OTTAWA: Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are back in Canada, after being illegally detained for over three years by the Communist government of China in a brazen display of hostage diplomacy.
They landed in Calgary on September 25 – after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was allowed to leave Vancouver.
Wanzhou, it was reported, entered into deferred prosecution agreement with U.S. authorities related to fraud charges and was released. Justin Trudeau, who was at Calgary airport said: “Welcome home, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. You’ve shown incredible strength, resilience, and perseverance. Know that Canadians across the country will continue to be here for you, just as they have been.”
Marc Garneau, who was foreign affairs minister in the previous governement, said” We are inspired by the courage and resilience they have shown during this long ordeal. We thank everyone, including our international partners, who helped secure their release.”