Liberal Member of Parliament Shaun Chen has announced his resignation by the end of the week due to ongoing health issues resulting from a car accident last year. Chen, who has represented Scarborough North since 2015, revealed that the accident left him with severe health complications, hindering his ability to travel to Ottawa regularly for parliamentary duties.
In a statement shared on social media, Chen expressed that after consulting with his family, he concluded that stepping down from his position in Parliament would be the best course of action. Prior to his political career, Chen served as the chair of the Toronto District School Board.
Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged Chen’s contributions to advocating for young people and combating racism in a statement, wishing him a swift recovery and success in his future endeavors. Chen’s decision to resign adds to the increasing number of MPs who have announced their departure from their seats this summer.
Among them, former Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault and Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall are also set to vacate their positions, while Conservative MP Larry Brock intends to step down in mid-September to pursue a role at the Brantford Crown attorney’s office. Additionally, NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice plans to resign from his Montreal seat by the end of the summer to contest provincially for Québec Solidaire in October.
Chen specified that his resignation will take effect on Saturday, marking the end of his tenure in Parliament.