What Trudeau has said about ex-Liberal MP Han Dong and foreign interference

Han Dong’s future with the Liberal Party remains in doubt after his testimony at the federal inquiry into foreign interference earlier this week.

Dong spent Tuesday afternoon in Ottawa fielding questions about his dealings with the Chinese consulate in Toronto, about alleged irregularities in his 2019 nomination contest and foreign interference generally.

Now serving as an independent, the Don Valley West MP stepped down from the Liberal caucus after Global News, citing unnamed national security sources, reported that Dong benefited from a Chinese foreign interference network in his bid for the Liberal nomination in 2019.

Dong has denied the allegations and is suing Global News for defamation.

When the allegations first surfaced, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly endorsed Dong, telling reporters in February 2023 that the Liberals are “extraordinarily happy” to have an MP like “Dong in our midst, serving his community.”

Trudeau’s special rapporteur into foreign interference, David Johnston, confirmed that Dong had a relationship with the Chinese consul general in Toronto, and acknowledged irregularities – such as busloads of students and seniors being transported to Dong’s nomination – in how he became the Liberal candidate for Don Valley West. Johnston did not find evidence that Dong was aware of the irregularities.

But Johnston also questioned some of the media reporting around Dong’s case – including a report by Global News that intelligence sources alleged Dong advised the Chinese diplomat against the quick release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Dong denied the allegation and said he has always advocated for the early release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.

Almost nine months later, Dong’s status with the