The Canadian government has expelled Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei who allegedly involved in intimidating an opposition lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mlanie Joly in a statement declared Wei as "persona non grata".
"We will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs," she wrote.
"Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behaviour, they will be sent home."
Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa condemned the explusion of its diplomat. There will be "consequences arising from the action", said the Chinese embassy.
"The Chinese side strongly condemns and firmly opposes this and has lodged stern protest with the Canadian side," read a statement on the embassy website.
The decision of expelling was made after a Canadian intelligence report in the Globe and Mail accused of Wei involved in intimidating and gathering information about Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.
Chong has criticised of Beijing's treatment of Uyghur Muslims minorities. Chong has put forward a motion in 2021 saying that the treatment of Uyghur's is a genocide. China had denied the accusations and sanctioned Chong later.
The federal agency confirmed Wei's involvement. Joly said that the decision to expel the dimplomat was taken after "careful consideration".
Chong on Monday said that the decision should have been taken years ago.
China last week accused Canada of "slander and defamation" over the claims Beijing targeted Chong and his family, reported BBC. Earlier, China has said that they do not interfere in other countries internal affairs.
While attending the coronation of King Charles III, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the decision was not to be taken lightly. "This is very serious and significant," said Trudeau.
Trudeau has appointed former governor David Johnston to investigate and dig deeper to the issue.
