Independent MP Han Dong won’t seek re-election in suburban Toronto riding

Independent MP Han Dong announced on Sunday morning that he will not seek re-election in Don Valley North, following the Liberal Party of Canada’s decision to run a candidate in the suburban Toronto riding. Dong, who left the Liberal caucus in March 2023 to sit as an Independent, stated that his decision not to participate in the upcoming election was to give the Liberal Party the best chance to form a government and protect against threats posed by Donald Trump.

The announcement comes after Global News published a report alleging that Dong privately advised a senior Chinese diplomat to delay the release of two detained Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Dong denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Global, its parent company Corus, and several journalists. In June 2024, an Ontario Superior Court judge found no documented evidence to support the allegations made against Dong in the Global News articles, stating that it is in the public interest to hear the case.

Dong expressed disappointment at not being part of the election campaign but reiterated his commitment to clearing his name in court. He acknowledged the privilege of serving the residents of Don Valley North and working with dedicated leaders, volunteers, and public institutions. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party announced Maggie Chi as their candidate for Don Valley North, with Chi having previously run for the Ontario Liberal nomination in 2022.

In a separate incident, Liberal candidate Paul Chiang, running for re-election in the Markham-Unionville riding, came under fire for suggesting that people claim a Chinese bounty on the Conservative candidate in Don Valley North, Joe Tay. Chiang apologized for his remarks, acknowledging them as a serious lapse in judgment. The warrants issued by the Hong Kong police against Tay and other China democracy advocates were denounced by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly.

Several Conservatives, including leader Pierre Poilievre, called for Chiang to be dropped from the Liberal Party. NDP candidate Jenny Kwan also criticized Chiang’s comments, emphasizing the need to stand against transnational repression. A spokesperson for the Liberal campaign stated that Chiang had apologized and remained committed to supporting the people of Hong Kong in safeguarding their human rights and freedoms.