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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former MP Han Dong settles defamation lawsuit with Global News
Former MP Han Dong has settled his defamation lawsuit against Global News, according to a statement posted to the news organization's website, closing a two-year legal battle that came after the outlet published an article alleging he advised a Chinese diplomat to hold off on freeing two Canadians who were detained in China at the time. On Sunday morning, Global published a statement on its website that said it and "former MP Han Dong have settled Mr. Dong's lawsuit concerning Global News stories that reported on allegations about Mr. Dong." In March 2023, Global published a story alleging Dong advised a senior Chinese diplomat in February 2021 that Beijing should hold off on freeing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians who were being held by China at the time. Dong denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Global, its parent company Corus and several journalists just weeks after the story ran. In the final report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference, Justice Marie-Josée Hogue wrote that classified intelligence "corroborates Mr. Dong's denial of the allegation that he suggested the [People's Republic of China] should hold off releasing Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. He did not suggest that the PRC extend their detention." In its statement, Global said it "recognizes the findings" of the inquiry's report, including the classified information reviewed by Hogue. The news organization added "the stories published by Global were based on information provided by confidential intelligence sources." "Mr. Dong has always denied the accuracy of this intelligence. In reporting on the sources' allegations concerning Mr. Dong, Global News's intent was to report on matters of significant public interest and to qualify that the allegations were unproven and subject to different interpretations," it said. In a statement to CBC News, Dong confirmed the settlement and said "after two long years, finally my family and I can move on." "I have had a profound appreciation of the privilege of holding a public office and being a member of the Liberal caucus," he said. Dong left the Liberal caucus in March 2023 to sit as an Independent MP. He did not seek re-election in the 2025 federal election in his suburban Toronto riding of Don Valley North after the Liberal Party told him they were going to run a new candidate, Maggie Chi — who later won the riding. WATCH | Dong quits Liberal caucus amid election interference allegations: In June 2024, an Ontario Superior Court judge found no documented evidence to support allegations made against Dong in the Global News articles. The judge's comments came as he rejected an application from Corus Entertainment to throw out Dong's lawsuit against the news service, saying it was in the public interest to hear the case. "The matter of Mr. Dong's communications with the Chinese are worthy of the freedom of expression of an open court system," Justice Paul Perell said in his judgment. Perell found the reporter who wrote the story did not see a transcript of the conversation between Dong and the diplomat, derived from the confidential sources, and did not keep all of the notes used as part of the reporting process. The ruling said the notes the reporter did keep, based on conversations with sources, do not contain any reference to Dong advising a Chinese diplomat to "delay" or "hold off" on releasing the two men. Kovrig and Spavor returned to Canada in September 2021, almost three years after they were first detained by China in what was widely seen to be a retaliatory action in response to Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on behalf of U.S. authorities.
CBC
13 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Former MP Han Dong settles defamation lawsuit with Global News
Social Sharing Former MP Han Dong has settled his defamation lawsuit against Global News, according to a statement posted to the news organization's website, closing a two-year legal battle that came after the outlet published an article alleging he advised a Chinese diplomat to hold off on freeing two Canadians who were detained in China at the time. On Sunday morning, Global published a statement on its website that said it and "former MP Han Dong have settled Mr. Dong's lawsuit concerning Global News stories that reported on allegations about Mr. Dong." In March 2023, Global published a story alleging Dong advised a senior Chinese diplomat in February 2021 that Beijing should hold off on freeing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians who were being held by China at the time. Dong denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Global, its parent company Corus and several journalists just weeks after the story ran. In the final report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference, Justice Marie-Josée Hogue wrote that classified intelligence "corroborates Mr. Dong's denial of the allegation that he suggested the [People's Republic of China] should hold off releasing Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. He did not suggest that the PRC extend their detention." In its statement, Global said it "recognizes the findings" of the inquiry's report, including the classified information reviewed by Hogue. The news organization added "the stories published by Global were based on information provided by confidential intelligence sources." "Mr. Dong has always denied the accuracy of this intelligence. In reporting on the sources' allegations concerning Mr. Dong, Global News's intent was to report on matters of significant public interest and to qualify that the allegations were unproven and subject to different interpretations," it said. In a statement to CBC News, Dong confirmed the settlement and said "after two long years, finally my family and I can move on." "I have had a profound appreciation of the privilege of holding a public office and being a member of the Liberal caucus," he said. Dong left the Liberal caucus in March 2023 to sit as an Independent MP. He did not seek re-election in the 2025 federal election in his suburban Toronto riding of Don Valley North after the Liberal Party told him they were going to run a new candidate, Maggie Chi — who later won the riding. WATCH | Dong quits Liberal caucus amid election interference allegations: MP Han Dong quits Liberal caucus amid election interference allegations 2 years ago Duration 2:17 In June 2024, an Ontario Superior Court judge found no documented evidence to support allegations made against Dong in the Global News articles. The judge's comments came as he rejected an application from Corus Entertainment to throw out Dong's lawsuit against the news service, saying it was in the public interest to hear the case. "The matter of Mr. Dong's communications with the Chinese are worthy of the freedom of expression of an open court system," Justice Paul Perell said in his judgment. Perell found the reporter who wrote the story did not see a transcript of the conversation between Dong and the diplomat, derived from the confidential sources, and did not keep all of the notes used as part of the reporting process. The ruling said the notes the reporter did keep, based on conversations with sources, do not contain any reference to Dong advising a Chinese diplomat to "delay" or "hold off" on releasing the two men. Kovrig and Spavor returned to Canada in September 2021, almost three years after they were first detained by China in what was widely seen to be a retaliatory action in response to Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on behalf of U.S. authorities.
