I thought it was totally inappropriate and unacceptable. I've said that in no uncertain terms and I've even asked our officials to call the ambassador for consultation, which we did, to convey that message. The key message here, what we're saying, is that this type of coercive diplomacy is not just unacceptable, but it's not conducive for China to achieve its own objectives. There are norms in international diplomatic relations and we will always stand up and speak up to make sure that we protect and defend the interest of Canadians. In this case, I spoke publicly—the same day I think, the same evening—to say that this was unacceptable and we conveyed that message to the ambassador.
On November 23rd, 2020. See this statement in context.