Liberal Member of Parliament Shaun Chen faced allegations online of violating House rules by participating in House of Commons votes while he was in China earlier this year. The accusations, amplified by conservative influencers and some current and former Conservative MPs, were based on videos shared on WeChat showing Chen in China on specific dates. One post by independent journalist Andy Lee pointed out that Chen was seen enjoying ice cream in a video posted on March 25th in China, while records indicated he had electronically voted in the House of Commons on the same day.

Conservative MP John Barlow echoed concerns about Chen’s travel, suggesting that voting from outside Canada raised serious questions. According to House of Commons standing orders, MPs are prohibited from voting while outside the country. These rules specify that electronic votes can only be cast within Canada and require visual confirmation of the member’s identity through facial recognition technology.

In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia emphasized the existence of technical controls and human validation processes to ensure MPs are physically present in Canada when voting. Chen’s office clarified that he had been in China from March 14 to March 22, providing evidence of his return to Canada on March 23 for parliamentary duties. They shared his boarding pass and visa stamps from his passport as proof of his travel dates.

Chen’s office refuted claims that he voted from China, attributing his resignation to ongoing health issues that limited his ability to travel to Ottawa regularly. The trip to China was part of official parliamentary business organized by the Canada-China Legislative Association, and arrangements for Chen’s technological needs during the trip were coordinated with House of Commons IT staff. The Office of Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner disclosed details of Chen’s trip, confirming its purpose and duration.