Liberal MP says he wants to rejoin caucus
FOREIGN INTERFERENCE Dong stepped down over claims, since proven false, he told China to delay release of Canadians
A Toronto MP who found himself at the centre of foreign interference allegations recently deemed “false” is hoping to rejoin the Liberal caucus after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was his choice whether to return.
Don Valley North MP Han Dong told the Star Wednesday that he was eager to sit under the Liberal banner once again, following a two-month stint as an Independent MP.
“Yes, of course I would like to return,” Dong wrote.
Dong resigned from the Liberal caucus in March after Global News, citing two unnamed national security sources, alleged that he advised a senior Chinese diplomat that Beijing should delay the release of detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
The report suggested Dong made the recommendation because releasing the two men — who were jailed in China following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. extradition warrant — could benefit the federal Conservatives.
On Tuesday, Ottawa’s independent adviser on foreign meddling in elections said he had reviewed all intelligence related to the matter. David Johnston said he found that while Dong had discussed Kovrig and Spavor’s plight with a Chinese government official, the allegation about extending their detention was “false.” He noted the situation had “a very adverse effect” on the MP, and that Trudeau and members of his cabinet believe Dong “has been badly harmed by the reporting.” Trudeau told reporters Wednesday it was up to Dong — who said he left the Liberal caucus to avoid becoming a distraction to the party — to decide whether to return.
“I look forward to conversations with Han about whether he wants to come back and whether his fight to clear his name is ongoing (and) his perspective on this,” the prime minister said. “It’s his choice, but I look forward to that conversation.”
Dong said he feels “vindicated” by Johnston’s report, but is still “moving forward with my defamation case against Global News, Corus Entertainment, (Global reporter) Mr. Sam Cooper and all other defendants.”