After announcing his resignation from the House of Commons, Liberal MP Shaun Chen faced online accusations of violating House rules by participating in voting while in China earlier this year. The allegations, primarily spread by right-wing influencers and a few current and former Conservative MPs, point to videos on WeChat showing Chen in China, aligning with the dates he reportedly voted electronically in the House of Commons.
The controversy arose when independent journalist Andy Lee highlighted a specific video of Chen enjoying ice cream in China on March 25, the same day Chen allegedly voted six times in the House of Commons. Concerns were raised about the potential national security implications of voting remotely from China. Conservative MP John Barlow echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for clarity on the matter.
However, House rules strictly prohibit Members of Parliament from participating in votes while outside of Canada. The rules specify that electronic votes must be cast within the country, reinforcing the requirement for visual confirmation of a member’s identity using facial recognition technology.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia emphasized the existence of technical and human validation mechanisms to ensure MPs are physically present in Canada when casting their votes. Chen’s office clarified that he traveled to China from March 14 to March 22 and returned to Canada for parliamentary duties on March 23 after the spring recess.
Chen’s office provided evidence, including his boarding pass and visa stamps, to corroborate his travel dates and refute claims of voting outside Canada. It was stated that Chen’s health issues, stemming from a previous vehicle accident, limit his ability to travel frequently to Ottawa, prompting his decision to resign.
Critics, including Andy Lee, questioned Chen’s ability to travel to China while citing health concerns preventing regular travel to Ottawa. The trip to China was part of official parliamentary business with the Canada-China Legislative Association and was sponsored by the Hakka Canadian Association, chaired by Markham Coun. Joe Li.
Email correspondence between Chen and House of Commons IT staff regarding his cybersecurity during the trip was also shared. The Office of Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner disclosed details of Chen’s trip, confirming its duration and purpose as per the Hakka Canadian Association’s invitation.