A B.C. Conservative MLA facing “serious criminal charges” related to allegations of domestic violence has been ousted from caucus, the interim leader of the province’s official Opposition announced Thursday.
Trevor Halford, speaking to reporters at the legislature, said he was informed of the charges against Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan after they were sworn Wednesday that no one in the party was aware of the allegations or the criminal investigation prior to that.
“It’s very disappointing that we are here today, but we do take this with the utmost seriousness,” Halford said.
“Anything regarding intimate partner violence cannot and should not ever be tolerated, and we will respect the court process as this goes forward.”
Chan 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 file is marked as a “K” file, which the B.C. Prosecution Service uses to designate cases involving allegations of intimate partner violence.
The alleged offences occurred in Richmond on Jan. 12, 2024—over 10 months before Chan was elected for the first time.
It is not clear when the complainant reported the alleged offences, but a special prosecutor was appointed to the case on June 27, 2025, on account of “the nature of the allegations and the identity of the accused as an elected public official,” according to the BCPS.
Chan’s office posted a brief statement on his Instagram page Thursday.
“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 co-operate fully with the police and the court process.”
Halford was asked whether he thought Chan ought to have disclosed the allegations and investigations sooner, given it has been nearly nine months since the special prosecutor was appointed.
“I actually don’t know. I don’t know what the legal obligations (are), I don’t know if he was allowed to mention it. I don’t know if he should have. Those are questions that you probably want to direct to the Ministry of the Attorney General,” Halford said.
B.C. NDP MLA Grace Lore released a statement on behalf of the governing party’s caucus, calling for Chan’s immediate resignation from the legislature.
“It is inappropriate for someone facing criminal charges for violent crimes to continue serving as an MLA. His constituents, survivors of intimate partner violence, and all British Columbians deserve better than that,” Lore wrote.
Halford was asked if he thinks Chan should resign.
“That’s a decision he’s going to have to make. The allegations are incredibly serious. They’re very troubling. They’re very disturbing—and he’s going to have to make that decision himself,” he said.
The interim Opposition leader was also asked if he saw any “red flags” prior to Wednesday.
“I’ve known Han since he was elected,” Halford said.
“I’ve had a great working relationship with him. To say this came across as a shock, it would be an understatement.”
Chan’s first appearance in court is set for April 22. He is not in custody.
