Liberal MP Shaun Chen to Resign, Citing Health Issues After Accident

The Peace Tower is framed by trees on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 24, 2026. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Liberal MP Shaun Chen has announced his plan to resign his Toronto-area seat at the end of the week, citing health issues.

The Scarborough North MP said injuries from a car accident in late 2025 have hindered his ability to travel to Ottawa as frequently as the position requires.

“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 said in an Aug. 10 statement on social media.

Chen described his tenure as an MP as “the greatest privilege and honour of my career,” and expressed his hope that “whoever represents this riding next will love the job as much as I have.”

Chen said he will officially resign on Aug. 15. He was first elected in 2015 after serving as the chair of the Toronto District School Board.

Prime Minister Mark Carney took to social media soon after Chen posted his statement to thank him for the 11 years he has served as a member of Parliament.

“Your commitment to young people and your fight against racism have made a real difference in your community and across Canada,” Carney wrote on X. “I wish you a swift recovery and good luck for what comes next. I know you'll continue to make a difference in the years ahead.”

Multiple Resignations

Chen’s resignation marks the most recent addition to an increasing number of MPs leaving their positions this year.

Three byelections are scheduled this month to replace seats vacated by Liberal cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson in the B.C. riding of North Vancouver-Capilano, Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith in the Ontario riding of Beaches-East York, and Conservative MP Richard Martel in the Quebec riding of Chicoutimi-Le Fjord. All three are slated for Aug. 31.

Wilkinson was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to the European Union in April and Martel is moving to the Senate. Smith, meanwhile, is considering a potential run for Toronto city council.

Byelections have yet to be called for several other MPs who have announced their upcoming resignations.

There are still more byelections to be called, however.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault is stepping down and officially resigning his Montreal seat as a member of Parliament on Aug. 28, and Conservative Saskatchewan MP Cathay Wagantall will resign just days later on Aug. 31.

Wagantall has not given a reason for her resignation. Her farewell speech to Parliament in June was filled with praise for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who she described as “amazing.” Guilbeault has said he is resigning over disagreements with Carney’s decision to roll back key climate and environmental policies.

Conservative MP Larry Brock is also stepping down. The Brantford-Brant South MP announced last week he will resign his post on Sept. 18 to take a position at the Crown attorney’s office in Brantford, Ont.

Two Quebec MPs are also stepping down in the hopes of switching to provincial politics.

Current Independent and former NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice is expected to resign by summer’s end after announcing his intention to run for Quebec solidaire in the Quebec election this fall. Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay has already resigned his seat to seek election with the Parti Québécois.

A byelection must be called by Carney within 11 to 180 days after a seat is declared vacant.

With the current vacancies, the Carney government holds a majority with 172 seats, the precise number needed to establish a majority. The House of Commons will reconvene on Sept. 21.