Statement from Grace Lore on charges against Hon Chan
VICTORIA—“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victim – my thoughts are with her and every single other woman in this province who has faced intimate partner violence, who has experienced coercion, threats, abuse, and physical violence at the hands of their husbands or partners, and for whom home has been a source of fear instead of safety and care.
“This incident happened over two years ago, before his nomination as a BC Conservative candidate. The special prosecutor was appointed last year.
“These criminal charges were approved by a special prosecutor after a full police investigation regarding serious violent crimes. The threshold for approving charges is significant and it doesn’t happen without a serious and credible complaint.
“Removing Hon Chan from the caucus is an important first step, but it’s not nearly enough. The BC Conservatives should call on him to resign immediately and state clearly that he will not be a BC Conservative MLA or candidate in the future.
“If it’s true that nobody in the BC Conservatives had any knowledge at all of this investigation, Hon Chan’s failure to disclose it is a fundamental violation of trust with his constituents and all British Columbians. It should be a violation of trust with his political party and his MLA colleagues as well.
“It is inappropriate for someone facing criminal charges for violent crimes to continue serving as an MLA. His constituents, survivors of intimate partner violence, and all British Columbians deserve better than that.
“Intimate partner violence occurs in every corner of this province, in every kind of community, at every level of income and status. It is a public safety issue. We are committed to the services people who face family violence need to leave safely and rebuild their lives.
“To anyone experiencing intimate partner violence we stand with you. It is not your fault and there are supports available – The Ending Violence Association of BC and BC Society of Transition Houses can help you find resources near you and you can reach out to Victim Link for services in multiple languages.”
BC Association of Transition Houses and find local supports here.
Ending Violence Association and find local supports here.
Victim Link BC – provides confidential support and information in over 150+ languages, help you with safety planning and guide you to find services and support in your community. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or text at 1-800-563-0808