Political science lecturer says calls for resignation of MLA Chan hold water

B.C. MLA Hon Chan is seen in this photo from the official website of the B.C. legislature. (Credit: leg.bc.ca)

VICTORIA — A University of British Columbia political analyst says calls for the resignation of Independent MLA Hon Chan are appropriate, after the legislator was charged this week in relation to an alleged incident of intimate partner violence in 2024.

The Richmond Centre MLA has been charged with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats, with interim B.C. Conservative leader Trevor Halford saying the party kicked Chan out of its caucus after learning of the charges Wednesday.

Halford said it was up to Chan to decide whether to resign his seat.

But University of B.C. political science lecturer Stewart Prest said he agrees with calls by the provincial New Democrats and Greens for the MLA’s resignation.

“He’s entitled to a robust defence, but that doesn’t mean that he will be able to mount that robust defence at the same time that he is serving the interests of the constituents, who elected him,” Prest said in an interview Friday.

“I think that is where calls to have him resign hold water.”

The case points to a “very abstract but important” question, Prest said. “Is there shame in politics anymore? I do think we are seeing a test of that right now in B.C.”

Chan has said he disagrees with the allegations dating back to Jan. 12, 2024, and plans to defend himself through the court system.

This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published March 27, 2026.