B.C. MLA Katrina Chen reveals history with gender-based violence, asks to be kept out of new cabinet
A B.C. MLA is who co-chaired Premier David Eby’s election campaign says she does not want to be a part of his new cabinet
Katrina Chen, who represents the Burnaby-Lougheed riding and acts as the minister of state for child care, requested Tuesday evening that Eby not consider her for his next ministry.
In a statement released on Dec. 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Chen explained she needs to step away from work to heal from trauma.
“As a survivor of gender-based violence more than once in my life, including as a child, I have long-term trauma that has yet to be fully unpacked,” wrote Chen, who assumed office in July 2017.
“This long-standing trauma has continued to impact my life, even as I dedicated my time to my work in cabinet to deliver progress on child care for B.C. families.”
In her resignation, Chen highlights parts of her political journey she’s proud of.
“As an immigrant, I have represented our community in the legislature,” said Chen, who was born and raised in Taiwan. She also commended the work she’s done with colleagues “to stand up the first social program in a generation.”
Before she was first elected as an MLA, Chen served as a trustee on the Burnaby Board of Education and spend a decade working in both provincial and federal constituency offices.
Some British Columbians, including an autism advocacy group, had suspected Chen would have been moved to the Ministry of Children and Family Development, a role currently held by Mitzi Dean.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.