OTTAWA – Former Member of Parliament (MP) Han Dong has announced that he and his family can finally move forward following the settlement of his lawsuit against Global News. This legal battle arose from a report made by Global in early 2023, which claimed that Dong had privately advised a senior Chinese diplomat to delay the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadians detained in China.
In March 2023, after the allegations surfaced, Dong departed from the Liberal caucus to operate as an Independent MP. He expressed his desire to clear his name amid growing concerns regarding foreign interference in Canadian politics. Denying the accusations leveled against him, he embarked on a legal course against Global News, its parent company Corus, and several journalists who contributed to the contentious report regarding the situation of Spavor and Kovrig.
On June 16, 2025, Global News published a story indicating that Dong's lawsuit had been resolved. According to the statement from Global, the media outlet acknowledged the results of a federal inquiry into foreign interference, which concluded that the classified information reviewed by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue supported Dong’s assertion that he did not suggest extending the detention of Kovrig and Spavor.
In a statement shared on social media, Dong expressed relief over the settlement, stating, “finally my family and I can move on.” He also took the opportunity to convey his gratitude to his lawyer, Mark Polley, and his team for their diligent work throughout the process, along with appreciation for the support from friends and family during this challenging period.
While Polley refrained from commenting on the specifics of the settlement, a lawyer who represented Global in the case indicated he was unable to offer any remarks. Additionally, Corus spokesperson Melissa Eckersley confirmed via email that the Global News report regarding the settlement includes the relevant statement and any permissible information on the matter.
This sequence of events highlights the intricate relationship between political figures and media reporting, underscoring the potential consequences that arise from allegations of foreign interference in domestic politics. The conclusion of Dong's lawsuit marks a significant moment for him personally, as he aims to navigate life beyond the implications of these allegations.
This report gives insight into the ongoing complexities surrounding foreign influence in Canadian governance and the media's role within it, illustrating how deeply intertwined media narratives can affect the lives of public officials.
