Liberal MK Han Dong, targeted by media allegations of Chinese interference, defended his reputation in a first scrum since the case on Tuesday.
“I cannot defend myself against anonymous, unverified sources,” Dong told reporters upon arriving at parliament on Tuesday.
The member for Don Valley North, in the suburbs of Toronto, claims to have to date never received a call from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and not to have been made aware of any police investigations concerning him.
Importantly, Mr. Dong denied details from a Global News article that said Mr. Dong received assistance from the Chinese Consulate during his local appointment, citing unnamed sources within Canadian intelligence.
The report alleges that Chinese foreign students were instructed to support his candidacy during the Liberal nomination, transported by bus, and that other buses were used to transport elderly people to vote for him. CSIS then reportedly asked the Liberal Party to withdraw Mr. Dong’s candidacy. None of these claims could be independently verified by The duty.
“My campaign provides transportation for seniors. Not just old people [d’origine] Chinese. Buses involved in transportation are expenses included in public reporting,” he said.
Sino-Canadian volunteers form only a small part of his team, he says, adding that several cultural communities have supported him in his political career. “I know the truth. I know my campaign. I know the people working on my campaign, I’ve worked with them for years! he replied to reporters.
He spoke of the danger of Chinese Canadians becoming the victims of misplaced accusations amid intense debates in Parliament on the subject of foreign interference.
“I don’t want the study on foreign interference to discourage [les Sino-Canadiens] to stand for election. Seeing the treatment I got just because my name was mentioned in this case, I’m sure a lot of people will have doubts, especially those from ethnic communities. »
In February, Han Dong released a statement on social media, “strongly rejecting the insinuations contained in media reports.” He said his campaign had not experienced any irregularities.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, then came to the defense of his MP, calling him an “extraordinary member of the [son] crew “. The Liberal leader added that it is not up to the intelligence services to decide who can or cannot stand for election.
The special rapporteur on foreign interference, David Johnston, has until May 23 to decide on the need for a public inquiry into this issue.