Liberal MP Shaun Chen announced Monday he will resign his Scarborough North seat effective Saturday, citing lingering health problems from a car accident in late 2025 that have prevented him from travelling to Ottawa as often as the role requires.
Chen, first elected in 2015 after serving as chair of the Toronto District School Board, posted the news on social media. The departure adds to a lengthening list of MPs leaving the House of Commons this summer.
Health concerns force departure
In his statement, Chen said the injuries sustained in the collision have made it impossible to maintain the schedule demanded of a member of Parliament. He did not detail the specific nature of the injuries but described them as significant.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement thanking Chen for his advocacy on behalf of young people and his work combating racism during his decade in the House.
Summer exodus continues
Chen's resignation follows several other MP departures since Parliament rose, shrinking the Liberal caucus further as the party prepares for a potential fall election. The Scarborough North seat will remain vacant until a by-election is called, which the government must schedule within six months of the vacancy becoming official.
Chen represented one of the Greater Toronto Area's most diverse ridings. Before entering federal politics, he spent eight years as a school board trustee, including four as chair of the country's largest school board.
Based on reporting by Global News.