A Peter Mackay endorser is one of the 19 former Canadian officials who signed a recent controversial letter, calling for the release of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou to China, according to Spencer Fernando.
Wanzhou was detained in Canada on December 1, 2018 and has remained in Canada ever since. China detained Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig immediately after the incident in what is widely seen as a retaliation. They have been held in isolation in China ever since.
Former foreign affairs minister and former Conservative MP Lawrence Cannon is one of the people who signed the bill calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to follow China’s wishes and release Wanzhou.
Cannon endorsed Peter MacKay on May 4, before signing the letter. Critics are hoping MacKay denounces the letter and believe he should reject Cannon’s endorsement due to his participation in it.
Cannon has previously called for the country to follow China’s commands, which government officials have not agreed to do as to not reward the country’s hostage diplomacy— a move that could send a message to China and other countries that taking Canadians hostage is an effective way to gain leverage.
Critics believe MacKay will lose the support of many Conservatives if he does not keep himself distanced from Cannon.
Spavor and Kovrig have been in China for more than 550 days and are reportedly kept under constant lighting and surveillance for 24 hours a day. They have recently been charged with spying.
