Actually the combination of him being famous, and being Canadian probably expedite his arrest. China love to "make example" out of their public figure. AND they especially go harder on "foreigners". Both of these point were pointed out on the Chinese media public notice about this case.
If he was rich but low-key, with his ties, he probably could have escape. But being "famous" is his disadvantage.
I like that about china too, but since he is so famous and important, I think the system may go easy