Dominic Barton says Chinese authorities were completely paranoid about COVID-19 as they denied consular access to the two men from January to November.

Canada's foreign affairs minister said the federal government won't comment on pending legal cases, but said Ottawa is following developments in Meng's case "very closely."

Two Canadians currently detained in China remain Canada's 'top priority,' the prime minister said Friday amid reports of a possible deal.

Conservative MP Michael Chong said this past week's virtual consular visits to Micahel Kovrig and Michael Spavor should have happened much sooner

The statement posted on the embassy's website doesn't specify the politicians or exact comments.

The cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been transferred to prosecutors for "review and prosecution in accordance with the law.''

Canadian officials have received confirmation that U.S. President Donald Trump raised the matter, a government source says.

China says Canada should respect its "judicial sovereignty" in the case of two Canadians it detained and later charged with spying.

Relations between China and Canada have been tense since the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou last December. 

Of the Canadians detained in China, a White House statement said Trump expressed to Trudeau Washington's "solid commitment to standing by Canada in efforts" to secure their release.