Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

B.C. independent MLA Jordan Kealy is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Legislative Assembly of B.C./Jeff Vinnick

The British Columbia Prosecution Service has announced that Independent legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault over allegations dating back to before his election.

The service said in a statement on Thursday that the charge against Kealy, who was elected to represent Peace River North in October 2024, relates to alleged offences between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20 that year in Fort St. John.

It said special prosecutor Gail Barnes was appointed on Feb. 9 involving an investigation by the Prince George RCMP into the allegations against Kealy.

The service said Barnes, a senior Vancouver lawyer in private practice, was appointed to avoid potential improper influence in the administration of justice.

Kealy was charged on Wednesday and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Fort St. John on July 6.

He did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“Following consultation with the special prosecutor, the BCPS concluded that issuing a media statement was appropriate at this time,” the service said.

“As these matters are now before the court, neither the special prosecutor nor the BCPS will be releasing additional information or commenting further at this time.”

Kealy, a former B.C. Conservative who left the caucus last year, is the second sitting B.C. legislator facing criminal charges.

Former B.C. Conservative Hon Chan was charged in March with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats in a case of alleged intimate partner violence, prompting his removal from the party caucus.

The Richmond Centre legislator said he “disagreed with the allegation” and has rejected calls for his resignation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.