A British Columbia Conservative MLA has been removed from the party’s caucus after facing serious criminal charges related to alleged domestic violence, in a development that has raised significant political and public concern across the province.
Hon Chan, who represents Richmond Centre, has been charged with one count of assault, one count of assault by choking, and one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond, several months prior to his election to public office.
The decision to remove Chan from caucus was confirmed by interim Opposition leader Trevor Halford, who stated that the party became aware of the charges only after they were formally sworn. He described the situation as deeply troubling and emphasized that allegations involving intimate partner violence are taken with the utmost seriousness, adding that such conduct cannot and should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The case has been designated as a “K file” by the BC Prosecution Service, a classification used for cases involving allegations of intimate partner violence. A special prosecutor was appointed to oversee the case in June 2025, citing the nature of the allegations and Chan’s position as an elected official. Chan is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on April 22, 2026, and is not currently in custody.
In a brief public statement, Chan denied the allegations and indicated that he intends to defend himself through the legal process. He stated that he became aware of the claim relating to an incident from approximately two-and-a-half years ago and confirmed that he will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the court proceedings.
The matter has also drawn sharp political reaction, with Grace Lore calling for Chan’s immediate resignation from the legislature. She stated that it is inappropriate for an individual facing criminal charges for violent offences to continue serving as an MLA, emphasizing that constituents and survivors of intimate partner violence deserve higher standards of accountability.
Questions have also emerged regarding whether Chan should have disclosed the investigation earlier, particularly following the appointment of a special prosecutor. Halford acknowledged uncertainty around the legal obligations surrounding disclosure and indicated that such questions may need to be addressed by the Attorney General’s office.
As the case moves forward through the courts, the situation continues to evolve, with increasing public scrutiny and political pressure likely to shape the next steps. While Chan remains an elected representative, his removal from caucus marks a significant turning point that could have lasting implications for his political future and public trust in elected office.