Han Dong celebrates with supporters while taking part in a rally in Toronto on Thursday, May 22, 2014. Independent MP Han Dong says he's still awaiting word on whether or not he can return to the Liberal caucus, but he hopes it will happen as soon as possible. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
OTTAWA – Independent MP Han Dong says he’s still waiting for word on whether or not he can return to the Liberal caucus, but he hopes it will happen as soon as possible.
The Toronto-area MP resigned from the government caucus in March saying he wanted to clear his name following allegations published in media reports.
Global News had reported, citing unnamed national security sources, that Dong told a Chinese diplomat in February 2021 that releasing Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor from detention would benefit the Conservatives.
David Johnston, the former special rapporteur on foreign interference, deemed the claim “false” in a May report, and the Liberals launched a process to determine whether Dong could return to caucus.
Dong says he met with Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc about three weeks ago and they had a good and constructive conversation.
A spokesperson for LeBlanc says the government will have more to say on the matter in due course.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 3, 2023.
