B.C. NDP Caucus Chair Garry Begg has released the following statement:

“On Monday, Hon Chan claimed that he was not contacted by the police about the investigation before he became a B.C. Conservative candidate. But yesterday he refused to answer direct questions from journalists about when that police contact first occurred.

“He should be clear today: when was he first contacted by police about the investigation, and why didn’t he tell his party or the people he represents?

“Trevor Halford had a direct conversation with Chan about this. He should immediately disclose what he knows about the timing of the investigation. And he should call on Chan to do the same.

“If Hon Chan is not planning to resign or even take a leave of absence, his constituents at least deserve to know how long he has been keeping this investigation a secret.

“Intimate Partner Violence is a deeply serious issue, and these are charges for violent crimes. British Columbians rightly expect both Chan and the B.C. Conservatives to be as forthcoming as possible.”