There were “clearly strange practices” in the nomination of MP Han Dong (Don Valley North, Ont.) as a Liberal candidate in 2019, David Johnston yesterday told the House affairs committee. Johnston admitted he never questioned Dong about his dealings with Chinese officials.

“With respect to the nomination meeting, there clearly were strange practices, unusual practices going on,” testified Johnston. “We did not conclude from that it was directly laid to the hands of the People’s Republic. There clearly was discussion between Mr. Dong and the Consulate in Toronto.”

“Why did you not bother to interview Mr. Dong?” asked Conservative MP Michael Cooper (St. Albert-Edmonton). “We I think interviewed the people who had information about his particular matters,” replied Johnston.