Liberal MP at centre of Chinese government election interference allegations says CSIS has yet to reach out
CBC
Liberal MP Han Dong says he has yet to receive a call from Canada's intelligence agency following recent allegations that his election campaign benefited from Beijing's meddling and that he was "a witting affiliate."
"I have not received any phone calls from RCMP, Elections Canada, [the Canadian Security Intelligence Service]," said Dong on Parliament Hill Tuesday.
Last month, Global News cited anonymous sources who alleged national security officials gave an urgent briefing to senior aides from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office in 2019 "warning them that one of their candidates was part of a Chinese foreign interference network."
Speaking for the first time on camera since the Global News article came out, Dong emphatically denied the claim.
"It's unverified, anonymous allegations," the Don Valley North MP said.
"I can tell you that, to this point, I've never received a phone call from CSIS. I've never been made aware if there's an investigation, whether by CSIS, RCMP or Elections Canada, pertaining to my nomination or my election campaign.
Global's sources allege CSIS believed Dong, who was re-elected in 2021, was a "witting affiliate" of China's election interference networks.
"No, absolutely not," said Dong Tuesday.
"I was not offered, I was not told, I was not informed, nor would I accept any help from a foreign country, whether during my nomination or during my election campaign."
WATCH | MP Han Dong says Beijing has 'absolutely not' played a role in his election
Dong said he sent a letter to CSIS Director David Vigneault asking about the latest allegations and whether the leak came from inside the service.
"They acknowledged receipt," he said Tuesday.
Dong said he has not asked the Prime Minister's Office or Jody Thomas, national security adviser to the prime minister, about the allegations.
When asked why, he said it's "because I know the truth."
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