Richmond MLA Hon Chan pleads not guilty to intimate partner violence charges
The Conservative-turned-Independent legislator has elected a jury trial and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, moving directly to B.C. Supreme Court.
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Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan has pleaded not guilty to three counts of intimate partner violence, assault, choking and uttering threats. His counsel entered the plea on his behalf, and he has elected to have his case heard by judge and jury rather than proceed through a preliminary inquiry in provincial court.
The alleged offences occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond. Chan was charged in March 2026, nine months after the 2024 provincial election. None of the charges have been proven in court.
By waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Chan's case will proceed directly to B.C. Supreme Court. His next appearance is scheduled for September 16 to set a trial date. The BC Prosecution Service appointed Vancouver lawyer Andi MacKay as special prosecutor in June 2025 to oversee the case and avoid any potential for real or perceived improper handling involving an elected official.
Chan, elected as a B.C. Conservative in 2024, was removed from the party's caucus in March after the charges became public. The party said at the time neither it nor the caucus had known about the allegations. He now sits as an Independent MLA. Before his expulsion from caucus, he served as the Conservatives' critic for ICBC, TransLink, transit and climate solutions. Prior to his election, Chan worked at Fairchild TV for 15 years as a news anchor, assignment editor and talk show host.
What is the timeline for the trial once a date is set?
Has the alleged victim or their representative made any public statement about the charges?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What charges has Hon Chan pleaded not guilty to?
Hon Chan has pleaded not guilty to three counts of intimate partner violence, assault, choking, and uttering threats.
When did the alleged offences occur?
The alleged offences occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond.
When was Hon Chan charged?
Hon Chan was charged in March 2026.
What is Hon Chan's current political status?
Hon Chan was elected as a B.C. Conservative in 2024 but was removed from the party's caucus in March 2026 after the charges became public. He now sits as an Independent MLA.
