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Hon Chan, B.C. Conservative MLA for Richmond Centre, has been charged with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats.
He has also been removed from the Conservative caucus, party leader Trevor Halford said.
Chan was charged Wednesday and is set to make his first court appearance on April 22 in Richmond provincial court.
The B.C. Prosecution Service says a special prosecutor, Andi MacKay, was appointed on June 27, 2025, in relation to an investigation conducted by the Richmond RCMP. The alleged offences occurred on Jan. 12, 2024, in Richmond.
“Yesterday, Mr. Chan informed me of serious criminal charges against him,” Halford said in a statement. “Prior to yesterday, the caucus and party had no knowledge of this matter or any related incidents.”
Halford says the party took action to remove Chan immediately upon becoming aware of the charges. He says “people in positions of public trust will be held to the highest standard of accountability.”
CBC News has not been able to reach Chan for comment.
A special prosecutor was appointed to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, given that Chan is an elected public official, the prosecution service said.
Chan became a B.C. Conservative candidate in August 2024. He was elected as an MLA in October of that year, with over half the votes, beating NDP incumbent Henry Yao.
Chan was the party’s critic for climate solutions and climate readiness. He is a former journalist with Fairchild Television.
Grace Lore, NDP MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, said in a statement that removing Chan from caucus doesn’t go far enough.
She said the Conservatives should call on Chan to resign immediately, saying his failure to disclose the criminal investigation “is a fundamental violation of trust with his constituents and all British Columbians.”
“It is inappropriate for someone facing criminal charges for violent crimes to continue serving as an MLA,” she said.
More to come.
