MP Han Dong says he wants to rejoin Liberal caucus after being 'vindicated' by Johnston's report
CBC
Independent MP Han Dong says he wants to return to the Liberal caucus now that special rapporteur David Johnston's report on foreign interference has concluded that a high-profile allegation made against him was false.
The Toronto-area MP left the caucus in late March to sit as an Independent MP after Global News published a report alleging he advised a senior Chinese diplomat in February 2021 that Beijing should hold off on freeing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor — the two Canadians being held by China at the time.
When asked by CBC News if he wants to rejoin the Liberal caucus, Dong said he did.
"I absolutely want to get back to caucus," Dong told CBC News on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that Dong "chose to step away" from caucus to clear his name and rejoining now would be "his choice."
"I look forward to conversations with Han about whether he wants to come back, and whether his fight to clear his name is ongoing ..." said Trudeau.
It's rare for MPs to return to caucus after stepping aside or being kicked out.
Since Trudeau became Liberal leader, almost a dozen other Liberal MPs have left or have been dropped from caucus to sit as Independent MPs for various reasons — including misconduct allegations — according to the House of Commons website. None have returned to caucus.
WATCH/ 'It's his choice': Trudeau on MP Han Dong returning to Liberal caucus
A Global News story posted in March alleged Dong "secretly advised" a senior Chinese diplomat in 2021 to delay freeing Spavor and Kovrig, who were being held by China at the time.
The federal government said both men were arbitrarily detained. Their detention, which lasted more than 1,000 days, was largely seen as a retaliatory move in response to Canadian authorities carrying out a U.S. extradition request and arresting Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada in 2018.
The Global story suggested that, just over two years into Spavor and Kovrig's detention, Dong told Chinese consul general Han Tao to hold off on releasing them because the Conservatives would benefit if they were freed.
Johnston investigated the claim and concluded the allegation was "false," says his report.
"Mr. Dong discussed the 'two Michaels' with a PRC official, but did not suggest to the official that the PRC extend their detention," the report says.
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