Canada summons Chinese ambassador over alleged threats to Conservative MP

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says the federal government is keeping all options open, including expelling Chinese diplomats, over the threats against Michael Chong.

Canada is summoning China’s ambassador in Ottawa after alleged threats targeting a Conservative member of Parliament and his family.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly made the announcement while appearing at a parliamentary committee meeting in Ottawa Thursday.

Joly said the federal government is keeping all options open, including expelling diplomats.

This comes after the Globe and Mail reported, citing a top-secret document and an anonymous national security source, that China’s intelligence service sought to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong — and that a Chinese diplomat who remains in Canada was involved.

“What has happened is completely unacceptable. I cannot imagine the shock and concern of learning that your loved ones have been targeted in this way,” Joly said.

“In light of the fact, confirmed by CSIS, I have instructed my deputy minister to summon the Chinese ambassador.

“He will convey to him directly that we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference and that all options, including expulsion of diplomats, remain at the table as we consider the consequences for this behaviour.”

Chong says Ottawa should have informed him about potential threats to his family made by China’s government two years ago.