Han Dong, who currently sits as an independent, had withdrawn from the Liberal caucus after a series of reports from English-language network Global claimed the MP held talks with Chinese Consul-General Han Tao in Toronto in February 2021.
He allegedly told him that China should hold off on releasing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor because their release could benefit Canada’s Conservative Party.
The claim was false, Johnston’s report said on Tuesday, although the lawmaker had close ties to officials at the Chinese consulate in Toronto.
Regarding Mr Dong, the Special Rapporteur also said there was no evidence that the MP was aware of the irregularities or possible involvement of the consulate.
When asked by CBC if he would like to rejoin the Liberal Caucus after the release of this report, the Don Valley North MP replied yes: I’m keen to get back to that.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared open to the idea on Wednesday, saying Mr Dong had decided to resign from the group to clear his name. It’s up to him to decide whether to run again as a Liberal MP.
“I look forward to discussing this with Han to find out if he wants to come back and if his fight to restore his reputation continues. »
– A quote from Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
Legal process
On Tuesday, Mr. Dong asserted that he was maintaining his lawsuit against Global News, claiming that his reputation and career had been damaged by the news channel’s malicious and false allegations.
It is obvious that Global News and Corus Entertainment should apologize and remove the defamatory reports, Mr Dong wrote on Twitter.
In his report, former Governor-General of Canada David Johnston recommends no public and independent investigation into allegations of foreign interference and cites national security concerns.
However, he suggests holding public hearings with members of the intelligence community and experts this summer.
The goal is to address the issue of foreign interference and the mechanics of government affairs so that the right people have access to the right information.