Canadian Mark Rowswell, well known in China by his local monicker "Da Shan," has denied being involved in a political scandal in his native country.

　　Canadian Mark Rowswell, well known in China by his local monicker "Da Shan," has denied being involved in a political scandal in his native country. [Photo]

　　Having lived in China for nearly 20 years, Rowswell is a household name for his Chinese cross-talk and comedy.

　　According to the New Star Weekly, a Canadian Chinese-language paper, the federal government financed a television series hosted by Rowswell with C$10 million (US$8 million) in the 1990s.

　　The problem, however, is that the English-teaching series, entitled "Da Shan & Friends in Canada" and broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV), was funded through a special Canadian sponsorship programme which was designed to increase support for federalism in post-referendum Quebec.

　　Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien approved the fund whilst in power.