She added: Is Canada saying its OK to detain someone for a year?. That is just not good enough.". But Chinese authorities allowed The Globe and Mail and Canadian diplomats to attend the trial, held Friday at Shanghai No. Chang, 23, has been managing her familys three wineries since her parents were detained. Their eldest chid, 21 year-old Amy Chang, was also in China. A government briefing prepared by lawyers retained by the couple's family is also critical of the Trudeau government. The case should be treated under "administrative law, rather than smuggling," he said. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "Lulu Island winery is not aware of any progress or activity to date by the Canadian government in holding China customs to account," said the briefing, written by the Fasken Martineau law firm. In 2013, after passing those warnings along to Lulu in Canada, he left the company. His honours include the 2018 Canadian Screen Award for Best Local Reportage, the 2017 and 2015 RTDNA awards for Best In-depth/Investigative Reporting, and the 2009 Jack Webster award for Best News Reporting. She has not been able to see, call or write her husband since he was taken away last March, she said. Chinese state-owned media Legal Daily and the Xinhua News Agency both referred to the detained Canadian winery owner only as Zhang, which is the spelling of Chang under the Pinyin system in use in Mainland China. Chinese authorities say they owe nearly $20-million and have seized 267,000 bottles of their wine; the maximum punishment for smuggling is life in prison and a fine up to five times the amount owed. On Friday, Gerry Ritz, Conservativeinternational trade critic, raised the case during question period in the House of Commons. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The briefing paper hints the couple became a target of Chinese wrath because they maintained their innocence. On Thursday, Chinese state media reported John Chang, also winemaker and owner of Lulu Island Winery in Richmond B.C., is believed to be among four individuals arrested for smuggling Canadian icewine into China. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Chang, who suffers from health problems, has been in jail since his arrest. What you need to know, MP Kevin Vuong fined for failing to report sex assault charge to Naval Reserve, Why Canada is banning the import of dogs from 100 countries, Toronto teacher surprises entire class with new sneakers, Video shows Sesame Place character denying black girls a hug, Tracking every case of COVID-19 in Canada, Samsung's Lee indicted over controversial 2015 merger, 'It's time:' Paralyzed Bronco returning to Humboldt for first time since crash, 9 things you likely didn't know about Jehovah's Witnesses, 96-year-old 'sweating to death' in LTC room, CTV National News for Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Alberta woman shares WestJet travel nightmare, CTV National News: Banning import of some dogs. The statement acknowledged that Chinese authorities have been investigating imported wine from a number of sources, including Canada, and said that the winery had retained legal counsel. Though Lulu sold its wine for $69 to $95 in Canada, it declared its value to Chinese customs for much less, in some cases well below $10. Eric Rankin, of CBC News, reported on May 19, 2017, that Chang and Lu had been charged with "under-reporting the value" of their imported wine. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. A total of 18 individuals were arrested, with four being charged.
"The arrest of Mr. Chang and Ms. Lu for a fabricated customs violation is an assault on their basic rights, a breach of China's international trade obligations and China's own customs laws," Ritz told fellow MPs. Chang had recently purchased the Niagara-on-the-Lake Lailey Vineyard winery from the Lailey family. Even so, the past few months have seen an unusual number of cases seize the agenda, even as Ottawa seeks to warm ties with Beijing and stage an ambitious trade expansion. Chang will be meeting with the minister Thursday afternoon. All reports said Chang was arrested following an investigation into icewine import-data anomalies.. husband and wife are facing a possible life sentence in China for allegedly under-reporting the value of wine they export to that country- and the Canadian government is under fire for not doing more to help them. A check-in on the public mood of Canadians with hosts Michael Stittle and Nik Nanos. Follow Nathan VanderKlippe on Twitter: @nvanderklippeOpens in a new window. WATCH: Conservatives Ritz implores PM Trudeau to help Canadians detained in China. winery calls report China arrested its owner 'inaccurate'", https://web.archive.org/web/20170705011950/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lulu-island-ice-wine-calls-report-of-owner-john-chang-arrest-in-china-inaccurate-1.3691842, https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/6d/b2/be/6f736bf3192bdc/CA2920515A1.pdf, "Canada-China (CACN) Briefing material 2020-01-30", https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/publications/transparency-transparence/briefing-documents-information/parl_appearances-comparutions_parl-cacn-2020-01-30.aspx?lang=eng, "British Columbia wines golden at Californias Pacific Rim judging", https://web.archive.org/web/20200811192326/https://greatnorthwestwine.com/2018/04/21/british-columbia-wines-grab-gold-at-californias-pacific-rim-judging/, "China's ambassador: Detention of B.C. Amy Chang is in Ottawa this week pleading with federal politicians for help in getting her parents released from custody in Shanghai, where the two were arrested in March 2016 while visiting their business suppliers and agents. "I thought I was exporting legally," he added. The Legal Daily report doesnt name the winery or the full name of its owner, however, photos accompanying the report show officials performing a raid on shipping containers filled with boxes that bear the Lulu Island Winery logo. A B.C. If this can happen to my parents, then is this OK for other Canadian families in the future? Chang said. From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. The briefing describesthe arrests of Chang and Lu as "outrageous and unconscionable a gross violation of personal liberty and security.". She added the allegations "are without merit.". We understand Customs authorities in China has recently conducted investigations regarding the foreign imported wine from a number of countries.
