In Rebuke to Beijing, Canadian Foreign Minister Says Not Taking ‘Lessons From Anyone’ Conservatives criticize Liberal government for not taking action Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne fired back at Beijing for criticizing Ottawa’s efforts in building an international alliance to free Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor from Chinese prisons. In an interview with the Canadian Press this week, Champagne said he would do what he thinks is best for Canada’s interest and would not follow Beijing’s instructions. “I’ll take no lessons from anyone, and certainly not from China when it comes to defending and standing up for values and principles and defending Canadian interests and defending Michael Kovrig and Spavor,” Champagne said.