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The third Canadian detained by Chinese authorities in recent weeks is an Alberta woman who was taken into custody due to visa complications and arrangements were being made for her to return to Canada, multiple sources said Wednesday.

Sarah McIver, described by those who know her as “bubbly” and “approachable,” had been teaching at a school in China when she was detained, sources told the Post. The detention left family members in southern Alberta traumatized and scrambling to contact Canadian officials for assistance after a former boyfriend confirmed McIver’s location.

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A Chinese government spokeswoman said Thursday that McIver’s detention differs from two earlier ones that authorities allege involve security matters.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said a woman received an administrative penalty for illegal employment.

McIver’s safe return would defuse what would have put additional strain on an already tense relationship between Canada and China, which was shaken by Canada’s arrest of a Chinese tech executive Dec. 1. One person said McIver was expected to be returned before the New Year. However, officials at Global Affairs Canada did not confirm a timeline, and the situation could remain unresolved.