Lulu Island and Mr. Chang have been cooperating fully with Customs authorities with their investigation, and we are confident that the investigation will confirm that Lulu Island has not done anything wrong. For their 23-year-old daughter, its been a nightmare that she hopes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can bring to an end. Chinese law notes that those found guilty of evading more than 500,000 yuan in taxes could be punished with anywhere from 10 years to life in prison, as well as a fine of 100 to 500% of the evaded taxes. A Niagara winery owner has been arrested in China for allegedly smuggling tens of millions of dollars worth of icewine into the country. "Secretly smuggling in product that's smuggling." We are not seeking an increase in quantity, but in quality. [2], Chang is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, and in 2014 then Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper invited Chang to join him on a tour of China, to promote increasing commercial deals between the two countries. You better leave,'" he said. We have raised our concerns at a high level with Chinese authorities, Jocelyn Sweet said in an email. Lu was released in January, but has not been permitted to leave the country. "We are following this case very closely," Alghabrasaid. Canadian citizens John Chang and Allison Lu have been charged with smuggling wine into China, accused of falsifying prices on paperwork for bottles they shipped to China from Lulu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C., one of three the Taiwanese-born couple own. They're pushing the federal Liberalgovernment to intervene immediately, claiming Chang's physical and mental health is deteriorating behind bars. And make sure youre doing things right.. Frictions over legal matters and the imprisonment of Canadian citizens in China have played an outsized role in relations between the two countries over the past two decades, from Beijing's long battle to bring home smuggler Lai Changxing, to disputes over the treatment of people such as Uyghur-Canadian dissident Huseyin Celil and Kevin Garratt, a Canadian missionary.
Diana Khaddaj of Global Affairs Canada confirmed a Canadian had been arrested in China, but didnt release further details. Meanwhile their daughter is travelling to Ottawa next week with the hopes of arranging a face-to-face meeting with Trudeau. Theyve done nothing wrong and (Trudeau) needs to have his attention on this, she told CTV Vancouver in an interview this week. It was delivered to Global Affairsministry officials earlier this month. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Chang has been in jail since then. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Chinese customs officials in Shanghai have charged John Chang, 62, and his wife Allison Lu with smuggling. it says. White-gloved court officers escorted Mr. Chang and Ms. Lu into court with Bian Shihua, a Taiwanese man who once worked for Lulu in Shanghai, where he did logistics. The winery later released a statement in response to the reports. We encountered an issue signing you up. Kutulakos said the council doesnt see many cases like this, but its important that anyone doing business in China not take shortcuts, as the consequences of doing so are very severe., Doing business in China means doing things methodically and well, she said. This sort of consequence is very rarely seen, executive director Sarah Kutulakos told the National Post.
The briefing paper also warned that the conviction rate in China for criminal offences is nearly 100 per cent.
"I thought it was a proper price," Mr. Chang said. Lulu Island and Mr. Chang have been co-operating fully with customs authorities with their investigation, and we are confident that the investigation will confirm that Lulu Island has not done anything wrong.. This page was last modified on 7 January 2021, at 17:43.
