MPP RESIGNS FROM CAUCUS OVER ALLEGED TIES TO BEIJING

DON VALLEY NORTH MPP VINCENT KE RESIGNED HOURS AFTER HIS NAME WAS MADE PUBLIC IN A GLOBAL NEWS REPORT THAT CITED UNNAMED SOURCES ALLEGING TIES TO BEIJING

A Toronto Progressive Conservative MPP has stepped aside from the government caucus and will sit as an independent after unproven but "serious" allegations surfaced.

Don Valley North MPP Vincent Ke resigned last week, hours after his name was made public in a Global News report that cited unnamed sources alleging ties to Beijing.

"While the allegations against Mr. Ke are not proven, they are serious and deserve his full and undivided attention as he works to clear his name," said a statement from Premier Doug Ford's office issued Friday evening.

"As a result, and out of

an abundance of caution, Mr. Ke offered to step away from the Ontario PC caucus to sit as an independent. The premier agreed and has accepted his resignation effective immediately."

Ke was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

In a statement posted on social media, Ke said "while the Global News allegations about me are false and defamatory, I do not want to be a distraction to the government and take away from the good work Premier Ford is doing for the province of Ontario. Therefore, I will be stepping away from the PC Caucus in order to dedicate my time to clearing my name and representing my constituents."

The resignation comes as allegations of Chinese government meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections swirl.

Earlier last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bowed to public and political pressure to address the allegations — that have yet to be substantiated — including creating an all-party parliamentary committee to probe any foreign interference, as well as requesting that a civilian watchdog look at the response of Canadian spy agencies.

Trudeau will also name an independent outside adviser, or "rapporteur," to examine the situation.

When Ke was first named by Global News on Friday, he was removed as parliamentary assistant to the minister of public and business service delivery — though a government news release said when the legislature resumes after March break, Ke would be nominated as chair of the standing committee on social policy.

However, a few hours later, his resignation was announced.