British Columbia
B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan Ousted from Caucus Amid Violent Criminal Charges
B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan has been removed from caucus after being charged with assault and choking. The NDP is now calling for his immediate resignation.
Criminal Charges and Immediate Caucus Removal
Hon Chan, the B.C. Conservative MLA representing Richmond Centre, has been removed from his party’s caucus following the announcement of several serious criminal charges. The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed on Wednesday that Chan is facing charges of assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. These allegations have been classified as a ‘K file,’ a designation used by the justice system to indicate cases involving alleged intimate partner or domestic violence.
Details of the Investigation
The alleged offenses took place on January 12, 2024, in Richmond, several months before Chan was elected to the provincial legislature. To ensure impartiality given Chan’s status as an elected official, special prosecutor Andi MacKay was appointed to the case in late June 2025. This appointment follows an investigation conducted by the Richmond RCMP. Chan is currently scheduled to make his first appearance in Richmond provincial court on April 22.
Political Accountability and Party Reaction
B.C. Conservative Party Leader Trevor Halford addressed the situation in a formal statement, noting that the caucus took immediate action once the charges were brought to light. According to Halford, Chan informed the party of the legal matters only a day prior to his removal. ‘Prior to yesterday, the caucus and party had no knowledge of this matter or any related incidents,’ Halford said. He emphasized that the party takes allegations of domestic violence with the utmost seriousness, stating that those in public trust must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
Calls for Resignation
The fallout has sparked intense criticism from political opponents. Grace Lore, the NDP MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, argued that removal from the caucus is insufficient. Lore has called for Chan’s immediate resignation from the legislature, citing a ‘fundamental violation of trust.’ She highlighted that Chan’s failure to disclose the investigation earlier represents a breach of duty to his constituents and all British Columbians. Before entering politics, Chan was a well-known journalist with Fairchild Television and most recently served as the Conservative critic for climate solutions.