The eccentric businessman who traded theatre for political campaigns and legal battles
In short: From directing Shakespearean plays in China to appearing in a superhero outfit at the Toronto Pride parade, Xiao Hua Gong has lived a life of dramatic shifts. A businessman and perennial candidate, his journey spans international trade, massive financial investigations, and a recurring presence on the Canadian political ballot.
Born around 1965 in China, Xiao Hua Gong—also known as Edward Gong—began his career as a theatre director, specializing in Shakespeare and opera. After moving to Canada in 2002 and obtaining citizenship in 2008, his professional life shifted toward business and media. He became the owner of Canada National Television (CNTV) and acquired various hotels, including the Edward Hotel & Convention Center in Toronto and locations in Michigan.
Gong's business dealings eventually drew intense scrutiny from multiple international agencies. From 2017, investigations into him were conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the New Zealand Police, and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. The Ontario Securities Commission alleged that Gong engaged in securities fraud through his health-supplements company, O24, by fraudulently selling stock to individuals in China. The investigation revealed he had stored approximately $140 million in Canadian bank accounts and the majority of the remainder in New Zealand.
The legal consequences were significant. In February 2021, Gong's company pleaded guilty in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to forging documents and operating a pyramid scheme. As part of a settlement, the company was fined $756,000, faced a $229,500 victim surcharge, and was ordered to pay $15 million to the Canada Revenue Agency. In New Zealand, he forfeited NZ$68 million and Auckland-based property, marking the largest forfeiture of crime proceeds in New Zealand since the 2009 implementation of forfeiture laws.
Despite these legal battles, Gong has remained a persistent figure in Canadian politics. His political campaigns include the 2023 Toronto mayoral race, where he secured 2,983 votes to finish 11th, and the 2024 Mississauga mayoral by-election, where he came in ninth. He also participated in the 2025 Canadian federal election as an independent in Don Valley North, finishing in last place with 260 votes.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Xiao Hua Gong
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