MPs want Trudeau to call China's president

Canada's top diplomat in Beijing briefed MPs this week on the developing deterioration in relations with China, calling on government, media and business to continue pressure on the country.

But members of the foreign affairs committee said they weren't satisfied with the briefing, which took place behind closed doors after the Liberals amended the motion so it would be held entirely in camera.

"We wanted to hear if there's a plan to get these people back, to get this relationship back on track," said Conservative foreign affairs critic Erin O'Toole in an interview with CBC's The House following the Friday briefing.

"It was clear there was no plan and there is no plan now."

Ambassador John McCallum told the committee the government is taking steps on "many fronts" to garner support from world leaders and foreign ministers, but that's "just the beginning." 

The NDP's Hélène Laverdière said the government's outreach to allies for support makes sense, but she would like to see something more now, as relations continue to spiral downward with Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye warning of further repercussions this week if Canada moves to ban Huawei from a 5G network.

"I think we have to start thinking about a way out for China if Mrs. Meng is extradited so they could come down on what they're doing to Canadian citizens without losing face," she said.

Both O'Toole and Laverdière want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to personally intervene and call Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"If the Prime Minister were to call the president that could be presented as a nice gesture," said Laverdière.

O'Toole echoed the call.

"[Trudeau] needs to take a personal role and if he shows he's seized with the matter, that will allow them to respond in kind," he told host Chris Hall. "The Chinese want to see that this is considered seriously in Canada, and only the Prime Minister can project that."

According to McCallum, when asked by reporters if it's time for Trudeau to make direct contact with Xi, the ambassador said: "I think the time will come when it's most appropriate."

O'Toole said Canada can't afford to wait much longer. "The crisis is deepening," he said.