Liberal MP Shaun Chen announced he will resign from Parliament on Aug. 15, saying injuries from a late‑2025 motor vehicle crash have left him unable to travel to Ottawa as frequently as his role requires. Chen has represented Scarborough North since first being elected in 2015.
Injuries and decision to step down
In a statement posted to social media, Chen described ongoing health problems stemming from the collision he said occurred while commuting to Ottawa in late fall 2025. After discussing the situation with his family, he concluded it was best to leave his seat so the riding would have more consistent representation.
“After discussing the situation with my family, I have decided that it is best for me to step down as a Member of Parliament.”
Chen called his time in the House of Commons “the greatest privilege and honour of my career” and said he hopes the next representative for Scarborough North will enjoy the job as much as he did.
Political and parliamentary consequences
The resignation comes amid a wider wave of departures from the House of Commons this year, increasing the number of vacancies that Prime Minister Mark Carney must now consider when calling byelections. In his own public message, Carney thanked Chen for his years of service and advocacy work, and wished him a full recovery.
The timing of Chen’s departure will likely trigger a byelection in Scarborough North; the prime minister sets the date. Federal officials have already scheduled three byelections for Aug. 31 in other ridings — Beaches‑East York (Ontario), Chicoutimi—Le Fjord (Quebec) and North Vancouver—Capilano (British Columbia) — to replace two former Liberal cabinet ministers and a Conservative MP.
| Riding | Reason for Vacancy | Byelection Date |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches‑East York, Ont. | To replace former Liberal cabinet minister | Aug. 31 |
| Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, Que. | To replace former Liberal cabinet minister | Aug. 31 |
| North Vancouver—Capilano, B.C. | To replace a Conservative MP | Aug. 31 |
Other MPs who have announced departures this year include former ministers and backbenchers across parties. Most recently, Conservative MP Larry Brock said he will leave the House on Sept. 18 to take a role at the Crown attorney’s office in Brantford, Ont. The growing list of vacancies raises questions about the timing and logistics for the government and for parties preparing candidates.
Health, travel and parliamentary duties
Chen’s announcement highlights a recurring challenge for MPs who represent ridings outside the National Capital Region: maintaining demanding travel schedules between Ottawa and home constituencies. Parliamentary duties typically require frequent presence in Ottawa for sittings, committee work and votes, as well as constituency work at home.
Chen’s statement did not provide clinical details of his injuries or a prognosis. He said that the lasting impact of the crash prevents the travel his job requires, and that family discussions helped determine his next steps.
- Chen served as Scarborough North MP since 2015 after a career that included chairing the Toronto District School Board.
- Injuries from a late‑2025 motor vehicle collision are cited as the reason for his resignation.
- Aug. 31 byelections are already scheduled in three ridings; Scarborough North will likely be added to the list.
The resignation is the latest reminder that health and personal circumstances can rapidly alter parliamentary representation. Constituents in Scarborough North will now await official word from the Prime Minister’s Office on the timetable for a byelection and parties will begin preparing potential candidates to contest the riding.
Further reporting will follow as parties and government officials confirm dates and arrangements for the vacancy in Scarborough North.