[2] He reported they faced sentences of between ten years and life imprisonment. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. She would later describe hearing of her parent's arrest, and being advised to drop everything and immediately exit the country, in case her own arrest was imminent. Mr. Bian testified that a Chinese customs clearance firm had told him Lulu was understating the value of its goods and warned him to abandon the winemaker, he said. winery owners 'should not be politicized'", https://web.archive.org/web/20181029142929/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/china-s-ambassador-detention-of-b-c-winery-owners-should-not-be-politicized-1.3441802, "Daughter of B.C. A welcome email is on its way. We are disappointed with the unsubstantiated speculations that have been reported which are disruptive to our business. But that opinion also holds that Canadians also expect their government to call on the Chinese government to respect human rights, he said. Im hopeful that (Trudeau) will meet with me, because I think this is a very important case and a very important issue.. Lulu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C. Mr. Chang's lawyer, Chen Shen, argued that any errors were not deliberate, and that a misunderstanding should not land a businessman in criminal court. winery owner jailed in China seeking Ottawa's help", https://web.archive.org/web/20191021195850/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/daughter-of-b-c-winery-owner-jailed-in-china-seeking-ottawa-s-help-1.3428550, "Winery owners' arrest a warning for Canadians doing business in China: daughter", https://web.archive.org/web/20191008144855/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/winery-owners-arrest-a-warning-for-canadians-doing-business-in-china-daughter, "Daughter of winery owners facing trial in China pleads for Trudeau to intervene", https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201421/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/daughter-of-canadians-detained-in-china-hopeful-for-meeting-with-pm/article35159878/, "Daughter of Canadians detained in China hopeful for meeting with PM", "Chrystia Freeland says Canadians detained in China are top priority", https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003650/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/winery-owners-arrest-a-warning-for-canadians-doing-business-in-china-daughter/article35178997/, http://en.wikialpha.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=John_Chang_(Canada)&oldid=212189. Lulu Island Winery has appealed to the government, arguing that the detention is a violation of Chinas international trade obligations under the World Trade Organizations valuation agreement, and therefore a matter of Canadian national interest. B.C. John Chang and Allison Lu, the Canadian owners of Richmond-based Lulu Island Winery, were detained in March 2016 on a trip to Shanghai and accused of under-reporting the value of the wine they export to China. Please try again. Chang as born in Taiwan. Want to discuss? Canadian bedding company aims to offer sustainability and softness for sleep textiles. READ MORE:Local winery catches eye of Chinese market.
In his absence, Omar Alghabra, parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, responded. The couple is set to face a trial in China on Friday. This is the English version reprinted in full. Your product has to stand out, Chang told Postmedia in a January 2016 article. The Chinese procurator said its case was based on confessions and written documents, including order forms and e-mails, although none were presented in court. Chang also said Canadas ambassador to China, John McCallum, recently met with her mother and promised to send a letter to Chinese officials on her parents behalf. Their children were born in Canada.
Lulu Island believes all of its wine imports to China have been done in full compliance with all application laws, rules and regulations.
Chinese-Canadian Jean Zou has been working to appeal her husband Wilson Wang's prison sentence in China after he was convicted of bribery charges. Have a good accounting firm. Their trial starts May 26th, and supporters are demanding Ottawa come to their aid. Sometimes in China its just not clear, she said, because its an environment where things are evolving, laws are evolving.. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Lu, who was released from jail in January, is prohibited from leaving China. Both have been under arrest since March 2016. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. ", 4 men connected to Texas migrant deaths indicted on federal charges, U.S. list accuses 60 Central American officials of corruption, undermining democracy, Truck driver in deadly Humboldt Broncos crash granted day parole for 6 months, Hoover Dam explosion: A look at whats happened so far, Micrometeoroid causes uncorrectable damage to James Webb Space Telescope, Massive waves clear two-storey condo in Hawaii as huge swell rolls in, 6 in 10 Canadians avoiding airports due to delays: poll, WestJet employees back strike vote if deal not reached, Historic Hawaiian waves crash into 2-story condos, video shows, Hoover Dam transformer explodes, sparks brief fire but no injuries, Calgary group hopes to save northwest green space from redevelopment, Complainant cross-examined in sexual assault case of former Vancouver Canuck, Local winery catches eye of Chinese market, Canadian icewine makers producing liquid gold. Ricky Wilson, a Dior Celebrity Makeup Artist, shares the looks and products that he's most excited about this season. For our customers and the public who have expressed care and support for Lulu Island and John, please accept our most sincere appreciation. At 6.1-hectares, Richmonds Lulu Island Winery is the largest winery in Metro Vancouver and produces about 1,000 tonnes of winemaking grapes annually. In Shanghai Friday, the defendants begged for light sentences. Winemaking should be an art. The couple's daughter,Amy Chang, 23, has been running Lulu Winery since her parents were arrested.
