Don Valley North MP Han Dong, who is currently sitting as an Independent, could be let back into the Liberal party fold as Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been assigned to review foreign interference allegations.
LeBlanc told reporters in Moncton on Wednesday that he will meet with the MP to discuss returning to the Liberals.
He said he has been in touch with Dong via messages and hopes to have a face-to-face conversation soon.
Dong stepped aside from the Liberal caucus in May after Global News revealed allegations that he received covert support from the Chinese consulate in Toronto and that he suggested to a Chinese diplomat that freeing the “Two Michaels” would help the Conservatives in an election.
Dong denied the allegations and is now suing the outlet.
“I’m still going through the process. It’s something the prime minister asked me to do (and) I want to do it properly,” LeBlanc said.
“The Prime Minister asked me to begin a process that would look at all of these issues … And when we have more to say at the right moment, I’d be happy to do so,” said LeBlanc.
Global News reported the claims of anonymous sources within the intelligence community that Dong allegedly met with and instructed Chinese consul general in February 2021.
“Let me assure you, as a parliamentarian and as a person, I have never and would never advocate or support the violation of basic human rights of any Canadian – of anyone, anywhere, period,” said Dong at the time.
Global News reports also claimed that the MP was targeted for investigation by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
LeBlanc did not provide a timeline for his decision on Dong’s future with the Liberal Party.
