Liberal MP Shaun Chen faced accusations of breaching House rules by voting while in China earlier this year after announcing his resignation from the House of Commons. The claims, widely circulated by conservative voices and some former MPs, centered on videos shared on WeChat showing Chen in China on the same day he allegedly voted in the House of Commons.
The allegations suggested that Chen cast electronic votes on March 25 for government legislation while physically in China. Concerns were raised about the potential security risks of accessing parliamentary systems from outside Canada. Conservative MP John Barlow echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for clarity on the matter.
However, parliamentary rules explicitly prohibit MPs from participating in votes while outside the country. The House of Commons standing orders mandate that electronic votes must be cast within Canada, with visual confirmation of the member’s identity. Security measures, including facial recognition technology, are in place to verify MPs’ physical presence in the country during voting.
Chen’s office clarified that he was in China from March 14 to March 22 and returned to Canada on March 23 for parliamentary duties. Documentation, including boarding passes and visa stamps in Chen’s passport, supported his travel dates and refuted claims of voting from abroad. Chen attributed his resignation to health issues stemming from a previous car accident.
Critics questioned Chen’s ability to travel to China but not to Ottawa, where his parliamentary duties required his presence. The trip to China was part of official parliamentary business organized by the Canada-China Legislative Association. Emails between Chen and House of Commons IT staff highlighted cybersecurity precautions taken during his trip.
The Hakka Canadian Association sponsored Chen’s trip, aiming to foster relationships within the Hakka ethnic community in Canada. The Office of Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner disclosed details of Chen’s trip, confirming its duration and purpose.