Liberal MP Shaun Chen’s announcement of his resignation from the House of Commons sparked online accusations of violating House rules by voting on legislation while in China earlier this year. These claims, propagated by right-wing influencers and some current and former Conservative MPs, are rooted in videos shared on WeChat showing Chen in China alongside electronic voting records from the House of Commons.
One post by independent journalist Andy Lee highlighted a video of Chen enjoying ice cream in China on March 25, the same day electronic voting records show he cast six votes in the House of Commons. Concerns were raised regarding potential national security breaches if Chen indeed voted remotely from China. Conservative MP John Barlow echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for answers beyond Chen’s travel.
According to House of Commons standing orders, MPs are prohibited from voting outside of Canada. The rules specify that electronic votes must be cast within the country and that MPs’ identities are visually confirmed using facial recognition technology. The Speaker’s office affirmed the existence of technical controls and validation processes to ensure MPs are physically present in Canada when voting.
Chen’s office clarified that he was in China from March 14 to March 22 and returned to Canada for the House of Commons session on March 23 after the spring recess. Supporting evidence included Chen’s boarding pass showing his return flight from Taipei to Toronto on March 22 and visa stamps in his passport indicating his travel dates.
The MP’s office denied allegations of voting from outside Canada, citing ongoing health issues that limit his ability to travel to Ottawa regularly. Chen’s resignation announcement referenced a vehicle accident last fall during his commute between Toronto and Ottawa, prompting his decision to step down next month.
Critics, including Lee, questioned Chen’s ability to travel to China despite health concerns preventing frequent trips to Ottawa. The trip to China was sponsored by the Hakka Canadian Association for official parliamentary business, with emails confirming the coordination of cybersecurity measures during Chen’s travel.
The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s public disclosure included details of Chen’s trip, supported by an invitation from the Hakka Canadian Association noting the dates and accommodations provided during the visit.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Chen’s alleged voting from China raises questions of parliamentary protocol and the necessity for transparency in MPs’ activities both domestically and abroad.