This is a translation of an article from CTV News.

Saturday, that Globe and mail reported that Spavor, who was imprisoned in China with Kovrig for nearly three years, is seeking multimillion-dollar compensation from Ottawa.

Citing two anonymous sources, the Globe and mail reports that Spavor claims he was arrested because he “inadvertently” provided Canada with intelligence information about North Korea.

The sources said this Globe and mail that Spavor’s lawyer, John K. Phillips, claims his client was arrested by China based on information he shared with Kovrig, which was then passed on as part of Kovrig’s diplomatic duties within the Canadian government and its Five Eyes affiliates without Spavor’s knowledge. The State Department’s Global Security Reporting Program.

In a statement to CTV News, GAC spokesman Pierre Cuguen said: “China’s arbitrary detention of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig is unjust and unacceptable.”

“As the Prime Minister noted in 2021, China’s conviction of Michael Spavor on espionage charges was unfounded and followed a trial that did not meet even the minimum standards required by international law,” he added.

“Perpetuating the idea that Michael was involved in espionage activities only reinforces the false narrative that they were detained by China.”

Global Affairs Canada appears to have made much the same statement Globe and mail in response to his report. The statement made no mention of the deal Spavor would seek.

“These two men endured an incredibly difficult ordeal and each day of their arbitrary detention they demonstrated strength, endurance, resilience and grace. They inspired all of Canada and as a country we collectively breathed a sigh of relief when they returned home,” said Mr. Cuguen.

“Since their release, the Government of Canada has been committed to helping them rebuild their lives after this difficult ordeal. Both men are free to speak about their experiences with arbitrary detention in China. For reasons of confidentiality, no further information can be shared.

Kovrig and Spavor, often referred to as “the two Michaels,” were arrested on espionage charges in December 2018, a move that came in retaliation for the detention in Canada of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the tech giant’s founder American extradition request was considered.

China released both men in September 2021, the same day the US Justice Department reached an agreement to settle criminal charges against Meng.