Alleging Kovrig Was Involved in Gathering Intelligence From Spavor Only Perpetuates Beijing’s ‘False Narrative,’ Ottawa Says

The statement comes after a Nov. 18 Globe and Mail article said Mr. Spavor is seeking a multi-million dollar settlement from the federal government.

Michael Spavor (2nd L) and Michael Kovrig (2nd R) receive a standing ovation in the House of Commons prior to U.S. President Joe Biden’s address of Parliament, in Ottawa on March 24, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Global Affairs Canada says that suggesting either Michael Kovrig or Michael Spavor was involved in “espionage” will only serve Beijing’s false allegations over their arrests, which occurred after Canada detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. extradition request in 2018.

The statement comes after a Nov. 18 Globe and Mail article cited anonymous sources as saying Mr. Spavor is seeking a multimillion-dollar settlement from the federal government, alleging that his detention came as a result of Mr. Kovrig, a former diplomat, gathering intelligence from him to provide to the Canadian government.