Covering Ambassador Dominic Barton’s appearance in front of the Canada-China committee on Parliament Hill. This is the first time Barton has testified #Cdnpoli #coronavirus #huawei 
Barton says his number one priority is the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, and clemency for Robert Shellenberg. #cdnpoli
Barton says the chill is real, many regularly held meetings that were cancelled after Huawei’s CFO being arrested still have not resumed. China is very angry Barton says #cdnpoli
Barton says 373 Canadians want to leave China re: Coronavirus
Barton reveals he has seen both Kovrig and Spavor several times. Notes he is incredibly inspired by their resilience. Barton says he will go every single time he is permitted to see the two Michaels in jail.
Barton: we are working with other governments in other countries. They keep working hard hoping it will bear fruit on their release. Resolving this issue is critical before they can move forward to restored relationship with China.
Barton: this is top of mind for the Prime Minister, and that’s why he has said we will only move forward in a way that reflects Canadian values ie: rule of law (my note: so no prisoner exchange)
First question from @GarnettGenuis who says he believes Barton is an inappropriate choice as Ambassador as his previous firm McKinsey did work for Chinese state corporations. Genuis grilling him on which state companies McKinsey did work for
Barton is now asked if a harder line approach or engagement is best way forward. He says can’t be bullied must be strong but engagement is important vs taking harder line
Barton describes both Canadians and Chinese as being so angry they were shaking in first discussions when he arrived in China. Says initially there was no ability for a dialogue bc no Chinese response in answer to q abt whether govt should have appt ambassador before 8 months
Barton reveals the first meaningful engagement happened after Prime Minister Trudeau and President Xi were sat next to each other at the G20 in Osaka due to alphabetical order
Asked about whether he has a conflict over his previous financial interests in China by @JackHarrisNDP, Barton says becoming Ambassador would be the stupidest financial choice he could make (he was making a lot of $) and did this for public service