winery owners on trial in China is very rare outcome of Asia trade, business council says. The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox. But she said there is no justifiable reason why the Chinese government has criminalized a commercial dispute, and shes hoping the prime minister can sway Chinese authorities to drop the case against them. Chang and Lu immigrated to Richmond, B.C. Changs daughter, Amy, is in Ottawa this week requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Alberta First Nation to be visited by Pope a community of proximity and history, locals say, Concerns as convoy-connected group establishes in Ottawa neighbourhood, 'It could have ended in disaster': Winnipeg woman told by 911 dispatcher to confront intruder in her home, 5-year-old girl in critical condition after being struck by cars on Vancouver sidewalk, Toddler in stroller killed after collision in Montreal North, CTV National News for July 20: Inflation hits 40-year high, Truck driver in deadly Broncos crash granted day parole, 96-year-old 'sweating to death' in Toronto LTC room, Police to review investigation of alleged sex assault following Hockey Canada event, Truck driver in deadly Humboldt Broncos crash granted day parole, Inflation rate will remain 'painfully high' all year, Bank of Canada governor anticipates, Canada reaching 'end of the food inflation tunnel': expert, Nearly 1,000 Hells Angels headed for Toronto. This article was published more than 5 years ago. And the Canadian government is under fire for not doing more to help them. The case has made headlines at a time whenCanada is considering a free-trade agreement with China. Especially when youre talking about a free trade agreement (with China) in the future., She added: Is Canada saying its OK to detain someone for a year?. That is just not good enough.". But Chinese authorities allowed The Globe and Mail and Canadian diplomats to attend the trial, held Friday at Shanghai No. Chang, 23, has been managing her familys three wineries since her parents were detained. Their eldest chid, 21 year-old Amy Chang, was also in China. A government briefing prepared by lawyers retained by the couple's family is also critical of the Trudeau government. The case should be treated under "administrative law, rather than smuggling," he said. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "Lulu Island winery is not aware of any progress or activity to date by the Canadian government in holding China customs to account," said the briefing, written by the Fasken Martineau law firm. In 2013, after passing those warnings along to Lulu in Canada, he left the company. His honours include the 2018 Canadian Screen Award for Best Local Reportage, the 2017 and 2015 RTDNA awards for Best In-depth/Investigative Reporting, and the 2009 Jack Webster award for Best News Reporting. She has not been able to see, call or write her husband since he was taken away last March, she said. Chinese state-owned media Legal Daily and the Xinhua News Agency both referred to the detained Canadian winery owner only as Zhang, which is the spelling of Chang under the Pinyin system in use in Mainland China. Chinese authorities say they owe nearly $20-million and have seized 267,000 bottles of their wine; the maximum punishment for smuggling is life in prison and a fine up to five times the amount owed. On Friday, Gerry Ritz, Conservativeinternational trade critic, raised the case during question period in the House of Commons. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The briefing paper hints the couple became a target of Chinese wrath because they maintained their innocence. On Thursday, Chinese state media reported John Chang, also winemaker and owner of Lulu Island Winery in Richmond B.C., is believed to be among four individuals arrested for smuggling Canadian icewine into China. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Chang, who suffers from health problems, has been in jail since his arrest. What you need to know, MP Kevin Vuong fined for failing to report sex assault charge to Naval Reserve, Why Canada is banning the import of dogs from 100 countries, Toronto teacher surprises entire class with new sneakers, Video shows Sesame Place character denying black girls a hug, Tracking every case of COVID-19 in Canada, Samsung's Lee indicted over controversial 2015 merger, 'It's time:' Paralyzed Bronco returning to Humboldt for first time since crash, 9 things you likely didn't know about Jehovah's Witnesses, 96-year-old 'sweating to death' in LTC room, CTV National News for Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Alberta woman shares WestJet travel nightmare, CTV National News: Banning import of some dogs. The statement acknowledged that Chinese authorities have been investigating imported wine from a number of sources, including Canada, and said that the winery had retained legal counsel. Though Lulu sold its wine for $69 to $95 in Canada, it declared its value to Chinese customs for much less, in some cases well below $10. Eric Rankin, of CBC News, reported on May 19, 2017, that Chang and Lu had been charged with "under-reporting the value" of their imported wine. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. A total of 18 individuals were arrested, with four being charged.
