Han Dong’s future with the Liberal Party is uncertain after his testimony at the federal inquiry into foreign interference where he faced questions about his dealings with the Chinese consulate in Toronto and alleged irregularities in his 2019 nomination contest. Dong, who is currently serving as an independent, stepped down from the Liberal caucus after a report by Global News, citing unnamed national security sources, suggested that he benefited from a Chinese foreign interference network in his bid for the Liberal nomination in 2019. Dong has denied these allegations and is suing Global News for defamation. Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially endorsing Dong and stating that the Liberals were happy to have him serving his community, Dong’s status with the party remains undecided.
Trudeau’s special rapporteur on foreign interference, David Johnston, confirmed that Dong had a relationship with the Chinese consul general in Toronto and acknowledged irregularities in Dong’s nomination process. However, Johnston did not find evidence that Dong was aware of these irregularities. Dong has denied allegations that he advised the Chinese diplomat against the quick release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Trudeau’s response to questions about Dong has evolved over time, initially defending him and suggesting that he would be welcomed back to the Liberal caucus. However, Trudeau later acknowledged that members of diaspora communities, such as Chinese Canadians, are often targeted by foreign interference operations in Canada.
In March 2023, Trudeau addressed allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian politics, emphasizing the seriousness of foreign interference while also stating that there was no information on any federal candidates receiving money from China. The Globe and Mail later reported that Trudeau’s office was not aware of Dong speaking to a top Chinese diplomat in Toronto about the detainment of the Two Michaels, but after viewing a CSIS transcript of the conversation, determined there was no actionable evidence of wrongdoing. Dong admitted to having the discussion but denied recommendations against the immediate release of the Two Michaels.
After David Johnston’s report on foreign interference, which recommended against a full public inquiry, Dong’s future with the Liberal Party remained uncertain. The report confirmed that Dong spoke to a Chinese diplomat about the Two Michaels’ detention, but disputed the claim that Dong suggested they should not be immediately released. Dong testified at the federal inquiry, where a summary of a CSIS report of his conversation with the Chinese diplomat was released. Dong stated that he always advocated for the release of the Two Michaels and improvements to their conditions in detention. Following Johnston’s resignation amid accusations of bias, Trudeau announced a full public inquiry into foreign interference.
Trudeau criticized opposition MPs for playing partisan games on the foreign interference file and emphasized the importance of an independent and serious approach to addressing foreign interference. After months of negotiations, a full public inquiry into foreign interference was announced, with the goal of not descending into the toxicity and disagreement seen previously. Trudeau held a press conference following Dong’s testimony at the federal inquiry but did not mention Dong by name or address questions about his future in the Liberal caucus. The ongoing foreign interference commission is seen as an important way to address challenges in keeping democracy safe, and Trudeau is scheduled to testify before the commission in the coming week.
