Singh says it’s ‘crucial’ everyone supports two men held in China

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Prime Minister Trudeau needs to do everything he can to protect the safety and security of two Canadian citizens who are being detained in China.

Michael Kovrig, a Canadian diplomat on leave, and Michael Spavor, an entrepreneur, were arrested last month after Chinese telecommunications executive Meng Wanzhou was taken into custody in Vancouver at the request of the U.S., which wants her extradited.

Singh said everyone needs to stand together in support of the two men and it’s “crucial and vital” that Justin Trudeau works to protect them.

“They’re not receiving due process — this is deeply concerning,” Singh said. “We need to know what the allegations are. What are the crimes that they’re alleged to have committed? Why are they being detained? I would ask these difficult questions to the (Chinese) government.”

Singh made his comments Sunday at the official opening of his byelection campaign office in Burnaby.

Trudeau announced last week that the Burnaby South byelection — along with two others in Ontario and Quebec — will take place February 25.

Kennedy Stewart vacated the seat when he submitted his nomination papers for the municipal election. Stewart was elected mayor of Vancouver in October. The election is particularly important for Singh, who leads the NDP but doesn’t have a seat in the House of Commons.