Global News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Global News
Global News and former MP Han Dong settle lawsuit
Global News and former MP Han Dong have settled their lawsuit. Dong, the former MP for Don Valley North, stepped away from the Liberal caucus on March 22, 2023, after Global News, citing confidential security sources, published alleged details about his interactions with the Chinese consulate in Toronto. Dong subsequently sued Global's parent company, Corus Entertainment, and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Global News has released the following statement following the settlement of the lawsuit: Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Global News and former MP Han Dong have settled Mr. Dong's lawsuit concerning Global News stories that reported on allegations about Mr. Dong. Global News recognizes the findings of the Final Report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference, including that the classified information reviewed by Justice Marie Josee Hogue corroborates that Mr. Dong did not suggest that the PRC extend the detention of Michael Kovrig and Micheal Spavor. Story continues below advertisement The stories published by Global were based on information provided by confidential intelligence sources. Mr. Dong has always denied the accuracy of this intelligence. In reporting on the sources' allegations concerning Mr. Dong, Global News' intent was to report on matters of significant public interest and to qualify that the allegations were unproven and subject to different interpretations.' Dong decided not to run in the April 28th election. Maggie Chi, representing the Liberal Party of Canada, was elected in Don Valley North.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada election 2025: Don Valley North
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Don Valley North is a federal riding located in Ontario. This riding is currently represented by Liberal MP Han Dong who first took office in 2019. Dong collected 22,067 votes, winning 54.44 per cent of the vote in the 2021 federal election. Voters will decide who will represent Don Valley North in Ontario during the upcoming Canadian election on April 28, 2025. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up to the minute results. Candidates Liberal: Maggie Chi Conservative: Joe Tay NDP: Naila Saeed Green: Andrew Armstrong No Affiliation: Xiaohua Gong People's Party: Ivan Milivojevic
Epoch Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
TD Bank Account Closures Expose Chinese Hybrid Warfare Threat
Commentary The recent revelation by The Globe and Mail that TD Bank has closed accounts linked to pro-China groups—including those associated with former Liberal MP Han Dong—should not be dismissed as routine risk management. Rather, it is a visible sign of a much deeper and more insidious campaign: a hybrid war being waged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) across Canada's political, economic, and digital spheres. TD Bank's move—reportedly driven by 'reputational risk' and concerns over foreign interference—marks a rare, public signal from the private sector. Politically exposed persons (PEPs), a term used in banking and intelligence circles to denote individuals vulnerable to corruption or manipulation, were reportedly among those flagged. When a leading Canadian bank takes action while the government remains hesitant, it suggests the threat is no longer theoretical. It is here. Hybrid warfare refers to the use of non-military tools—such as cyberattacks, financial manipulation, political influence, and disinformation—to erode a nation's sovereignty and resilience from within. In Financial manipulation is a key component of this strategy. CCP-linked actors often use opaque payment systems—such as WeChat Pay, UnionPay, or cryptocurrency—to move money outside traditional compliance structures. These platforms facilitate the unchecked flow of funds into Canadian sectors like real estate, academia, and infrastructure, many of which are tied to national security and economic competitiveness. Layered into this is China's Related Stories 4/6/2025 4/17/2025 Complementing these structural tools is guanxi—a Chinese system of interpersonal networks and mutual obligations. Though rooted in trust, guanxi can be repurposed to quietly influence decision-makers, bypass oversight, and secure insider deals. In the wrong hands, it becomes an informal channel of foreign control. Meanwhile, Canada continues to face escalating cyberattacks linked to the Chinese state. These operations have targeted government agencies and private firms, stealing sensitive data, compromising infrastructure, and undermining public confidence. These are not isolated intrusions—they are part of a broader effort to weaken Canada's digital, economic, and democratic institutions. The TD Bank's decision should be seen as a bellwether. Financial institutions are increasingly on the front lines of this undeclared conflict. Their actions raise an urgent question: If private-sector actors recognize the risk, why hasn't the federal government acted more decisively? The issue of Chinese interference has made headlines in recent years, from allegations of election meddling to intimidation of diaspora communities. TD's decision adds a new financial layer to this growing concern. Canada cannot afford to respond with fragmented, reactive policies. What's needed is a whole-of-society response: new legislation to address foreign interference, strengthened compliance frameworks in finance and technology, and a clear-eyed recognition that hybrid warfare is already being waged on Canadian soil. The CCP's strategy is long-term, multidimensional, and calculated. It blends political leverage, economic subversion, transnational organized crime, and cyber operations. Canada must respond with equal sophistication, coordination, and resolve. The mosaic of influence isn't forming. It's already here. Recognizing the full picture is no longer optional. Canadians must demand transparency, accountability, and action before more of our institutions fall under foreign control. Scott McGregor is a defence and intelligence veteran, co-author of 'The Mosaic Effect: How the Chinese Communist Party Started a Hybrid War in America's Backyard,' and the managing partner of Close Hold Intelligence Consulting Ltd. He is a senior security adviser to the Council on Countering Hybrid Warfare and a former intelligence adviser to the RCMP and the B.C. Attorney General. He is completing an LLM in international business law with a focus on Chinese hybrid warfare and legal subversion. © Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
