After announcing his resignation from the House of Commons, Liberal MP Shaun Chen faced online accusations of violating House rules by casting votes on legislation while being in China earlier this year. The allegations, circulated by conservative influencers and some current and former Conservative MPs, center around videos posted on WeChat showing Chen’s visit to China. One post by independent journalist Andy Lee pointed out that Chen was seen enjoying ice cream in a video dated March 25th in China, the same day he allegedly voted six times electronically in the House of Commons. Concerns were raised regarding potential national security breaches if Chen voted remotely from China, as House rules prohibit MPs from voting outside Canada.
Conservative MP John Barlow echoed these concerns, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and questioning the need for answers. Referring to House of Commons standing orders, Barlow highlighted the prohibition against MPs voting while abroad. Specific claims suggested that Chen participated in the vote on Bill C-9, a contentious hate crime legislation, while in China. While acknowledging the possibility of edited WeChat videos, Lee maintained that it was reasonable to question Chen’s voting location.
According to House rules, MPs are not allowed to engage in House votes from outside the country. Electronic voting is restricted to within Canada, as per the House of Commons standing orders. These regulations also mandate visual confirmation of a member’s identity during voting, utilizing facial recognition technology through an app. The Speaker’s office confirmed the presence of technical and human 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. Providing evidence of his travel, including a boarding pass and visa stamps in his passport, Chen’s office refuted claims of voting from abroad. Citing health issues that limit his ability to travel frequently to Ottawa, Chen announced his resignation citing the aftermath of a vehicular accident last fall. The trip to China was described as official parliamentary business, organized by the Canada-China Legislative Association, and sponsored by the Hakka Canadian Association. Security measures were taken during Chen’s trip, as noted in emails between him and House of Commons IT staff coordinating his technology usage.
The Office of Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner disclosed details of Chen’s trip, confirming its duration and accommodations provided by the Hakka Canadian Association. Criticism regarding Chen’s travel to China versus his inability to travel to Ottawa due to health reasons has sparked further debate.