(OTTAWA) A motion calling for a public and independent inquiry into foreign interference has been passed by MPs from all parties in the House except the Liberals.
The elected members of the House of Commons approved by a majority (172 votes against 49) a motion sponsored by NDP MP Peter Julian on Thursday, after a question period where the issue of interference been at the heart of the discussions.
The passage of the motion comes a day after a Global News report was published with allegations that a Liberal MP, Han Dong, suggested to a senior Chinese official in Canada to delay the release of the two Michaels detained in China. .
Late Wednesday night, the MP in question quit the Liberal caucus to sit as an independent, saying he didn’t want to be a distraction to the political party. He denied having anything to reproach himself for.
“I want to assure Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig and their family that I did nothing to cause them any harm. Like all members of this House, I have worked hard to defend their interests, ”assured the Ontario MP, who ended his speech in tears.
The Global News network reported that the elected official suggested to the Chinese consul general in Toronto, Han Tao, that Beijing wait before releasing the two Michaels, who were arbitrarily detained in China. La Presse could not independently confirm this information.
