Liberal Member of Parliament Shaun Chen has announced his decision to step down due to ongoing health issues stemming from a car accident last year. Chen, who has represented Scarborough North since 2015, revealed in a social media statement that the accident left him with significant health challenges, making it difficult for him to fulfill his parliamentary duties in Ottawa. Following discussions with his family, Chen concluded that resigning from his position is the best course of action.
Before his tenure in Parliament, Chen served as the chair of the Toronto District School Board. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed gratitude towards Chen for his commitment to youth advocacy and anti-racism efforts, wishing him a speedy recovery and success in his future endeavors.
Chen’s resignation adds to the growing list of MPs leaving their seats this summer. Former Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault and Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall are among those set to vacate their positions. Additionally, Conservative MP Larry Brock will step down in September to pursue a role at the Brantford Crown attorney’s office, while NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice plans to run provincially for Québec Solidaire in October.
Chen is scheduled to resign on Saturday, marking the end of his parliamentary term.