The B.C. Conservatives said they have removed Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan from caucus after learning about domestic violence allegations against him.
The B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS) said Chan was charged on Wednesday with assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. The charges stem from an alleged incident in January 2024, before he was elected to the legislature in October 2024.
Interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford said neither he nor the party were aware of the allegations until Chan informed him the previous day. He said there were no charges against Chan when he was vetted and nominated as a Conservative candidate.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved in this situation,” said Halford. “Anything regarding intimate partner violence cannot and should never be tolerated, and we will respect the court process going forward.”
Halford did not directly call for Chan to resign as MLA for Richmond Centre, saying that decision would be up to Chan.
NDP MLA Grace Lore told reporters Wednesday she was “deeply disappointed” that the B.C. Conservatives are not calling for Chan to resign.
“I think that what we’ve got here is something extremely serious, a case where charges are laid for violence against an MLA, and involving an incident that happened two years ago,” said Lore. “He did not disclose to his leader, to the party to the people of Richmond, and that is a very major violation of public trust.”
B.C. Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote also called on Chan to resign.
“MLA Chan owes it to survivors, the public, the Legislature and his constituents to resign and to answer to these charges before the courts,” said Valeriote in a statement. “Should he refuse to resign, he owes the public an explanation on how he intends to fulfill his duties with these serious charges hanging over him.”
The B.C. Prosecution Service said a special prosecutor was appointed last June in relation to an investigation by Richmond RCMP into the allegations against Chan.
“The appointment of a Special Prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice considering the nature of the allegations and the identity of the accused as an elected public official,” said the BCPS.
Chan’s office responded to inquires from Vista News with a brief emailed statement.
“MLA Chan was made aware of a claim relating to an allegation from approximately two and a half years ago,” the statement said.
“He disagrees with the allegation and looks forward to defending himself through the legal process. He will continue to cooperate fully with the police and the court process. As this matter is now before the court, no further comment will be made at this time,” it said.
The BCPS said Chan is due to appear in Richmond provincial court on April 22.
