'Shocked' reactions from leaders as B.C. Conservative MLA is charged

Mar 26 2026, 9:46 pm

Charges have been laid against B.C. Conservative MLA for Richmond Centre Hon Chan, and leaders from other parties are reacting to the development.

On Thursday morning, the B.C. Conservative Party shared the news that Chan had been charged and removed from the party.

“Yesterday, Mr. Chan informed me of serious criminal charges against him. Prior to yesterday, the caucus and party had no knowledge of this matter or any related incidents,” said interim Conservative Party leader Trevor Halford.

Halford added, “Mr. Chan is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process before the courts. Those proceedings will run their course.”

A short while after, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) also shared some information about the incident.

BCPS said, “On June 27, 2025, Andi MacKay KC was appointed as a Special Prosecutor involving an investigation being conducted by the Richmond RCMP into allegations against Hon-Sang Chan. Mr. Chan is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Richmond Centre. The alleged offences occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond,” the BCPS said.

“On March 25, 2026, on Richmond provincial court file number 69728-1K, Mr. Chan was charged with assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. The first appearance is on April 22, 2026, in Richmond provincial court,” BCPS added.

Now, leaders from other parties are sharing their reactions. The BC Green Party said it was “shocked” by the news.

Jeremy Valeriote, BC Green Party MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, said, “MLA Chan owes it to survivors, the public, the Legislature, and his constituents to resign and to answer to these charges before the courts. 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.”

Meanwhile, BC NDP MLA Grace Lore said that she’s “deeply disappointed” Halford didn’t tell Chan to resign sooner.

Chan has also responded to the allegations with a tweet.

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