"The arrest of Mr. Chang and Ms. Lu for a fabricated customs violation is an assault on their basic rights, a breach of China's international trade obligations and China's own customs laws," Ritz told fellow MPs. Chang had recently purchased the Niagara-on-the-Lake Lailey Vineyard winery from the Lailey family. Even so, the past few months have seen an unusual number of cases seize the agenda, even as Ottawa seeks to warm ties with Beijing and stage an ambitious trade expansion. Chang will be meeting with the minister Thursday afternoon. All reports said Chang was arrested following an investigation into icewine import-data anomalies.. husband and wife are facing a possible life sentence in China for allegedly under-reporting the value of wine they export to that country- and the Canadian government is under fire for not doing more to help them. A check-in on the public mood of Canadians with hosts Michael Stittle and Nik Nanos. Follow Nathan VanderKlippe on Twitter: @nvanderklippeOpens in a new window. WATCH: Conservatives Ritz implores PM Trudeau to help Canadians detained in China. winery calls report China arrested its owner 'inaccurate'", https://web.archive.org/web/20170705011950/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lulu-island-ice-wine-calls-report-of-owner-john-chang-arrest-in-china-inaccurate-1.3691842, https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/6d/b2/be/6f736bf3192bdc/CA2920515A1.pdf, "Canada-China (CACN) Briefing material 2020-01-30", https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/publications/transparency-transparence/briefing-documents-information/parl_appearances-comparutions_parl-cacn-2020-01-30.aspx?lang=eng, "British Columbia wines golden at Californias Pacific Rim judging", https://web.archive.org/web/20200811192326/https://greatnorthwestwine.com/2018/04/21/british-columbia-wines-grab-gold-at-californias-pacific-rim-judging/, "China's ambassador: Detention of B.C. Amy Chang is in Ottawa this week pleading with federal politicians for help in getting her parents released from custody in Shanghai, where the two were arrested in March 2016 while visiting their business suppliers and agents. "I thought I was exporting legally," he added. The Legal Daily report doesnt name the winery or the full name of its owner, however, photos accompanying the report show officials performing a raid on shipping containers filled with boxes that bear the Lulu Island Winery logo. A B.C. If this can happen to my parents, then is this OK for other Canadian families in the future? Chang said. From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. The briefing describesthe arrests of Chang and Lu as "outrageous and unconscionable a gross violation of personal liberty and security.". She added the allegations "are without merit.". We understand Customs authorities in China has recently conducted investigations regarding the foreign imported wine from a number of countries.
Lulu Island and Mr. Chang have been cooperating fully with Customs authorities with their investigation, and we are confident that the investigation will confirm that Lulu Island has not done anything wrong. For their 23-year-old daughter, its been a nightmare that she hopes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can bring to an end. Chinese law notes that those found guilty of evading more than 500,000 yuan in taxes could be punished with anywhere from 10 years to life in prison, as well as a fine of 100 to 500% of the evaded taxes. A Niagara winery owner has been arrested in China for allegedly smuggling tens of millions of dollars worth of icewine into the country. "Secretly smuggling in product that's smuggling." We are not seeking an increase in quantity, but in quality. [2], Chang is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, and in 2014 then Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper invited Chang to join him on a tour of China, to promote increasing commercial deals between the two countries. You better leave,'" he said. We have raised our concerns at a high level with Chinese authorities, Jocelyn Sweet said in an email. Lu was released in January, but has not been permitted to leave the country. "We are following this case very closely," Alghabrasaid. Canadian citizens John Chang and Allison Lu have been charged with smuggling wine into China, accused of falsifying prices on paperwork for bottles they shipped to China from Lulu Island Winery in Richmond, B.C., one of three the Taiwanese-born couple own. They're pushing the federal Liberalgovernment to intervene immediately, claiming Chang's physical and mental health is deteriorating behind bars. And make sure youre doing things right.. Frictions over legal matters and the imprisonment of Canadian citizens in China have played an outsized role in relations between the two countries over the past two decades, from Beijing's long battle to bring home smuggler Lai Changxing, to disputes over the treatment of people such as Uyghur-Canadian dissident Huseyin Celil and Kevin Garratt, a Canadian missionary.