About 12 minutes ago, the aircraft carrying Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor left Chinese air space and they’re on their way home. They boarded at about 7:30 Ottawa time along with Dominic Barton, Canada’s Ambassador to China.

These two men have gone through an unbelievably difficult ordeal. For the past 1,000 days they have shown strength, perseverance, resilience and grace, and we are all inspired by that.

I want to thank their families who’ve been there for them, supporting them in every way they could and supporting us in the work we’ve done to secure their release.

I want to thank the countless diplomatic and other Canadian officials who have been tireless over the past two and a half years to secure the return of these two Canadians. I want to thank our allies and partners around the world in the international community who have stood steadfast in solidarity with Canada and with these two Canadians. And finally, I want to thank Canadians who have kept them in our thoughts and remained determined in the core value that Canadians have of standing up for each other and looking out for each other.

These two men have been through an unbelievably difficult situation, but it is inspiring, and it is good news for all of us that they are on their way home to their families.

Approximately 12 minutes ago, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor left Chinese air space, bound for home. On board the aircraft with them is Dominic Barton, Canada’s Ambassador to China. These past 1,000-plus days have been terribly arduous for these two men, yet they have shown determination, grace and resilience at every turn. What an inspiration!

I want to thank their families who were there to support them and help us in our work to have them released. I want to thank the numerous diplomats and public servants who dedicated hours, days, months and years of their careers to bringing these two Canadians home. And I also want to thank our international allies who were there, standing with Canada and these two Canadians the entire time.

Finally, I want to thank Canadians right across this country. You kept the two Michaels in your thoughts, in your prayers, and you have shown that we are there for one another in hard times.

I will be—I always have been—and I always will be moved and impressed by the strength of character these two men possess. And I think I speak for us all when I say that.