Warning: Graphic content There could be two candidates in B.C.’s upcoming provincial election who are facing criminal charges when voters head to the polls. Jordan Kealy has already confirmed he’s running for re-election in Peace River North, where he previously took office as a B.C. Conservative before quitting the party to sit as an Independent last year. He was charged with sexual assault in June following an investigation by the Prince George RCMP. Prosecutors said the charge stems from allegations in Fort St. John that date back to 2024, before he took office. Kealy has maintained his innocence, and is still awaiting trial by jury. “I am innocent of the accusation against me and will prove that in court,” he said in a statement after the charges were announced. In a social media video announcing his campaign, Kealy took shots at his former party, alluding to the Conservative infighting that has dominated headlines over recent weeks. “The turmoil that people are seeing in the public now, I saw that over a year and a half ago, and it’s been there the whole time,” Kealy said. “It’s one of the reasons I left and focused on being an Independent and representing my riding and my constituents.” Kealy’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CTV News Thursday afternoon. This story will be updated if a response is received. Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley, said he was surprised to learn Kealy had chosen to “endure the scrutiny of a campaign with a sexual assault charge hanging over his head.” “Ultimately it is the voters who will decide the appropriateness of his candidacy as an MLA,” Telford said this week. Richmond Centre incumbent mulling campaign Meanwhile, Hon Chan’s office told CTV News the Richmond Centre incumbent is “seriously considering” seeking re-election as well. Earlier this year, Chan was charged with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats in a case of alleged intimate partner violence. He pleaded not guilty in August. “He is currently preparing to run as an Independent candidate and will also be in discussions with other parties as he prepares for the upcoming campaign,” Chan’s office said in email. “His goal is clear: to defeat the NDP and continue fighting for the people of Richmond Centre.” The office did not respond to a follow-up question asking if Chan is concerned the charges could become an issue in his campaign. Chan was also elected with the B.C. Conservatives, but was ousted from the party after the charges were approved in March. He remained in office as an Independent MLA until the legislature was dissolved this week to make way for the province’s snap election. The B.C. Prosecution Service said Chan’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7, less than three weeks before voters cast their ballots on Oct. 24. With files from CJDC’s Michael Popove If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
